So, You Want to Be a… Personal Trainer

What will I be doing all day?

A personal trainer helps clients achieve their health and fitness goals by designing individualized workout regimens; instructing, guiding, and motivating clients through the exercises to prevent injury and produce maximal results; and educating them about health and wellness.

Do I have the personality for it?

Good personal trainers are excellent communicators and motivators, empathetic, upbeat, positive, and good at connecting with people. They are good at problem-solving and can improvise programs on the spot based on client feedback. Of course, they must also be in excellent physical shape.

What kind of training do I need?

In order to work in a public setting like a gym, one must have a nationally recognized certification. There are several professional certification options out there, which range from six months to a year of study and entail passing an exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses. In addition, a personal trainer must have CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) certification.

While no college degree is necessary, a degree in an associated field such as exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education can be helpful.