How to Become a Personal Trainer

The process it takes to become a professional personal trainer is very straightforward. However, you have to learn specific skills and get education to become successful in this field. If you think you have what it takes to become a personal trainer then consider these steps on how to go pro:

Become a Certified Personal Trainer

Most gyms or fitness centers will require personal trainers to give certification from an organization credited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and this is the best way to start a career as a fitness trainer.

You don’t have to be an expert trainer or a fitness guru to become a professional fitness trainer. You will need to choose the right certification to receive. There are many certifications available from reputable organizations. You will need to complete the training, have practical experiences, and even specialize on certain skills to boost your career.

Choosing a Specialty

Fitness training is an extremely competitive field and by focusing on specific niches, you can stand out. We recommend working on receiving additional certification to make you even more appealing to your target market. For instance, you can choose a special course that trains you to work with children or people with special needs to expand your clientele.

Gaining Experience

Most gym members prefer to work with experienced trainers. If you’re a newbie, then now is the best time to jump right in and gain experience until you hone your own skills. You can work with different gyms that do not require certification and then start building your own personal list of clients. Some gyms offer incentives for certified personal trainers for working in their gym. You can call local gyms and ask if they offer such programs.

One of the best things about being a personal trainer is that you get to bond with clients. You’re not just someone that whips them back to shape; you’re a teacher, a motivator, and a friend. As your client list grows, you will gain more experience in the field and this will give you the edge you need to compete with other trainers.

Getting a Job as a Fitness Trainer

Find a job the old-fashioned way: by checking out job listings in your local area and making a lot of phone calls. It helps if you’re already a member of a gym. Just let the administration know that you’re interested in working there as a personal trainer.

Ideally, you want to choose a gym or fitness facility with great reputation. Of course, you can also establish your own gym and manage your business on your own too. With your own gym, you have control over your rate and your time. You’ll be able to select your clients and keep all the money you earn to yourself.

Most trainers use their home or rent a study to start their business. If you have a large client list, then it’s ideal to rent a studio. But if you have a smaller client list, then building a home gym should suffice. Just make sure your home gym looks very professional with has appropriate gym equipment in place.