If you have a passion for training and helping other people achieve their fitness goals, consider becoming a personal trainer. It's one of the fastest growing professions, and for good reason: personal trainers have flexible hours, do the work they love, and inspire people to bring out the best. This article discusses all aspects of the profession, the qualifications needed to become a personal trainer, and the steps you need to follow to excel.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Developing the Skills and Attitude of a Personal Trainer
Step 1. Make sure you lead by example
Personal trainers need to educate their clients about fitness and motivation. To be effective, a personal trainer must demonstrate mastering these aspects of life. When considering becoming a personal trainer, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you in perfect physical shape? Clients take their personal trainers as an example when it comes to fitness and health. Even great educators and motivators can fail to find clients if they don't seem fit. This does not mean conforming to beauty standards; every body is different, and being "fit" has a different meaning for each of us. Personal trainers need to be able to demonstrate a wide range of exercises and train harder than their clients to help them achieve their goals.
- Do you believe in the importance of fitness? Personal trainers don't train just to stay slim. They see fitness as a powerful force that dramatically improves people's lives. It is this extreme confidence in their work that allows personal trainers to motivate other people.
Step 2. You must know the human anatomy
The best personal trainers know perfectly well how the human body works. It is a big responsibility: advising clients to perform exercises that are not suited to their abilities can lead to injury, in some cases even serious. Customers also use machines and weights that can injure them if used incorrectly. Personal trainers learn a lot about what they know in the courses that qualify them for the profession, but it is important to take an interest in the functioning of each individual's body and understand how to help them be as fit as possible without putting their health at risk.
Step 3. Develop your leadership skills
Personal trainers need to be leaders who are inspiring, trustworthy, and caring. After all, they guide clients through training sessions that can cause pain, frustration, and tears. Personal trainers keep clients' gaze fixed on the goal and share their satisfaction and happiness upon reaching the goal.
Step 4. Hire a personal trainer
To truly understand the relationship between client and personal trainer, hire one to help you reach your fitness goals. Notice how your relationship with that person develops, and what traits make him good at what he does. Each personal trainer has a different style; some operate as military instructors, others take a more delicate and intimate approach. Think about what approach you want to take.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Qualify to Become a Personal Trainer
Step 1. Choose how to get certified
Most fitness centers and gyms require their personal trainers to be certified. There are professional and university courses that can equip you with the right skills to do this job. Do your research to find the best course for you.
Step 2. Choose a specialty
The personal trainer job is a competitive job, and one way to help you stand out is to pick a specialty and get additional certifications. For example, you might specialize in working with children or people with special needs.
Step 3. Make a plan
When trying to get certified, think about what kind of work environment would be ideal for you. Get experience in your field by working in gyms in roles that don't require certification.
Many gyms hire uncertified people as "floor trainers". These people can gain experience and find a gym that fits their style of work before they start finding their clients
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Finding a Job as a Personal Trainer
Step 1. Find a job at a fitness center or gym
Search the classifieds in your area, or even better, call the gyms personally. If you are already a member of the gym, let the director know that you are interested in working as a personal trainer.
- Most trainers start their careers by working for gyms, even if they want to work independently in the future. Gyms offer the credibility you need when starting out. They will also give you the chance to learn from other personal trainers and practice working with a good amount of new clients.
- The downside to working for a gym is that the gym will rob you of a good chunk of income.
Step 2. Develop customer relationships
Many gyms attract new customers by offering free training sessions with a personal trainer. Use these sessions to show customers your specific style and skills. The pay of a personal trainer is on commission, so the more clients you have, the better.
Remember that the gym may cause you to sign a non-compete agreement preventing you from taking clients with you if you decide to leave
Step 3. Consider starting your own business
When you work on your own you can decide your rate and keep all the money you earn to yourself. You can also choose the customers you prefer.
- Research how to work as a freelancer or create a company, and comply with all legal obligations. Make sure you understand the intricacies of self-employment, such as insurance, contributions, paychecks, and taxes.
- Some personal trainers hold sessions in their homes, where they have a room dedicated to training machines. It can be a cost-effective choice, but it's important to make sure the environment is professional if you want to attract customers.
- Other personal trainers rent an office, which they can share with other personal trainers. It can be a better choice if you have a large customer list.
Step 4. Think like an entrepreneur
When you go out on your own you will have to attract your customers - you won't have a gym to do it for you. Try to understand the basics of marketing and spread the word about your business.
- Choose a catchy and professional name to attract new customers.
- Create a Facebook page and Twitter account. Post photos of your office, and with their permission, of your happy customers.
- Consider purchasing ad space in your local newspaper.
- Organize events and offer special offers to help spread the word when you're just starting out.
Advice
Creating working relationships is essential in this field, especially when you are just starting out. Attending conferences and conventions is a great way to meet people, stay up to date with the latest fashions and discoveries in fitness, and to learn the secrets of success from other personal trainers. Plus, it will be fun - you will meet many new people who share a passion for health, fitness and physical activity with you. You will feel inspired
Warnings
- Working with people with special needs can increase your responsibilities. Make sure you know what you are doing and that you are covered by insurance.
- Be careful to avoid reputable certifications. Proper certification should take several months of preparation and a verification exam. Avoid sites that offer quick certifications for a few dollars. Do your research and only rely on reputable courses.
