Fitness trainer is a highly sought-after career option. With millions of people all over turning to fitness and health related activities like enrolling to a gym, there is a great demand for fitness trainers to train these people to perform the exercise correctly. Fitness trainers are trained individuals who will help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose fat, gain muscle, increase strength or just stay fit, personal trainers can assess your present fitness level and chalk out a fitness program that will help you achieve your desired fitness level.
If you are aspiring to become a successful personal trainer you could start by getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or any other related field depending on your goals. Once you have got your degree the next important step is to get a certification from one of the many organizations that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA offers accreditation to various organizations to ensure public’s health, safety and welfare. The certification programs offered by these organizations are recognized nationally by most gyms and fitness centers. Some even make it mandatory for trainers to be certified before they are hired. The certification ensures that the trainers knows his/her job well and is capable of training people to help them achieve their fitness standards.
Some of the NCCA Accredited Personal Trainer Certification Programs include:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
- National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
- National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
Most certification programs require you to have a current CPR Certification. The knowledge of delivering CPR can be a life saver in case of emergencies. A personal trainer would be required to deal with clients from various backgrounds and age groups and a CPR certification can only be an advantage. Selecting the right certification program is the key to success. Check out your local community gym or fitness centers and find out the certifications that they prefer. If you are planning to start your own personal training business, identify the clients that you would want to work for and get a certification that will suit their needs. You may want to work for the athletes in which case you may need a certification in sports training. Selecting the right certification program will put you on the right success track.
