An exercise personal trainer is a health professional who works with individuals to help them develop and maintain fitness. They provide personalized workout plans and individualized training sessions that are designed to meet their goals, as well as provide guidance on how to use exercise equipment safely and effectively.
Many personal trainers focus on general exercise instruction and strength training, while others specialize in specific fitness activities or work with clients who have special needs, including those with injuries. Regardless of your focus, you will need to have a variety of skills to be successful as an exercise personal trainer.
Qualifications and education
Having the proper certification is essential for becoming an exercise personal trainer. Certifications include “certified personal trainer,” which prepares you for general fitness instruction; “certified strength and conditioning specialist,” which focuses on strength training for everyday and professional athletes; and “certified corrective exercise specialist,” which specializes in exercises to improve movement dysfunctions and imbalances.
Relevant experience is also essential for your career in this field. Getting as much relevant work experience as possible helps you gain a better understanding of the industry and prepares you for your future as an exercise personal trainer.
Working as a personal trainer can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. This is especially true if you are new to the fitness industry or are not sure how to start making a profit as a personal trainer.
The most successful exercise personal trainers know how to manage their time and make a plan for making the most of their careers. They are able to coach more hours per day, and can focus on the parts of their job that are most enjoyable–such as helping clients reach their goals–without spending too much of their time doing the things that are less enjoyable (like cleaning toilets or updating client records).
Becoming an exercise personal trainer requires a bachelor’s degree in a field such as health, physical education, nutrition, sports medicine, or exercise science. These degrees will give you the skills to assess your clients’ health, create exercise plans that will help them achieve their goals, and develop a relationship with them that will continue to grow over time.
Your educational background can also determine your salary level, and you can expect to earn anywhere from $30,000 to $150,000 per year as an exercise personal trainer. While this may sound high, it’s actually more than enough to cover your living expenses and allow you to pursue additional hobbies and interests while still being able to pay your bills.
A good way to find an affordable exercise personal trainer is to ask around. Your friends or family members may be able to recommend someone they trust and have used for years.
Another option is to search online for trainers in your area. You can often find listings of local exercise personal trainers through professional associations, such as the American Council on Exercise or the National Academy of Sports Medicine.