Want to become a certified personal trainer? It’s not as hard as you think.
A personal trainer is a professional who helps you reach your fitness and health goals. They work with you individually or in small groups to design a plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Personal trainers can be found at gyms, health clubs, private studios or even at home.
Find out if you’re eligible
You’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years old. You also need to have completed a CPR course that meets the standards of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, and taken an introductory course in anatomy and physiology.
Take a fitness class at your local gym
If you’re not sure where to start or if this is something you even want to pursue, take some time to assess the situation. There are tons of fitness classes available for different levels of experience and commitment—you can even find some that are free!
Get a certification
In order to become a certified personal trainer, you must complete an accredited course of study and pass an exam administered by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). You can also contact a local fitness center and ask them if they offer personal training certification. If they do, you can enroll in their course. The most popular certifications include:
ACE (American Council on Exercise)
This certification requires an online application, including an essay response and written test; certification will be awarded after completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education courses about exercise science.
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
This certification requires an online application with essay responses; it includes a written test, but does not require continuing education courses or extra fees beyond the initial fee for the course itself.
Find employment as an independent contractor
Check out local gyms and health clubs to find employment as a personal trainer. It’s a great way to cut your teeth, understand what clients are looking for, upskill at someone else’s expense and get some experience. Some employers may require additional experience or training before they’ll hire you, so be sure to ask about those requirements when interviewing for jobs.
Set up your own personal training studio
Once you have some experience, the next logical step is to find your own space and set up your personal training business. This requires a fair bit of investment so make sure you’re saving up to start up from the day you start working. We promise the investment will be worth it.
Invest in a personal training studio management software
The value of technology to manage a fitness business is underestimated. Business owners have been able to go to 2X their growth thanks tothe right kind of software that automates important functions of their studio. If you don’t know where to start, check out My Best Studio, one of the leading personal training studio management software available.