Seven Steps To Becoming a Personal Fitness Instructor

Some people start noticing they are gaining weight. They decide to start working out and lose some of this extra fat. They make up their mind to wake up early in the morning and do a little exercise. But, when the alarm clock shrieks the next morning, they throw it away and refuse to leave the bed. This behavior doesn't let a person become physically fit. That's why people hire the services of a professional personal fitness trainer. Let's talk about why one should consider this career.

Why become a personal trainer?

Why should one become a personal trainer? Well, here are some reasons to study exercise science and become a certified fitness instructor:

1. Personal fitness instructors earn $40k every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
2. The fitness industry is continually expanding, and there are many chances of career growth.
3. This profession provides your job flexibility and independence. Your work schedule will depend on the client's requirements.
4. Being a trainer means you have to be in perfect shape. A physically unfit individual can't train others. So, this job motivates you to pay attention to your health.
5. Americans aren't famous for their physical health. More than 30% of adult Americans suffer from obesity. Being a fitness instructor lets you help these unhealthy people.

Steps to become a personal fitness trainer

It is a step-by-step advancement to become a personal fitness trainer:

1. Earn a degree in exercise science: You need to get an online exercise science Bachelor's degree in the beginning. This science helps you understand which exercise technique is more effective for a particular person. The market needs more certified exercise scientists on the field. You can use this opportunity in your favor and learn to become a fitness instructor. But being a personal fitness teacher isn't the only remaining profession to adopt in this world. Although there's no doubt that an exercise science degree sounds ideal in this case. However, you probably should research this profession to make sure this is what you've always wanted to be.
2. Research this profession: You need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of being a personal fitness instructor. You need to ask yourself if you want to go along with this profession. Are you genuinely interested in physical fitness? Do you wish to help others become physically fit? If you work with dedication, you can become a successful fitness teacher. Proper research sharpens your ability to think and make a decision.
3. Apply for a fitness certificate: Many organizations and accredited programs offer certificates in fitness training. Some important certifying bodies include NASM, the American Council on Exercise, the National Stress and Conditioning Association, et cetera. Different gyms have various certification requirements. Then every organization offers different sorts of courses. The NASM offers the Certified Personal Trainer certificate. You need to complete CPR and AED certification programs to become an acceptable fitness instructor. These courses are essential for you to maintain the client's health intact.
4. Choose a specialty: You have to carefully measure your skills and decide what sort of fitness training suits you. Do you work well with groups? If you do, then you can become a group instructor. But if you are more comfortable with individuals, being a personal trainer is the right job. You can perform both sorts of fitness training. Both of these professions are excellent career choices.
5. Study for your examination: After choosing your specialty, you need to prepare for the upcoming test. You must learn all the details regarding the training profession. Your knowledge will represent your commitment to this career. Remember that this information isn't just being collected to get the certificate. You'll have to apply this information in your professional life is you become a personal fitness instructor. Don't get overwhelmed by the extensive study material. You'll need to study the core syllabus to get a basic understanding of fitness instruction. Comprehension is the key to memorization.
6. Appear in the examination: You have to register yourself for the certification examination. Let's talk about the testing format of the NASM-CPT certificate. The National Academy of Sports Medicine conducts this test. It's in a four answer, multiple-choice format. There are 120 questions a candidate must answer within 2 hours, and these queries are about client fitness assessment, workout strategies, and emergency protocols.
7. Star building your career: You become a qualified fitness trainer after getting your certification. Many fitness organizations offer positions to certified personal instructors such as the NASM. But, if you don't wish to work for a gym, you can establish an independent fitness institution. All you need is to gain some experience and build an authentic portfolio. Also, it's mandatory to get liability insurance from a trustworthy company. This insurance protects you from any mishap during training sessions with a client. Gym owners provide insurance to their employees. If you own the fitness center, you need to purchase insurance.

Responsibilities of a fitness instructor

These are the few responsibilities fulfilled by our trainers and instructors:

1. Not everyone is capable of self-motivation. It's hard sticking to an established workout plan with so many distractions of everyday life. A personal fitness instructor brings accountability in your exercise life and keeps your spirit up.
2. A personal instructor teaches individuals how to use gym equipment correctly. People who are unfamiliar with these amenities can injure themselves due to negligence. A trainer ensures harmless exercise routines for his/her clients.
3. Failure to achieve predefined goals can be a little disheartening. A personal instructor helps individuals set realistic goals. It's because the trainer knows your limits. He/she won't let you endanger yourself with excessive endeavors.
4. A personal instructor challenges your limits then and teaches you how to surpass your limits. Some people suffer from some physical limitation that hinders their exercise pattern. A trainer brings this restriction to an end.
5. Doing the same routine exhausts a person's interest in the workout. Therefore, a trainer makes exercise less dull and brings excitement into your practice. He/she will adjust your workout framework to make it more refreshing and challenging.

Conclusion

The fitness statistics of our country are an eye-opener. In 1999, only one-third of America's young population was physically active. The emergence of smartphones would've reduced this percentage in the 21^st century. A 2010 report revealed that only 5% of adults work out 30 minutes each day. These people need proper guidance and motivation for physical fitness. That's why the country needs more fitness instructors to take charge of our national health.