Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are responsible for training individuals and developing a healthy workout regimen for all their clients. They often work with different muscle groups and combine this knowledge with cardiovascular training to provide their clients with the best exercise program possible. They may demonstrate various exercises and improve their client's technique. They work either in a client's home or a gym. Personal trainers conduct fitness consultations and assessments. Develop unique programs that ensure client safety and enhancement of personal fitness goals to members and guests throughout the club. They also assist club members in understanding how to operate the weight resistance and cardiovascular equipment correctly. Personal trainers receive very little on-the-job training. They generally work with an experienced trainer before working with a client alone.

An employer may require that they have a bachelor's degree in physical education or exercise science. In addition, personal trainers need to become certified. Reputable certifying agencies are accredited by NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies). In order to be certified candidate must have a high school diploma and CPR certification. Job excerpts from CareerBuilder.com describe typical requirements: Personal Training Certification required (ACE, ACSM, CSCS, NSCA, NASM, NCCPT, ISSA, AFTA). Degree in a health or fitness related field. High School diploma, plus a recognized personal training certification (within 90 days of hire), or a bachelor's or master's degree in fitness related field. Experience and nutrition knowledge preferred. Sales experience and/or bilingual a plus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, fitness workers will enjoy strong job growth in the upcoming future. Jobs will grow by 27 percent. The median annual income of a fitness worker in general was $25,910 in 2006. A personal trainer may make considerably more and are generally paid by the hour. A personal trainer who is self-employed can do quite well. Payscale.com lists the median hourly rate for a self-employed trainer at $35.68 as of April 2008. An increasing number of employers require fitness workers to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to health or fitness, such as exercise science or physical education. Some employers allow workers to substitute a college degree for certification, but most employers who require a bachelor’s degree also require certification. Most personal trainers must obtain certification in the fitness field to gain employment. Group fitness instructors do not necessarily need certification to begin working. The most important characteristic that an employer looks for in a new fitness instructor is the ability to plan and lead a class that is motivating and safe. However, most organizations encourage their group instructors to become certified over time, and many require it. In the fitness field, there are many organizations, some of which are listed in the last section of this statement that offer certification. Becoming certified by one of the top certification organizations is increasingly important, especially for personal trainers. One way to ensure that a certifying organization is reputable is to see that it is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Most certifying organizations require candidates to have a high school diploma, be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and pass an exam. All certification exams have a written component, and some also have a practical component. The exams measure knowledge of human physiology, proper exercise techniques, assessment of client fitness levels, and development of appropriate exercise programs. There is no particular training program required for certifications; candidates may prepare however they prefer. Certifying organizations do offer study materials, including books, CD-ROMs, other audio and visual materials, and exam preparation workshops and seminars, but exam candidates are not required to purchase materials to take exams. Certification generally is good for 2 years, after which workers must become recertified by attending continuing education classes or conferences, writing articles, or giving presentations. Some organizations offer more advanced certification, requiring an associate or bachelor’s degree in an exercise-related subject for individuals interested in training athletes, working with people who are injured or ill, or advising clients on general health.

A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology (the study of muscles, especially the mechanics of human motion), or a related area, along with experience, usually is required to advance to management positions in a health club or fitness center. Some organizations require a master’s degree. As in other occupations, managerial skills are also needed to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. College courses