The worldwide growth in the awareness of fitness/wellness that we have witnessed over the last decade provides a solid impetus for those wishing to pursue a career in personal training. The United States developed certain criteria for this profession, as a means of safeguarding both the trainer and the client. Read on to learn the best ways in which to achieve success in this field, including landing the perfect job in an ideal gym/fitness center/community center/college campus.
Begin with the Basics
While most reputable gyms insist that their trainers have a nationally-accredited certification (more on this later), to gain a true competitive edge in the fitness industry market requires standing out. Individuals desiring a long-term career in personal training might consider obtaining a college degree in any of the following fields ~
- Exercise Science
Kinesiology
Physical Education
Life Sciences
Such advanced degrees can help elevate your standing in the eyes of a potential employer.
The next step, as mentioned above, requires choosing a nationally-recognized certifying body with which to align yourself. Any Personal Trainer exam requires a fair amount of advance study; passing grades tend to vary from 65% to 70%, depending on the organization. These certifications last for 2 years, after which a recertification process ensues. We cover this and the accompanying necessary continuing education credits (CEC’s) later in this article. In addition, most facilities require their employees to hold a certification in both CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED). These typically involve a one-day, in-person/hands-on class followed by a written exam. Below we include some of the more popular and well-respected certifying bodies ~
- ACE (American Council on Exercise)
- ACSM (American Council of Sports Medicine)
- NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
- NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
- NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers)
Developing Key Skills
After obtaining a personal trainer certification, the majority of skills utilized on a day-to-day basis move way beyond exam questions. An effective personal trainer will invest the time to hone the following skills ~
- Fitness
- Stamina
- Communication
- Customer Service Skills
- Problem-solving Skills
Once you have addressed –and ideally mastered – these finer points, the next step on your fitness career journey requires applying for and securing a job.
The Job Search
Along with cultivating a professional presence, aspiring personal trainers need a proper resume. This document should highlight your education, professional certification(s), relevant work experience and a clear, concise statement of objectives. Applicants can email the resume along with an online job application, or present the resume when arriving for a face-to-face interview.
We will cover the job application process in greater detail in a forthcoming blog. However, while awaiting an interview, trainers might take the time to consider whether they wish to work in an established fitness facility or train clients in-home. Building a client roster takes time, initiative and dedication. Think about whether advertising your services will advance your business, and if so, where you might wish to list your services.
Recertification/CEU’s
Each national certifying body has its own parameters regarding recertification requirements. Most organizations offer an opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years; the number and specificity of these CEC’s may vary. In addition, trainers must maintain current CPR/AED certifications and pay the requisite recertification fees.
General Steps for Recertification:
Refer to the guidelines set forth by the organization through which you earned your personal trainer certification.
Consult the organization’s website or contact them directly to find out the specific CEU requirements, renewal deadlines, and any other requirements.
Complete sufficient continuing education courses or activities that meet the organization’s criteria. Most certification organizations’ websites will offer CEU courses that fulfill criteria for a multitude of certifying bodies. In addition, many will accept college coursework, published articles/book chapters, and independent research towards recertification credits.
Maintain CPR/AED certification
Follow the organization’s instructions for submitting your application, including any required documentation and fees.
Understanding the Personal Trainer’s Scope of Practice
For individuals who hold multiple certifications, licenses in other health industries, or doctoral degrees, scope of practice gets dictated by the highest level of education in the area of question. However, for individuals who choose to identify solely as fitness professionals/personal trainers, knowing the law and its boundaries often makes the difference between ending a career and legally enjoying continued success.
Personal trainers today wear a number of hats; we possess knowledge on many of the following topics ~
- human anatomy and physiology/biomechanics
- exercise science
- group exercise programming
- client screening and assessment
- basic fitness nutrition
- dedication to self-improvement, self-awareness, continuous learning/development and personal growth
However, the scope of practice for personal trainers limits us from engaging in the following actions.
- Dispensing medical advice
- Creating specific meal plans
- Providing body massage that may come across as inappropriate touch
- Serving as a therapist/psychological counselor
- Upselling services neither needed nor desired by the client
Personal training involves assessing the needs of a client, his current level of fitness, general health, and how to optimally help him meet his goals through proper movement patterns and healthy living.
We accomplish all of this while managing to work with or around sports-related injuries. However, medical treatment lies within the realm of a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist. This involves diagnosis as well as potential corrective measures (surgery, physical therapy, injections, etc.) Personal trainers can only legally offer pain-free movement that aligns with a client’s anatomy/physiology/current injury, and instruct the client on maintaining proper body positioning throughout an exercise.
Similarly, while a trainer’s certification process imbues him with a basic working knowledge of nutrition and macronutrients, he often lacks the qualifications of a Registered Dietitian, who can legitimately create specific customized meal plans. As such, professional trainers can assist clients with their weight loss goals by inquiring why they feel they cannot take the steps to improve their eating habits (provided they admit to fully understanding what they should do). In this manner, personal trainers can facilitate conversations with clients on topic such as internal motivation, obstacles they may face, carving out time for meal prepping, etc. without stepping outside their scope of practice. While trainers should not purport to take on the role of psychologist, they can certainly act as motivators/agents for behavioral change, especially with regard to improving overall health.
Final Thoughts
In our next installment, we will offer a more in-depth look at the process of obtaining a job as a personal trainer. Until then, keep studying for that certification, think about how you may wish to establish yourself as a professional, and above all, keep living and promoting a healthy lifestyle!
References:
The Scope of Practice for Personal Trainers
Legal and Ethical Scope of Practice for Personal Trainers
Hire Staff and Trainers for Your Gym
7 Pro Tips on How to Find Jobs In The Fitness and Nutrition Industry
How to Become a Personal Trainer in 5 Steps.
Related Content:
