Training To Be A Certified Personal Trainer Or Coach...
There are many alternatives to choose from when looking at fitness training and courses on well-being. Check that you can earn a living in the area you're interested in before investing too much time and effort getting certified and building up your skill level. Nevertheless, there appears to be a good market for all types of fitness related instruction throughout most parts these days. So a person could develop a very successful career if they build a solid foundation of the right certifications, practical know-how and the will to win.
Your First Assignment...
It's worth pointing out (although you may have already discovered this) that not all retraining companies offer the same standard and quality of training and course material.
Think of this initial research as a project in its own right. Take your time to find the best option for you - a morning surfing the net will throw up a great deal about which courses and certificates are most widely respected. Why not start by referencing some of the training providers on this page? Each time you come back there'll be different ones to learn about.
Your Specialist Subject Is...?
OK - so you're sold on the industry, but can't decide exactly where to hang your hat? Let's try to break a few things down for you...
If you want to become a fitness instructor, you'll need to learn a great deal to be fully conversant with all that it entails. It's not just about helping a client to build up their strength - of course personal trainers and gym coaches need to cover that, but a professional has a good deal more to learn than that.
Modern fitness training should be much more scientific. Subjects covered include biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and psychology. Followed by food science and technology, which covers health and weight issues. As well as team training, knowing your equipment and strength training. And then there's client appraisals and records, and health and safety knowledge.
Oh, and if you're thinking of setting up your own business you'll probably need some coaching on business plans and admin, sales and marketing, finance, communication, legal requirements and client contracts. Ouch...
One Thing At A Time!
Before you feel overwhelmed, realise that you can start without knowing everything, and it's not unheard of for a person to specialise in one or two directions and carve out a very good living for themselves.
Consider food technology and science. Nutrition is really interesting - learn about what food groups contain what, and the impact they all have on the body. Then discover how we absorb and digest our food. Progress to weight control, and how our lifestyles can affect our diet and consequently determine how heavy we are. Then there's eating problems, healthy eating, balanced diets and the relationship between diet and exercise.
Personal training is becoming increasingly popular, so if you're energetic and have good motivational and communication skills this could be for you. Personal trainers need to have a good grasp of the body's structure and composition. Ensure that any training you do covers this in detail.
If you already work out in your local gym on a regular basis, you might like to consider gym training as a profession. Look for practical courses that will give you a deep understanding of your professional requirements. Your course should teach you how to carry out client assessments safely and responsibly, and how to tailor programmes to a client's needs. Additionally you will learn teaching skills, how to design effective warm ups and cool downs, and of course all about resistance and cardiovascular exercises and gym machinery.
And If You Want To Add Something Extra...
Your career as a fitness trainer could be boosted by having a supplemental skill in the prevention and treatment of injuries. If you can see yourself working in this field, you might consider getting into rehabilitation and qualify as a Yoga Instructor or a Reiki Practitioner for example.
What about bolting on physical fitness assessments to your main role? After all, most of us prefer prevention to cure! Learn how to measure and monitor a client's fitness level by carrying out a variety of assessments. For example muscle strength, body fat, cholesterol, endurance etc.
A Winning Scenario!
Whether you get into gym instruction or personal training (or any other fitness profession,) you won't be disappointed that you chose such a positive and enlightening environment to work in. Where could you find a more satisfying challenge than in a job that shapes the lives of everyday people so positively?
When you give out, you receive - and so all the things you teach and inspire others to do, you'll reap the rewards yourself. Take a look at the options available to you now, and choose the right course and certification for you.
