Personal Trainer Certification

Working as a personal trainer can feel very rewarding. You get to see other people reach their goals and encourage them as they go. You also get to learn a lot about the fields of kinesiology, physiology and nutrition in the process. In order to work as a personal trainer at a gym or other athletic facility, you generally must earn your personal trainer certification.

Start with CPR

Most certification courses require that you are certified in CPR before you even start the program. Others may require that you are certified in CPR before they give you the certification. Either way, get this part over with in the beginning to save yourself the headache later on.

Seek out the right program

There are several nationally recognized personal trainer certification programs. The American College of Sports Medicine offers a personal trainer program that is adequate for those who want to work in small gym facilities. The American Counsel of Exercise also offers a certification program, though this one is considered the least challenging to earn and is not as well-respected.

National Strength and Conditioning Association

This organization offers one of the most prestigious certifications for personal trainers. A certification from the NSCA is mandatory if you plan on working with collegiate or professional athletes, and it is well-recognized even if you plan on working only with amateurs. You must hold a BA in exercise science or a related field in order to earn this certification.

Earning a personal trainer certification is a great first step towards a career in physical training and conditioning. Remember to study hard and keep the end goal in mind.