If you have a passion for fitness and love helping others get healthy, personal training may be the career path for you. You’ll work independently or with a gym, typically getting paid for your services in exchange for a cut of the membership fees or a flat fee per session.
Personal trainers assess their clients’ current physical condition and then help them develop a fitness program that will meet their needs in an effective and safe manner. They can also provide instruction in basic exercise techniques, including proper form and technique, to prevent injury and optimize results. You might work with clients in their home or at a private facility like a gym or fitness boutique, and you might travel to your client’s location for sessions.
Most personal trainers are driven by their passion for fitness and desire to share that knowledge with others. Most of them are not keen on working behind desks in a stuffy office, so many pursue this career as a way to be outside and move around all day.
Getting into this field is not too difficult. There are plenty of certification programs that will train you to be a personal trainer. But the most important thing to consider before enrolling in a program is whether it will enable you to realize your goals as a personal trainer. For example, if you dream of working at high-end luxury facilities in major cities, you should look for programs that are NCCA-accredited and well respected by those particular facilities.
Another factor to consider is your budget and time commitment. Some programs cost more than others, and some require more extensive study to prepare for the exam than others. The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) stands out for offering both fee-based and free continuing education credits to its personal trainers long after they have gotten certified, which is an excellent feature to look for in a certification program.
After getting your certification, you will need to build a portfolio of work and start seeking out clients. You can advertise your services on social media or create a website to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. You can also attend networking events or fitness conventions to meet other trainers and find new business opportunities.
The most successful personal trainers are able to play to the strengths of their clients. For instance, a 42-year-old investment banker with a Type A personality and an 80-hour work week will likely need different motivational cues than a 23-year-old student with body dysmorphia and poor self-esteem.
Having a good intake process is crucial for personal trainers to learn more about their clients’ personalities, lifestyles, and goals so they can later speak the same language and maintain a harmonious relationship. This might include assessing their clients’ fitness goals, lifestyle habits, and positive triggers to inspire them and keep them motivated.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into becoming a personal trainer, be prepared for some hard work and dedication. You’ll probably need to put in a lot of hours studying, and you will need to pass your certification exams with flying colors.