About Physical Fitness Trainer Certification

In order to be an effective physical fitness trainer, an individual must be able to motivate a class of people, or single client, to want to exercise in a safe manner. While certification is not a necessity in all circumstances, it is in most, and being certified will certainly increase a person's prospects for employment.

The importance of certification

Uncertified instructors who are not educated in the proper methods of exercise can cause injuries by pushing clients to exercise in an incorrect manner or beyond their limitations. As a result, many employers prefer to hire certified, trained physical fitness trainers.

Prior to certification

There are several organizations that offer personal trainer accreditation. Most of the bodies that provide the certification will have the requirement that their trainers have a high school diploma or a GED. There is often the further requirement that they have training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of a defibrillator. It may be necessary for an individual who wants to become a fitness trainer to find study material to prepare them for requirements of the job.

The certification process

Prospective physical fitness trainers will then have to take a written examination that will test them in the following areas: knowledge of anatomy and physiology, an understanding of nutrition, safe exercise techniques, and the ability to design a safe, practical fitness program for their client that is designed for the client’s level of physical ability. The certification typically lasts for 2 years, after which the fitness trainer must then become re-certified.

Other types of fitness trainers

Pilates instructors may get certification from the Pilates Method Alliance, which requires that they have 18 days of training or a month’s worth of full-time work during the previous year. The training may take place in workshops or alongside an experienced instructor.