Be a Standout Fitness Trainer |
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March 1, 2005
By Kathy A. Johnson
kathy.johnson@hqpublications.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has called using a qualified personal trainer the number one way to assure a safe and effective workout. So many people want to get in shape, professional fitness trainer jobs are expected to grow faster than average.
With more jobs comes increased competition, however. What can you do to make yourself stand out?
Get Educated
When choosing a fitness trainer program, "See if the school offers programs like exercise science or exercise physiology, not just phys. ed. This will allow you to have more job options when you complete your education," according to Paul Killian, an NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) certified strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer in central Florida.
Get Certified
There are hundreds of certifying organizations, but Killian believes two of the most reputable are the NSCA and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). "You have to have a related four-year degree to even take the NSCA test for certification," he noted
What Next?
What kind of fitness trainer jobs are out there? You might work as a fitness instructor at a hospital or clinic, at a YMCA or community center, at a health club or gym, or for a corporate fitness/wellness program. You could even start your own in home personal training business as Killian has done.
As you work toward a career in fitness training, remember that in addition to your knowledge, you must be able to work one-on-one with people, according to Killian. "You need to have an outgoing, communicative personality, and be able to be motivating," he added. "Be patient. It takes a while to build up a clientele, especially if you're on your own. Always give 100 percent, because referrals are 99 percent of your business," he said.
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
Sources
- www.nsca-lift.org
- www.fitfaq.com/choose-personal-trainer.html
- www.acsm.org/
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