How to Get Certified as a Personal Trainer

Are you considering becoming a personal trainer but not sure where to start your education or want to get a better understanding what it takes? This article is for you. We'll start with understanding why to become a personal trainer.

There are several potential benefits to becoming a personal trainer, including:

1. Helping people improve their physical health and fitness. As a personal trainer, you will have the opportunity to help people improve their physical health and fitness, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.
   
2. Enjoying a flexible schedule. Personal trainers often have the flexibility to set their own schedules, which can be appealing to those who value a good work-life balance.
   
3. Earning a good income. Depending on your location and the demand for your services, you may be able to earn a good income as a personal trainer.
4. Having the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. As a personal trainer, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, each with their own unique goals and needs. This can be rewarding as you help people achieve their fitness goals and make positive changes in their lives.
   
5. Having the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. Personal trainers can work in a variety of settings, including gyms, studios, and even outdoors. This can provide a change of scenery and help to keep things interesting.
   
6. Continuing education opportunities. As a personal trainer, you will have the opportunity to continue learning and staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in the fitness industry through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities.
   

Is Personal Training a Good Career?

Personal training can be a rewarding career for people who are passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. As a personal trainer, you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients and help them improve their physical fitness, build strength and endurance, and adopt healthy habits.

There are some potential benefits to pursuing a career as a personal trainer, including the ability to set your own schedule and work with a variety of clients. Personal trainers may also have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including gyms, studios, and clients' homes.

Not to mention all of the possible ways in which you can diversify your career in the fitness industry (see image below):

However, it's important to keep in mind that becoming a personal trainer requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work. It's important to be knowledgeable about exercise science and have strong communication and interpersonal skills to be successful in this field. Personal trainers must also be able to motivate and support their clients and be able to adapt their training programs to meet the needs and goals of each individual.

Overall, a career in personal training can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice for those who are committed to helping others achieve their fitness goals and are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed in this field.

How Much Do Personal Trainers Make?

The earning potential for personal trainers can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the trainer's location, experience level, education, and specialty.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $40,700 in 2021.

However, personal trainers who work in high-end facilities or have a large client base may be able to earn significantly more than the median wage.

In addition to their hourly or session rate, personal trainers may also receive bonuses or commissions based on the number of clients they have or the amount of revenue they generate for the facility where they work. Some personal trainers also supplement their income by teaching group fitness classes or selling fitness-related products.

It's important to keep in mind that personal trainers may also incur various expenses, such as continuing education costs, liability insurance, and equipment expenses, which may affect their overall earning potential.

Do You Need To Be Fit To Become a Personal Trainer?

First, we need to define fitness. If a sprinter looked at a marathon runner, she would say the marathon runner is not fit to sprint. The marathon runner would also say the sprinter isn't fit to marathon.

Fitness is simply the quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task. If you're educated and get your clients results then you are, by definition, a fit personal trainer, no matter your state f physical fitness.

While being physically fit can certainly be an advantage for personal trainers, it is not a requirement for entering the field. It is important for personal trainers to have a good understanding of exercise science and be able to demonstrate proper form and technique for a variety of exercises. However, personal trainers do not necessarily need to have the same level of physical fitness as their clients.

That being said, personal trainers are often expected to model healthy behaviors and be able to demonstrate exercises for their clients. As a result, many personal trainers choose to maintain a high level of physical fitness in order to set a good example for their clients and be able to effectively demonstrate and coach exercises.

It's important to note that while personal trainers do not need to be in peak physical condition, they should be able to perform physical tasks, such as lifting weights or demonstrating exercises, as part of their job duties. Personal trainers may also be required to pass a physical fitness test in order to obtain certain certifications.

Can You Be a Personal Trainer Without Qualifications?

In most cases, personal trainers are required to have some type of formal education or certification in order to work in the field. The specific requirements for personal trainers can vary by location and employer, but most trainers are required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

In addition to education, personal trainers may also be required to have a personal training certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

These certifications typically require personal trainers to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam in order to demonstrate their knowledge of exercise science and safe training practices.

While it is possible to work as a personal trainer without formal qualifications in some cases, it is generally recommended that personal trainers have at least a high school diploma and a personal training certification in order to be competitive in the job market and provide the highest level of service to their clients.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Personal Trainer?

The qualifications required to become a personal trainer can vary by location and employer. In general, most personal trainers are required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition to education, personal trainers may also be required to have a personal training certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Personal training certifications typically require candidates to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam in order to demonstrate their knowledge of exercise science and safe training practices. Certification programs may also have additional requirements, such as a minimum age or fitness level, and may require candidates to have current CPR and first aid certification.

In addition to education and certification, personal trainers may also benefit from gaining additional specialized training or experience in specific areas, such as sports performance, nutrition, or working with specific populations, such as seniors or athletes.

What Is The Best Personal Trainer Certification In the US?

There are several personal training certifications available, and the "best" one may depend on your personal goals and the specific requirements of your location and employer. Some of the most widely recognized personal training certifications include:

1. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM is a comprehensive certification program that covers a range of topics, including exercise science, program design, and client assessment. The NASM program includes both online and in-person components, and candidates must pass a written and practical exam in order to earn their certification.
2. American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE is a comprehensive certification program that covers a range of topics, including exercise science, program design, and client assessment. The ACE program includes both online and in-person components, and candidates must pass a written and practical exam in order to earn their certification.
3. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): The NSCA is a professional organization for strength and conditioning professionals, and its Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is widely recognized in the industry. The CSCS certification covers topics such as exercise science, program design, and testing and evaluation. Candidates must pass a written exam in order to earn their certification.

Ultimately, the best personal training certification for you may depend on your personal goals, the requirements of your employer, and the type of clients you hope to work with. It is important to research the various certification options and choose one that aligns with your goals and meets the requirements of your location and employer.

What Is The Best Personal Trainer Qualification In The UK?

There are several options for personal trainer courses in the UK. Here are a few options that you might consider:

1. REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals): REPs is the professional body for exercise professionals in the UK. They offer a range of personal trainer courses that are accredited by Skills Active, the national standard for the exercise and fitness industry.
   
2. YMCA Awards: YMCA Awards is a national awarding body that offers a range of personal trainer courses, including Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.
   
3. Premier Global: Premier Global is a leading provider of personal trainer courses in the UK. They offer a range of qualifications, including Level 2 and Level 3 personal trainer courses.
   
4. Lifetime Training: Lifetime Training is a provider of personal trainer courses and other fitness qualifications. They offer a range of courses, including Level 2 and Level 3 personal trainer courses.
   

It's important to do your research and choose a course that is right for you. Look for courses that are accredited by a reputable organization and that provide the training and support you need to succeed in your career as a personal trainer.

What Is The Best Personal Trainer Certification In Australia?

Some of the most reputable and widely recognized personal trainer certifications in Australia include:

1. Australian Fitness Network (AFN): AFN is a leading provider of personal trainer certification in Australia. They offer a range of courses, including the Certificate III in Fitness and the Certificate IV in Fitness, which are both nationally recognized qualifications.
   
2. Fitness Australia: Fitness Australia is the national industry association for fitness professionals in Australia. They offer a range of personal trainer certification courses, including the Certificate III in Fitness and the Certificate IV in Fitness.
   
3. Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF): AIF is a provider of personal trainer certification courses in Australia. They offer a range of courses, including the Certificate III in Fitness and the Certificate IV in Fitness.
   
4. Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE): ACPE is a provider of personal trainer certification courses in Australia. They offer a range of courses, including the Certificate III in Fitness and the Certificate IV in Fitness.
   

It's important to do your research and choose a personal trainer certification course that is right for you. Look for courses that are accredited by a reputable organization and that provide the training and support you need to succeed in your career as a personal trainer.

How Long Does It Take To Qualify As a Personal Trainer?

The length of time it takes to qualify as a personal trainer can vary depending on the specific certification program you choose and your personal study schedule. Most personal training certification programs require candidates to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam in order to earn their certification.

For example, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers a self-study program that can be completed in as little as six to eight weeks if you study full-time. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) also offers a self-study program that can be completed in a similar time frame. Other certification programs may have longer or shorter programs depending on the specific requirements.

It's important to keep in mind that while it is possible to complete a personal training certification program in a relatively short period of time, it will require a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Candidates will need to study and complete assignments in order to prepare for the certification exam, and may also need to complete additional requirements, such as obtaining CPR and first aid certification.

How Do You Start a Career As a Trainer Once Qualified?

Once you have completed your personal training certification, there are several steps you can take to start a career as a personal trainer:

Create a resume and cover letter: Develop a professional resume and cover letter highlighting your education, certification, and any relevant experience you have. Be sure to include any specialized training or experience you have in specific areas, such as sports performance or working with specific populations.

Network and build your client base: Reach out to potential clients through social media, networking events, and other avenues to build your client base. Consider offering discounted or free sessions to a few initial clients as a way to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Market your services: In addition to networking, consider marketing your services through social media, a personal website, or local advertising. You can also consider partnering with local gyms or studios to offer personal training services to their members.

Continually educate yourself: Personal training is an ever-evolving field, and it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. Consider continuing your education through additional certifications or courses to stay current and increase your value as a trainer.

Starting a career as a personal trainer requires dedication and hard work, but with the right education, training, and marketing efforts, you can be successful in this fulfilling field. You can also venture into the online space and become one of the best online personal trainers out there so long you keep on top of the latest results in exercise science and learn how t build online training systems.