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Ryan
Student
Herndon, Virginia
3
Questions
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What's the process towards becoming a good personal trainer?
I'm looking into becoming a personal trainer as soon as I graduate highschool; however, the process to becoming one seems a bit complex for me, especially as someone whose going into it young. I'd greatly appreciate any tips and advice. Thanks!
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3801
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
Embarking on a journey to become a personal trainer is a gratifying path, particularly if you have a fervor for fitness and a desire to assist others in reaching their health and wellness objectives. Here's a roadmap to guide you in becoming an exceptional personal trainer:
1. Obtain Certification: A crucial first step in your journey is to become certified. There are numerous certification programs you can consider, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). These programs equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to create safe and effective workout plans for your clients.
2. Accumulate Experience: Once certified, it's vital to gather experience in the field. This could involve working in a gym, providing one-on-one training to clients, or even volunteering to train your friends and family. The more experience you accumulate, the more confidence you'll gain in your abilities, and the better you'll become at customizing workout programs to suit your clients' requirements.
3. Expand Your Knowledge: Staying informed is crucial in the fitness industry, so make it a priority to continually learn and broaden your knowledge. Participate in workshops and seminars, peruse industry publications, and stay abreast of the latest research and trends.
4. Hone Your Communication Skills: As a personal trainer, you'll be closely interacting with clients to help them reach their goals. Therefore, having robust communication skills is essential. This includes the ability to listen attentively, provide clear instructions, and offer support and encouragement.
5. Carve Your Niche: Distinguishing yourself in a specific area of fitness, like weight loss, strength training, or athletic performance, can set you apart in the industry and help you attract a dedicated client base.
To supplement these steps, here are three authoritative reference books that can offer more insights and guidance on becoming a personal trainer:
1. "The Personal Trainer's Handbook" by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
2. "The Complete Guide to Personal Training" by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
3. "Principles and Practice of Resistance Training" by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Bear in mind, becoming a proficient personal trainer requires time, commitment, and a zeal for helping others reach their fitness goals. By adhering to these steps and continually learning and evolving in the industry, you can establish a successful and satisfying career as a personal trainer.
Embarking on a journey to become a personal trainer is a gratifying path, particularly if you have a fervor for fitness and a desire to assist others in reaching their health and wellness objectives. Here's a roadmap to guide you in becoming an exceptional personal trainer:
1. Obtain Certification: A crucial first step in your journey is to become certified. There are numerous certification programs you can consider, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). These programs equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to create safe and effective workout plans for your clients.
2. Accumulate Experience: Once certified, it's vital to gather experience in the field. This could involve working in a gym, providing one-on-one training to clients, or even volunteering to train your friends and family. The more experience you accumulate, the more confidence you'll gain in your abilities, and the better you'll become at customizing workout programs to suit your clients' requirements.
3. Expand Your Knowledge: Staying informed is crucial in the fitness industry, so make it a priority to continually learn and broaden your knowledge. Participate in workshops and seminars, peruse industry publications, and stay abreast of the latest research and trends.
4. Hone Your Communication Skills: As a personal trainer, you'll be closely interacting with clients to help them reach their goals. Therefore, having robust communication skills is essential. This includes the ability to listen attentively, provide clear instructions, and offer support and encouragement.
5. Carve Your Niche: Distinguishing yourself in a specific area of fitness, like weight loss, strength training, or athletic performance, can set you apart in the industry and help you attract a dedicated client base.
To supplement these steps, here are three authoritative reference books that can offer more insights and guidance on becoming a personal trainer:
1. "The Personal Trainer's Handbook" by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
2. "The Complete Guide to Personal Training" by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
3. "Principles and Practice of Resistance Training" by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Bear in mind, becoming a proficient personal trainer requires time, commitment, and a zeal for helping others reach their fitness goals. By adhering to these steps and continually learning and evolving in the industry, you can establish a successful and satisfying career as a personal trainer.
Deborah Ogundepo
Researcher
73
Answers
Nigeria
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Becoming a personal trainer is a fantastic career choice, and it's great that you're considering it at a young age. To get started, focus on these steps: First, complete high school and consider taking biology, anatomy, and physical education classes to build a foundation. Next, pursue a relevant certification like NASM or ACE. Gain practical experience by interning at a gym or assisting more experienced trainers. Develop good communication skills, as you'll need to motivate and guide clients. Stay in excellent physical shape to be a role model. Finally, keep learning and adapting your training methods as fitness trends evolve. Starting young can be an advantage; just stay dedicated, and you can build a successful career helping others achieve their fitness goals. Good luck!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryan !
You have such a wonderful career interest and I would like to give you my advice on how to develop into a good personal trainer !
To be the optimum personal trainer, after high school you would go to college for a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. This course of study will provide the knowledge and skills you will need to be in charge of people's physical wellness as well as the opportunity to make fantastic contacts that may lead to some exciting work opportunities. Keep in mind that employers receive many resumes for jobs you would apply for and many of the applicants will have the Bachelors Degree, so there is a bit of weight you will have with a college degree over someone who did not get the education through an academic route. You will have to study anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, programming and prescription, kinesiology, and basic psychology. With that behind you, you will have gained the know-how to work with a variety of different clients and their specific needs. You will have the skill to build relationships with your clients and be results oriented.
Although Certification is not required in Virginia, employers in Virginia are asking for their employees to have certification. I advise that you choose a certification in something you want to concentrate on like strength training, weight loss, mentoring, exercise, etc. You can read about what special certificates are out there and choose something that you want to specialize in. Your Bachelors Degree and a certification will put you in the forefront when applying for work.
You did mention that you would like to go just for a certification after high school, not going the college route. You must make your own choice but please do realize that many others will have the college degree and the certification(s), so you have time to make a choice, but it should be an informed choice. Being a personal trainer carries a lot of responsibility as you are working with people's bodies and counseling them for what you've assessed they need. Another thing you will need will be contacts and you should find a way to meet professionals if you decide not to go to college.
I hope this has shed some light on what you'll need to be a personal trainer and I wish you all the best moving forward !
You have such a wonderful career interest and I would like to give you my advice on how to develop into a good personal trainer !
To be the optimum personal trainer, after high school you would go to college for a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. This course of study will provide the knowledge and skills you will need to be in charge of people's physical wellness as well as the opportunity to make fantastic contacts that may lead to some exciting work opportunities. Keep in mind that employers receive many resumes for jobs you would apply for and many of the applicants will have the Bachelors Degree, so there is a bit of weight you will have with a college degree over someone who did not get the education through an academic route. You will have to study anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, programming and prescription, kinesiology, and basic psychology. With that behind you, you will have gained the know-how to work with a variety of different clients and their specific needs. You will have the skill to build relationships with your clients and be results oriented.
Although Certification is not required in Virginia, employers in Virginia are asking for their employees to have certification. I advise that you choose a certification in something you want to concentrate on like strength training, weight loss, mentoring, exercise, etc. You can read about what special certificates are out there and choose something that you want to specialize in. Your Bachelors Degree and a certification will put you in the forefront when applying for work.
You did mention that you would like to go just for a certification after high school, not going the college route. You must make your own choice but please do realize that many others will have the college degree and the certification(s), so you have time to make a choice, but it should be an informed choice. Being a personal trainer carries a lot of responsibility as you are working with people's bodies and counseling them for what you've assessed they need. Another thing you will need will be contacts and you should find a way to meet professionals if you decide not to go to college.
I hope this has shed some light on what you'll need to be a personal trainer and I wish you all the best moving forward !