How to Learn Personal Fitness Training Online
Personal trainers are certified fitness teachers that work with individual clients at a gym or their homes. In order to be certified, a personal fitness trainer must pass an exam. Certifying agencies offer a variety of courses to help a trainer prepare for the exam, and some courses are offered at workshops and seminars at a local college, as well as through online courses.
- Research through the Internet personal trainer certifying agencies. A reputable organization will be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), or the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The primary certifying agencies include the following: American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT), International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
- Go to the websites of the primary certifying agencies. The websites will have information regarding costs of taking the exam and getting certified, study materials and costs, practice exams, and continuing education requirements for re-certification.
- Examine the type of online self-study materials offered. Compare the cost of the courses. Each organization offers different packages with different costs. The cost of getting certified as a personal trainer can range from $130 to $800. Some expect upfront payments, and some offer a payment plan.
- Search for reviews of certifying agencies. A lot of information has been written on certifying organizations, and can be found online. Considering the cost of getting certified, it is beneficial to spend some extra time researching each agency to choose the best program.
- Decide on a certifying training program and sign up for an online course.
- Register to take the certifying exam once you have finished the online course. The exam is administered at a location designated by the agency. The exam covers human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, client fitness assessment, communication and motivational skills, injury management, and legal practices.