As an educator and coach, the certified Personal Trainer develops and implements an individualized approach to exercise leadership and motivates the client to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Using a variety of teaching techniques, the personal trainer demonstrates safe and effective methods of exercise by applying the fundamental principles of exercise science.
What You'll Learn
In a personal training program, you'll learn how to work with clients to perform a health and fitness evaluation, develop a personal profile, improve their nutritional plan, increase energy, provide rehabilitation and strengthening opportunities, and enhance their overall lifestyle. Personal training coursework typically includes legal guidelines, business management, client evaluations, program design, insurance operations, injury prevention, stress management, exercise science, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology, first aid, and CPR, to name a few.
Degree Types
Certificate and diploma programs are available to aspiring personal trainers. Comprehensive programs leading to personal training certification might include 300 hours of education and 200 hours of gym time. You may also choose to pursue a two- or four-year degree in a field such as exercise science or physical education.
Career Paths
Certified personal trainers often find work in private health clubs, rehabilitation clinics, life-coaching centers, hospitals, spas, cruise ships, and resorts. Once you've secured a strong client base, you may even decide to start your own personal training business.
Job Outlook
Personal trainers can charge anywhere from $25 to $200 an hour, depending on professional background, clientele, and services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal training employment is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Median annual earnings of personal trainers were $25,470 in May 2004, while the top 10 percent earned $55,560 or more.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
Since 2006, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has recommended that member clubs hire personal trainers who hold current certification from an accredited certifying body. IHRSA has identified the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (http://www.noca.org), as being an acceptable accrediting organization.
The American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification Commission are four of the major organizations accredited by the NCCA to offer personal training certification.
About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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