Possibly looking into becoming a fitness instructor/personal trainer and have some questions!?

Question

Professional instructors and trainers are great but all answers are greatly appreciated. I am looking into possibly a career choice of fitness instruction or personal training. I have no experience and recently joined a gym. I live in CT. I was wondering if there are schools or classes you take before you go for certification and perhaps where I should look to go within my area? Any advice to get me started on where to go to learn and work my way up from there is helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes you would most likely have to take classes to get certified. I would ask an instructor at your gym they would know from their personal experince.

Answer 2

Despite popular belief, it is not always mandatory to be a certified personal trainer in order to train clients. There is currently no governing body in the US that has set a standard for the curriculum and requirements for such a certification. Most health clubs, however, require their staff to be certified in order to ensure a certain level of professionalism and knowledge to offer their clients and many self-employed trainers do it for the same reasons.
That being said, there are many different certifications that are available for the aspiring personal trainer, with little or no educational background in health or fitness. You will find that many, if not all, of the certifications these days require CPR and First Aid certifications as well. The major certifying bodies, NASM, ACE, ASCM, NSCA, and ISSA all offer home study options in which the study materials are sent to you and a final exam must be taken within a certain time frame. It is possible to obtain the study materials before hand if you feel like you need more than the time alloted to grasp the material. In addition, for the more hands-on, many of the certifying bodies also give you the option of attending 2-3 day seminars in which the the theories and concepts are explained and demonstrated for those that are more visual learners.

Answer 3

There are several courses available to become a personal trainer. I don't know the details of what is offered in the US but I know that what is covered is pretty basic.
This means that it is easy to be qualified, but it doesn't mean that it is going to make you a good trainer.
To become a good trainer, you have to do your own research, read good books like strating strength by Rippetoe, check some good websites like Dragondoor for martial arts and related subjects, Gym Jones for tough training, and T Mag for bodybuilding.
To become very good, you need to have a passion for it and excellent communication skills. You have to be able to help the fit, the disable, the fat and ugly with the same respect and dedication.
You also have to overcome daily frustration because most people you see will not get any results and give up within a matter of weeks.
To become an excellent trainer, you have to quickly move away from mainstream fitness and commercial gyms, because the focus is only on selling membership, not on helping your clients achieve their health and fitness goals.


Good luck

Answer 4

ACE does an awesome certification program.

You can attend seminars if they are available in your area or do self directed study.

They are a very reputable organization and recognized nation wide.

Also check with your local recreation center and community college they should have some good programs as well.

Good luck and good health.

Answer 5

Look up the National Academy of Sports Medicine or American College of Sports Medicine. Their text books are huge but the training that you get is top notch.

Answer 6

Most of the instructors and trainers have a B.S. in Phys ed.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

call your local college. you need to be certified to become a personal trainer