How to Become a Personal Trainer - Smart Moves: A Fitness Resource

With the high rates of obesity and growing senior population in America, it is an ideal time to become a personal trainer because many people are in need of fitness services. Becoming a personal trainer offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful and tangible impact on the lives of others by improving quality of life and self-esteem.

So how do you go about becoming a personal trainer? Here are your options:

1. Obtain a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exercise Science or a related field.
Many employers are looking for personal trainers who have a degree in Exercise Science. On the level of a bachelor's degree, acceptable majors are usually exercise science or nutrition, although athletic training and physical education are sometimes accepted. On the level of a master's degree, acceptable majors include strength and conditioning, general exercise science and exercise physiology. The coursework of these programs usually prepares students to take at least one of several certification exams listed below. Undergraduate programs should include basic anatomy and physiology, kinesiology or biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise testing and prescription, and fieldwork or internship. Coursework in special populations and strength and conditioning is also beneficial.

As a student, you may also have the opportunity to gain experience by working as a trainer (unpaid or paid) at your college's fitness center.

2. Obtain a Certification
Personal trainers must have a few different certifications.

First and foremost, personal trainers must have a personal training certification! The most respected personal training certifications are those offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). For some certifications, you MUST have a bachelor's degree. For other certifications, a high school diploma may be the only requirement. For a list of available certifications, please click here.

Additionally, personal trainers must be certified in CPR with AED. CPR certification is offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. In some cases, your employer may require first aid certification as well. First aid certification is also offered by the American Red Cross.

Even if you do not have a bachelor's degree, it is crucial that you obtain certification in order to be employed.

3. Apply for Jobs
Once you have become certified, it's time to apply for jobs! Personal training jobs are available at a number of different locations - health clubs, spas, corporate offices, nursing homes, physical therapy offices and more. Check your local newspaper for job postings, in addition to monster.com. If you are a member of the NCSA or ACSM, you may be able to take advantage of career services offered by each organization.