Career Overview of Personal Trainer

A personal trainer works with individuals to establish and reach physical fitness objectives through exercise. The personal trainer may work at an individual's personal residence or in a group environment such as a gym, health club, hospital, resort and workplace fitness center. The training required for a personal trainer can be achieved in five steps.

Steps to acquiring the required training

• Steps 1 - Physical Fitness: A personal trainer usually demonstrates activities by participating in the same exercises prescribed for clients. A personal trainer must therefore be physically fit in order to help others become physically fit.
• Step 2 - Education Required: The educational requirements are not yet standardized in the fitness industry; therefore, a high school graduate could get certified, although some employers now require a bachelor's degree in health or fitness. Any education required for personal trainer would include courses in anatomy, nutrition, exercise physiology, motivational techniques and kinesiology.
• Step 3 - Training: The training for a personal trainer can begin with getting certified in CPR and taking lessons in first aid. The overall training for personal trainers is driven by the requirements for certification; therefore, before entering any training program, make sure that it meets the requirements of the certification you are pursuing.
• Step 4 - Certification: Although there are no state requirements or national standards for certification, it is best to be certified by an organization that is recognized nationally. Some of the nationally known organizations that certify personal trainers include the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, National Board of Fitness Examiners, National Strength and Conditioning Council, American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.
• Step 5 - Professional Development: Certification is usually valid for about two years; therefore, continuing education is required for re-certification. For personal trainers who do not have a relevant college degree, continuing education leading to a degree may aid professional advancement.