How to Start Personal Training
Becoming a personal trainer is a great way to motivate others and help them achieve their personal fitness goals. Those who are interested in becoming a personal trainer should study and become certified in personal training before they begin their career.
- Prepare to become a personal trainer by studying everything you can about diet and nutrition, fitness, anatomy and physiology. Becoming a personal trainer also requires you to be an excellent motivator, as you will be pushing clients to reach their goals through your words and actions.
- Sign up to take a class to become certified in CPR and first aid. This step is necessary to work as a personal trainer.
- Find an accredited program that offers certification in personal training. The American College of Sports Medicine and Aerobics Fitness Association of America both offer certification in personal training.
- Check to see if your local community college offers classes that will prepare you to take the exam and become a personal trainer.
- Determine whether you would like to work in a fitness center or on your own as a personal trainer. If you are going to be working on your own, it may be a good idea to gain experience and references by volunteering to help friends and family members achieve their health and fitness goals.
- Obtain personal liability insurance, which will protect you in the event that one of your clients gets injured while you are training them.
- Determine the rates you will charge as a personal trainer, which will vary greatly depending on your location, experience and the needs of each client.
- Advertise your services. You may wish to hang fliers or pass out business cards. You may also wish to offer a free session to potential clients, which will help attract more clients.
- Take continuing education courses or attend seminars to stay up-to-date on the latest in personal training.