If you are looking for a job that combines your passion for fitness and a desire to help other people, it’s time to consider becoming a personal trainer. This is a fulfilling career with plenty of room to grow. You’ll enjoy flexible hours, staying in shape, and encouraging individuals to achieve their own fitness goals. You may be wondering how to become a personal trainer, and that’s where this guide comes in.
Keep reading to learn more
Choose a Certification
The first thing you’ll need to do is get your personal trainer certification. As you look through different organizations, be sure to check that your top choices have been accredited.
Certifying organizations have their certification protocols and procedures accredited by a third party, such as the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies). You might already have a specific gym in mind that you’d like to work for.
Check and see what certifications they require, so you know what to look for.
What Do You Want to Specialize In?
As you may already know, there isn’t only one type of personal trainer career. You could prefer to work with individuals one-on-one or lead energizing group classes. Maybe you’re interested in doing both!
You’ll be spending quite a bit of time researching all of the different paths you can take, so look at what appeals to you the most. You could become a personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, or combine different interests.
If you aren’t sure what you want to specialize in, start the certification journey and see what ends up calling your name.
Get Ready to Invest
Everybody knows that sometimes you’ll need to invest in your career to get ahead. It’s no different with personal training. Certifications aren’t cheap, and they can set you back between $400 to $1000.
Usually, you have different package bundles you can choose from, and some of those might include studying materials such as textbooks, flashcards, and practice tests. The price tag might scare you a bit but remember that it’s a necessary expense that will teach you the skills of training future clients.
Not to mention that personal trainer jobs pay relatively well, and you’ll be making a great return on investment.
If you’re tight on money, you can find a gym to sponsor you. Talk to different options in your area. You might be surprised to learn that some have onboarding programs that might include a certification program.
Time to Hit the Books
Now it’s time to channel your academic days and get to studying.
To start your dream of being a personal trainer, you’ll need to pass the certification test. That won’t happen if you’re unprepared because you didn’t study. Create a schedule, study for a few hours a day, and stick to this plan.
With enough dedication, you’ll be completely prepared when that test day approaches. The certifying body you chose should have online portals that will help you prepare for the test. You can also check different social media groups and talk to other trainers that have recently taken the exams—they’ll be able to offer great insight. (peytonsplaceanimalrescue.org)
Consider Your Own Business
You’ve passed the exam, you have some work experience, and now you’re wondering what to do next. While you may be perfectly content with working as a personal trainer for a gym or studio, there’s a chance you’d prefer to be your own boss.
One way you can do this is by being an independent contractor for a gym. You can also set up your own business as a sole proprietor, create an LLC, or even own a corporation. Many people become personal trainers because they’re interested in helping people, but it’s important to know the business aspect.
That way, you’ll be able to climb your career ladder in a way that you feel comfortable with. Consider taking a small business course at your local community college if you aren’t sure how to navigate that world.
Get Some Insurance
As much as we’d like to avoid it, life can get complicated.
Before you begin to train clients, you’ll need to acquire reliable insurance. This will protect you from any liability and covers you against any claims made by someone you train.
Some gyms might provide this, and you can check with them to see. However, if you’re working for yourself, you’ll need to purchase that insurance before you embark on your personal training journey. See if your certifying body offers insurance, and shop around if you’re not a fan of the prices.
Be the Best for Your Clients
One of the top reasons people become personal trainers is because they want to help people get in the best shape of their life. As you progress in your career, you’ll want to put in the extra effort in keeping your clients around. This takes talent, skill, and experience.
After all, a certification doesn’t guarantee that people will keep going to you for your services.
Yes, you’ll need to be a great trainer to your clients, but it’s also important that you treat them well. This means going above and beyond what’s expected of you. Give regular assessments, listen to how they’re feeling, keep in touch and even offer extras (like recipes).
This will prove to your clients that you’re there for them, that you care, and that you are invested in their fitness journey. With this type of commitment, you’ll have a long and successful career ahead of you.
How to Become a Personal Trainer
By now, everybody knows the importance of getting enough exercise and staying fit. You may be someone who wants to take that a step further by helping people achieve that lifestyle. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to know how to become a personal trainer.
It may require a lot of work, but it’s a rewarding career. The first step is to look for certifications, and once you find the right one—that’s when your fitness odyssey will begin.
Loved this article and looking for more? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!
