Personal Trainer...?

Question

I am looking to be a personal trainer..i plan on majoring in radiology and i want something else on the side as well.But i am unsure of where to start,how much is the certification,and how long does it take?.....any other info.would be great as well...thanks!

Answer 1

I have been hiring a personal trainer for the past 2 years. I may not know so much about how to start but I would like to share with you some ideas from the client point of view.

First step - Get the right attitude
First, what is your goal of becoming a personal trainer. I wish all new PT would get your attitude right first before starting.
PT plays a very important role in people health and safety. Most of the clients who hire PT are those who have problem e.g. overweight, being athmatic, heart rate problem, injuries etc.
Some of them have low self-confidence and self-esteem and need your support and push them in the right way.
Make sure that your priority is to help them and give them a better life. Your goal is gratitude from the clients not fast money.

Second step - Get a certificate.
This one I feel is a MUST before joining a gym chain. The in-house training may not be enough for you to keep the client safe. Expect the clients with condition. (that's why they need you guys to guide on workout if not they may go ahead themselves or join the group excercise). A proper course and certificate will give you essential knowledge. \
Try this web
https://www.issaonline.com/index.cfm

Third step - Join a gym chain
Once you have some knowledge, now you can join the gym chain later to get the experience and in-house training and hands-on to boost your confidence and techniques. Also, help you get a sufficient base of clients as well. Choose the gym with a lot of customers and use your session as a show case to get new clients.

Fourth setp - Keep updating yourself with fitness journal
Keep your technique update and advanced all the time.
Later you cen get more advanced certificates and find a specialise area such as boxercise, body building, abs toning, post-natal,...etc.

Good luck. Wish to see you as a good PT soon. :)


Below is a basic course outline FYI
Certified Peronal Trainer Course
Course Introduction: The Who, What, Why, and How of Personal Training

Section One: Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 1: Metabolism
Unit 2: Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 3: Muscle Anatomy and Physiology

Section Two: Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Unit 4: Kinesiology of Exercise
Unit 5: Biomechanical Concepts of Exercise
Unit 6: Muscloskeletal Deviations
Unit 7: Muscle Mechanics

Section Three: Health and Physical Fitness
Unit 8: Strength
Unit 9:Cardiovascular Training Theory
Unit 10: Flexibility
Unit 11:Body Composition

Section Four: Program Development
Unit 12: Program Development
Unit 13: Basic Assessment of Fitness Participants
Unit 14: Training Principles
Unit 15: Periodization
Unit 16: Determining Training Loads

Section Five: Nutrition
Unit 17: Weighing the Truth on Exercise and Nutrition
Unit 18: The Basics of Sound Nutrition
Unit 19: Estimating Caloric Needs
Unit 20: The ISSA Zig-Zag Approach to Muscle Gain and Fat Loss
Unit 21: Fad Diets and Nutrition
Unit 22: Supplementation

Section Six: Injury and Disease
Unit 23: Exercise and Older Adults
Unit 24: Exercise and Adaptive Fitness
Unit 25: Exercise and Our Youth
Unit 26: Exercise and Hypertension
Unit 27: Exerise and Diabetes
Unit 28: Exercise and Arthritis
Unit 29: Exercise and Coronary Heart Disease
Unit 30: Exercise and Pregnancy
Unit 31: Exercise and Asthma
Unit 32: Exercise and Sports Medicine in the Trenches
Unit 33: Basic First Aid

Answer 2

Contact the locel "high end" country club. Ask to speak to the trainer any personal trainer. Go for the HIGH END. Since the others are not as well trained. SORRY its the truth.

Also Health & Fitness Magizine has ads in the back.
Look through several of those . Each city, state has different requirements if any. Thank god you will have a good working knowledge of A&P. most dont' even call the right muscles by the right names or know HOW they really work. Bulk is not best.

Answer 3

Learn how to become a personal trainer here:

Answer 4

Interview at one of the major chains like 24 hour fitness. If they hire you they will train you. Of course you will have to sell that it is your main career focus. The basic certification can be completed in one week. Then you can earn more advanced certifications later.

Answer 5

Check out the ace fitness website they have a lot of good info.