Fitness: Steps to Become a Personal Trainer There is a new rise in popularity of local gyms that offer substantially affordable rates. Because of that, many individuals are taking to the gym to exercise, lose weight and become more physically fit. As a result, there is a high demand for personal trainers to assist these individuals in reaching their physical fitness goals.
There are a few simple steps to becoming a personal trainer. The first step involves making sure you have all the requirements needed for the position. Most personal trainers are required to have a GED or high school diploma. In addition, they need to be CPR certified and have the ability to lift weight, typically 50 pounds or more. In addition, personal trainers are usually required to be 18 years and older and have the ability to work within the country.
The ideal personal trainer will be one that carries a college degree, or has previous experience in personal training. In addition, if the individual has a training certification issued by a recognized group, it will certainly help. There is a wide assortment of personal training certifications that are available from over a dozen certifying organizations.
Typically, there is an ongoing open position in many local gyms, eager to find personal trainers that meet the above qualifications. Part of the process of interviewing will include a submission of the resume, along with a Social Security number, professional references, and previous employment history. Some fitness centers perform background checks on any potential candidate for a personal trainer position.
Getting Certified
The easiest way of getting certified and reaching your goal of becoming a personal trainer is to buy study materials. Generally, part of the certification program will include a practical examination. By studying up on anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and other class techniques including class design, queuing, and injury prevention will help make passing the exam and becoming certified much easier.
Generally, the exam for certification will be both a practical and written exam. The formal written exam covers a variety of areas including every part of the body, human anatomy, various exercise routines, and effective ways of preventing injury. In addition, it also covers specifics on the proper way to provide instructions, and how to handle clients.
The practical exam involved in becoming certified provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their skilled abilities and impart their knowledge on exercise routines for every body part. A passing grade on both the practical exam and the written exam will generally result in obtaining a certification.
Maintaining the Certificate
Once passing the exam and becoming certified as a competent physical instructor or personal trainer, it will be important to continue your studies with continuing education. This can be performed through various workshops and classes. In all, certification typically needs to be renewed every 24 months.
Becoming a personal trainer in the fitness world is a satisfying career that offers many financial and personal rewards. With a few simple steps, education, and determination, anyone can become a personal trainer at their local gym.
