What it Takes to Get a Fitness Certification

Make sure that you really do enjoy the fitness industry, because then the studying required and such will be much easier and will be fun as you work towards your fitness certification. Also your passion as a personal fitness trainer will show through when you are working with clients so you cannot fake it.

The NSCA, or the National Strength and Conditioning Association offer fitness certification programs. One of them is the Certified Personal Trainer or CPT program. The NCSA certifications are highly regarded in the industry. It is also recommended that you have a college or university degree in exercise science. This will give you the credibility you need when you are training clients or applying for a position with a fitness company.

Also while working towards your fitness certification, remember to create a focus on networking and developing contacts in the fitness industry and in general. Many of these contacts may end up as clients or may open up potential business opportunities as you pursue your fitness trainer career.

After getting your fitness trainer certification, if you do decide to go into business for yourself, make sure that the people you hire as fitness trainers are well qualified and have at least a diploma in exercise science and a fitness certification also.

Keep in mind, that as a fitness trainer, you will training people from a wide variety of backgrounds and fitness levels so you need to tailor your fitness program to meet the needs of each individual. As you work towards getting a fitness certification, remember that each person is unique and you need to customize your programs for each of your clients.

There are also other fitness certification programs other than the NSCA. Some of them include the International Sport Sciences Association (ISSA), American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE). However a fitness certification from the NSCA is considered the best by many industry experts.

Also keep in mind that as a fitness trainer, you will be working with many different people with varying personalities so you need to develop an understanding of people and adjust your style with different people. After you get your fitness certification from an accredited institution, it is a good idea to make sure that you are listed with the National Federation of Professional Trainers. They have a great website that is heavily searched by those seeking personal trainers so it is a great way to get new clients.

Once you complete your fitness certification and are training clients, it is a good idea to not push your clients to use supplements, rather if they ask you about them, you can recommend what you believe is best but let them buy it themselves. Many people are wary of personal trainers that insist their clients use certain pills or supplements so be flexible in this area and create training program that will get results without the use of additional supplements.

Keep in mind that as a personal trainer you will act as a motivator, coach and educator.  So it is important that you are well educated not just in how to get fit which the fitness certification will teach you but also well versed in the art of motivating and inspiring people to reach higher. Often the biggest problem faced by clients is the lack of motivation so I suggest you study some books and other resources on personal development and share that knowledge with your clients so they will stick with their programs and see real results.

Also, don’t forget to get your basic first aid and CPR training as many clients will ask you about having those certifications. Once you get your fitness certification and are in the field training clients, remember that your focus is to get RESULTS. If you can deliver the results that clients are looking then you will get even more referrals and your career will explode. Unfortunately many fitness trainers in the industry, lose their passion and focus on delivering results, so you need to be different and commit to doing what it takes to give your clients the best chance of getting real measurable results.

Do not fear losing clients just because they are now fit and may not need you, remember that word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising and if you are delivering outstanding results you will always have a flow of eager clients lining up for a session with you.  So, get your fitness certification and continue to grow your passion and enjoyment of what you do as that will produce the greatest results as a personal fitness trainer.

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Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional before taking on any health program.