With obesity rates more than doubling since 1980, and considering 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in 2014, it’s no wonder that employment of personal trainers is expected to grow 13% from 2012 to 2022*.
If you have a passion for fitness and helping others, and if you are motivated, focused, and a good listener, then a rewarding career as a personal trainer may be for you.
You have probably researched how to become a personal trainer and have several questions in mind, which is why we have compiled a list of steps that individuals go through to become a certified personal trainer.
It is easy to recognize that the personal training industry is confusing with hundreds of certifications and organizations to choose from. First, you want to choose your education by learning the differences between a certification, a degree, and a diploma.
A Personal Training Certification is a flexible option that is generally completed on your own, with the use of a textbook or on-line, and a faster approach than a degree or diploma. The majority of personal trainer certifications do not require hands-on experience.
Degrees in Personal Training, focusing on kinesiology and exercise science, offer a comprehensive knowledge of personal training but take several years and thousands of dollars to complete.
A Personal Training School that offers a Diploma in Personal Training and hundreds of hours of education requires hands-on training in the classroom and is recognized by the Department of Education. A diploma requires no upkeep of Continuing Education Courses (CEC’s) and never needs to be renewed. Your diploma in personal training will be good for life.
Thousands of NPTI graduates have gained the confidence and skills necessary to become personal trainers at health clubs, vacation resorts, spas, and in their own personal training studios.
Once you become a personal trainer, you need to continually market yourself. When starting out and funds are limited, social media and networking will be beneficial in gaining recognition in your community. Be sure to promote yourself on all major social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Additionally, get your NPTI diploma verified on IDEA and connect with fitness and wellness professionals. Ultimately, you may benefit from creating a website and establishing a business e-mail account.
World Health Organization, Obesity and overweight, on the Internet at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm