How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer: 6 Steps to Take

A personal trainer is someone passionate about physical fitness and nutrition. This professional has the knowledge and skills to develop physical fitness routines. They help people reach their fitness objectives.

Personal trainers can work with individual clients or with small groups. They do more than develop exercise programs tailored to their clients. They also instruct clients on proper and safe exercise techniques. They also provide advice on how to maximize the benefits of their fitness program.

More people are turning to personal trainers. Data shows the US has around 340,000 certified personal trainers in the US. It’s a growing industry that’s expected to generate billions in revenue.

A personal trainer must have the right certification to work. It’s something many employers need. A certification proves one has the proper knowledge and training. It adds to the trainer’s credibility. Being certified also goes a long way in attracting clients.

The road to being a personal trainer is pretty straightforward. This post breaks down how to become a certified personal trainer.

Research the Different Certifications

People who want to become certified personal trainers are always spoiled for choice. Many organizations offer personal training certification programs. Some of the top ones are:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)

Each of these organizations has its own curriculum and certification process. They also have different requirements. Some programs need a high school diploma or a CPR/AED certification.

Prospective personal trainers should research and compare these programs. They can then choose which one best fits their career goals. For example, an NCSF certificate is good for someone who wants to work in a gym or fitness studio.

Sign Up for a Certification Program

The next step is to enroll in a certification program. Personal training programs are often a combination of coursework. Students might have to attend a mix of in-person and online classes. Applicants can also opt to do self-study.

Use All the Resources at Your Disposal

Potential personal trainers need a solid foundation in athletic training or kinesiology. They also need a good understanding of anatomy, physiology, and fitness programming. Knowledge of nutrition is also required.

These students should make good use of all the materials and resources they have. They should also dedicate several hours every day to focus and study the material. Doing practice exams is also a must. It’s also a good idea to join or form a study group. Studying with fellow personal trainers can help one stay motivated. It’s also an effective way of enhancing the learning experience.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Most certification programs also offer workshops and seminars. They also provide practical demonstrations to complement the lessons.

Personal training students should attend as many of these workshops as they can. These events give students a chance to practice the techniques they’ve learned. It helps them understand the theories they’ve studied.

These events also let personal training students meet industry professionals. They can learn more when they talk to these experts.

Take the Exam

The next vital step in the journey is to take the certification exam. The key is to do this when one is well-prepared and confident.

A personal trainer exam is always conducted at a designated testing center. The test consists of multiple-choice questions. It covers different topics related to personal training.

The prospective trainer picks the location and date. There are things they need to do before the exam. One is to make sure they meet all the specific requirements. They should also arrive early. They should also make sure they’re well-rested and focused. They should also take their time with the test. Rushing only leads to mistakes. This can affect the result of the test.

Get the Right Experience

New personal trainers need practical experience if they want to have a good career in this field. They can start by volunteering at a local gym. They can ask the more experienced trainers for help. For example, they can follow them around and observe how they work. Some fitness centers even allow for mentoring.

An internship is another way to get hands-on experience. New personal trainers can also use this time to improve their people skills.

Before You Go

Achieving your fitness goals is easy with the help of The Line Method. Our fitness studio specializes in the Line Method. This approach focuses on balance, strength, and flexibility. Our customized workouts will correct any muscle imbalance. We specialize in partner workouts and in-studio private lessons. We also offer corporate wellness programs. You can reach us here. You can also call us at 202-240-8104.