How to Start Your Personal Training Fitness Journey

Are you looking to start a fitness journey but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Starting a fitness journey can be daunting, but with the right tips, tricks, and advice it can be a lot easier. Join us here as we talk about how to find the best personal trainer certification. Plus, we will also provide some helpful insight to use along the way. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

What Is a Personal Trainer and What Do They Do?

Personal trainers develop fitness programs based on their client’s goals, abilities, and limitations. They may also guide proper nutrition and eating habits. In addition, personal trainers may also perform physical assessments to determine their client’s starting point. As such, they work in a variety of settings, including gyms, health clubs, private studios, and even in some people’s homes.

What Education Is Needed to Become a Personal Trainer?

Most personal trainer certification programs require CPR/AED certification as well as successful completion of an exam. Some organizations that offer personal trainer certification are the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and Cooper Institute. 

What Are the Different Types of Personal Trainer Certifications?

There are many different types of personal trainer certifications, each with its own set of benefits. The most common type of certification is the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This certification is designed for those who want to work with athletes to improve their performance.

Other popular certifications include the ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) and the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT). These certifications are designed for those who want to work with a variety of clients, including those with special populations.

The Cooper Institute offers the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification. This certification is based on the science of exercise and is designed for those who want to work with a variety of clients, including those with special populations.

Finally, there is the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) certification. This certification is designed for those who want to work in corporate wellness or community health settings.

How Do I Choose the Right Certification?

There are many different types of certifications available, so how do you choose the right one? The best way to choose a personal trainer certification is to consider your goals and the population you want to work with. 

For example, if you want to work with athletes, then the CSCS would be a good option. If you want to work with a variety of clients, including those with special populations, then the ACE-CPT or NASM-CPT would be good options. And if you want to work in corporate wellness or community health settings, then the HFS would be a good option.

Once you’ve decided on a certification, make sure to do your research on the organization that offers it. Make sure they are accredited by a reputable organization such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Also, check to see if the certification is recognized by major fitness organizations such as the  American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Other Things to Look for in PT Certifications

In addition to the things mentioned above, there are a few other things you should look for when choosing a personal trainer certification. First, make sure the personal trainer certification is comprehensive and covers all the topics you need to know.

Second, ensure that the certification program offers continuing education credits. These credits can help you stay up-to-date on the latest fitness trends and techniques. Next, you will want to make sure that the cost of the certification is something that you can afford. While some certifications can be expensive, there are many affordable options out there as well.

Finally, look at utilizing higher learning to assist with your personal trainer goals.  You can gain additional health science education by obtaining a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree. All of which can contribute to your career development, job placement, networking and overall proficiency. 

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Motivated During Your Fitness Journey

No matter what type of personal trainer certification you choose, there will be times when you feel like giving up. It’s important to stay motivated during those times and remember why you started your fitness journey in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated:

  • Find a workout buddy: Having someone to work out with can make the process more fun and enjoyable.
  • Set goals: Set short-term and long-term goals to help you stay on track.
  • Create a schedule: Creating a workout schedule will help you make time for exercise.
  • Find inspiration: Find someone who inspires you and use them as motivation to keep going. These are just a few tips to help you stay motivated during your fitness journey.

With these tips in mind, starting your personal trainer fitness journey will be a lot easier. Just remember to take things one step at a time and to have fun along the way.  

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.