While many people feel like it’s hard to get healthy during the fall and winter months, getting healthy in the summer can be just as challenging. With all the BBQs, warm-weather treats, and the cool air conditioning enticing you to just stay inside and on your couch, it’s easy to see how people might need a little help knowing what they should be doing to make their health a priority during these summer months. [Read more…]
What are the Requirements to become a Personal Trainer?
Are you a health buff? Do you have a passion to help people get fit and lose weight? Perhaps you’re meant to become a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
Being in this position will give you an opportunity to assist people with weight issues and earn a decent livelihood. A rewarding experience awaits you as you share your knowledge and skills in helping clients stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle moving onwards.
A background in physical education or physical medicine will be good enough to pursue your passion. However, it would help you more if you gain more knowledge by regularly reading books related to health fitness such as about anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise physiology.
An initial exposure to fitness clinics and gym would also be beneficial. This should have trained you on how to properly communicate with and motivate clients and how to use the different gym equipment.
In addition to that, you may need to enroll in a first aid training that includes CPR. This is an important subject to prepare you for any emergency when doing your sessions with clients.
But other than your educational background, trainings and initial work experience, a certification is a major requirement. Normally, certain organizations issue this certification. Make sure that you get yours from a nationally accredited organization such as the American Council on Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Regardless of
Once you’ve obtained a certification, you also need to get a specific insurance that will protect you and your clients should you encounter problems in yor job. This is the personal liability insurance that covers for personal injury and property loss. Most personal trainers carry this wherever they go.
Those with no previous experience or exposure to this kind of job yet may find it worthwhile to work first in a gym or a fitness center. This will help you gain more skills and establish your network.
When you’re ready to go solo, decide on the fee you will charge on an hourly basis and the ways you’re going to market your services. Creating a marketing plan should be easy what with the internet and social media that you can take advantage for free.
Moving forward, do ensure that you pursue further studies to upgrade your skills and knowledge. This will enable you to learn about the latest in fitness training and equipment.
Photo via bodyperfectfitness.com
About the guest author:
Bobbie is a fitness writer who has followed several popular TV shows tracking people involved in a weight loss program. He recommends the PersonalTrainerCertification.net site for aspiring fitness instructors wanting to obtain a certification.
