How to become a certified personal trainer?

Personal trainers offer individualised fitness and lifestyle assessments to provide tailored physical fitness instruction to those who desire it. Personal trainers require in-depth health and fitness knowledge, gained through personal training qualifications. Find out more about how to become a fitness trainer.

What does a personal trainer do?

A personal trainer works closely with their clients to develop an individualised health and fitness plans, based upon their clients’ goals. They may also provide information on nutrition and stress management techniques. Personal trainers may monitor a client’s blood pressure levels, heart rate and body fat ratio. They work with a client over a short or long period of time, depending upon the goal to be achieved. They provide practical feedback and personal support to their clients.

Where do personal trainers work?

Personal trainers work in a variety of settings, from private health clubs and spas to hotel leisure centres and public fitness centres. Personal trainers may be employed as in-house staff or may work on a freelance basis. Freelance personal trainers may visit clients in their own home and spend time working with clients outdoors. Self-employed personal trainers can set their own rates and work their own hours. However, they must be flexible to be able to fit in with clients’ needs. Personal trainers with adequate space and equipment may consider starting their own gym.

What qualifications do personal trainers hold?

Registration
Employers prefer personal trainers to hold qualifications that have been approved by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). This register is associated with four entry levels. Graduates possessing health and fitness-related degrees plus six months of work experience can usually enter the register at level 3.
Qualifications
The YMCA Personal Trainer Award is a much sought-after qualification for health and fitness professionals. Premier Training International qualifications are also highly thought of within the industry. Both YMCA and Premier Training International courses are among the many REPs-approved courses available to fitness trainers. Specialisation
Once a general personal trainer qualification has been sought, it is possible to take more specific modules that will equip you for working with specialist groups of individuals such as pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. Personal trainers must also commit themselves to continuing professional development within the industry.