Instructor Courses for Fitness Clubs

The instructor courses needed to become a fitness instructor for a fitness club vary by the fitness club you wish to work for. The United States does not have a governing body for fitness instructors or personal trainers. Most fitness clubs do require their fitness instructors to hold at least one certification.

The most respected certification

The most respected certification for fitness instructors is from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Gold's Gym, Bally Total Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness prefer that their instructors hold this certification.The course curriculum for this certification includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, program design and assessments. The main difference between this certification and others is that this one requires that the final exam is done in person at a testing facility instead of online like many others.

Many certifications are available online

American Fitness Training and Athletics, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and many universities offer online certification programs. An online program is a very convenient way to obtain your certification. You can do your class work in your available time. Many universities offer Bachelor degrees that are obtained through online course work. This is very convenient for someone with children or a job that makes taking classes very difficult for them. By obtaining your Bachelors degree, you are ready for the National Academy of Sports Medicine exam that you need to pass to work in some of the better fitness clubs. You also have the extra benefit of having a Bachelors degree.