If you are committed to working out, eating right, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, why not turn your passion into a viable income-generating profession? Good communication skills and the ability to work closely with other people is a prerequisite for this career path, but if you have these, you will be able to make money by helping people get fit and improve the quality of their lives. Begin the transition from fitness buff to fitness trainer by signing up for instruction at an accredited fitness instructor training school, and then follow procedures for getting your certification. Use these tips to be a fitness trainer.Fitness Trainer Career Opportunities and Salary
Certified fitness trainers can find employment in health clubs, fitness centers, resorts and other venues that offer exercise classes. They also work at hospitals, universities and business offices. Many fitness trainers have their own studios or make house calls to work with clients one-on-one. Fitness training is a fast-growing field given the increasing public interest in health, nutrition and exercise. Trainers at health clubs can expect an average income of $30,000, though top earners make more than $60,000. Fitness workers with specialized training in Pilates or yoga, or advanced degrees in physical education or exercise science can expect to earn higher salaries.
Finding the Right Certification Program
When you decide you want to become a fitness trainer, know that there are many fitness instructor training programs to choose from, and many are available online. The programs for these careers include:
- American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
Just make sure the program you choose is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Most of these programs require a high school diploma. A college degree is not necessary, though some people with bachelor’s degrees in physical education, sports medicine, exercise science or other exercise-related fields enroll in a fitness-training program to become a certified fitness trainer. In addition to completing the coursework and exams, you should get certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and external defibrillators (AED). Being trained in these life-saving techniques is a common requirement if you want to hold trainer jobs at health clubs and fitness centers.
Fitness training programs typically cover human physiology and exercise techniques. They also provide information about assessing the specific fitness needs of clients, and developing and implementing exercise programs. Online courses offer training modules that allow you to study at your own pace, including interactive CDs, DVD training videos, audio training courses and written modules. You may also receive sample exams to help you prepare for the certification examination. Some training programs also offer workbooks and manuals on marketing and business, in case you want to set up your own fitness center in the future.
Your NCCA certification must be renewed every two years. Many trainers take additional courses, attend conferences or submit papers to make their services more marketable.
Benefits of Being a Certified Fitness Trainer
Helping other people improve their health through exercise and lifestyle changes is gratifying, especially for someone who works hard to maintain a fit and healthy body. A certificate in fitness training opens many doors, from part-time work at a health center to running your own exercise studio. Science and medicine continue to verify the benefits of getting fit—and this means that a certified fitness trainer will be able to find employment.
Article Source: How to Become a Fitness Instructor
