4 Steps to Become a Personal Trainer

Few careers offer the blend of personal interaction, fitness, and generous pay that personal training does. For aspiring trainers who are pursuing their certification, the following tips about academic preparation, navigating certification providers and enduring the rigors of test preparation will save time and money.

1. Getting Ahead Academically

When preparing for personal trainer certification, current or future college students can easily incorporate all they need to know into their course load to get an advantage ahead of time. Many personal trainers receive a major in the sciences: biology, chemistry, exercise science and others. The most highly recommended courses for burgeoning personal trainers are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Physics I and II, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, and at least one course in Biology. These courses will fully encompass an education in personal training by teaching body mechanics and general anatomy.

2. Finding a Personal Trainer Certification Provider

When it' time to get certified, the first step is finding a reputable association. There are hundreds of organizations such as the National Federation of Professional Trainers and the International Sports Science Association that offer such services and certification, usually with one flat charge ranging from $150 to $1500. The first and most important step in choosing one of these organizations is thorough review. Websites like www.trainingfragments.com offer ample testimony about the different organizations and the certifications that they offer

3. Studying for the Certification Exam

After choosing an organization, the next step is to thoroughly study the material that they provide. Most organizations bundle their condensed course or study guides with flashcards, practice tests, and other materials needed to take the test. The ACE study bundle, for example, includes flashcards, practice tests, and a registration voucher that grants entrance into the exam session. Studying should comprise 4 to 7 weeks of 2 to 4-hour study sessions daily, with a fifteen-minute break every 2 hours and daily review.

4. Taking the Certification Exam

Finally, it's time to take and pass the exam. Make sure to follow the instructions provided in the packet to get the time and location of the test if it isn't administered online. Don't be embarrassed to use body parts as live, legal test aides because they can help immensely.

Many personal trainers receive a major in the sciences