How to Become a Fitness Trainer

There are many ways to learn How to Become a Fitness Trainer. There are plenty of courses you can take that will train you to become an entry level trainer, so you can teach others how to exercise. Having a career as a personal trainer is a great way to improve your health as well as the health and well being of others.

This is becoming one of the fastest growing jobs in today’s fitness and health industry. This is because many people, not just athletes, are eager to get in shape and shed some pounds. So this wouldn't be a bad career idea if you’re looking for something fun and new to try. There are plenty of people out there from celebrities to seniors who want to learn how to exercise, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

What does it take to become an entry level fitness trainer? Your your job is to teach others how to exercise properly. This means understanding the type of basic exercises that would best benefit someone based on their personal fitness goal and age. Something else you need to keep in mind when you are considering this field is you require qualities such as:

Motivation – you need to keep your clients motivated and interested in the exercises. While everyone would like to get in shape, thinking about exercising and actually doing it are two separate things.

Coach – Your clients need someone they can depend on and trust to see them through their exercise regimen.

Listen – You need to listen to your clients needs. Everyone is different and won’t be able to do every exercise.

Be persistent – Don’t let your client slack off. Their goal was to get in shape, see them through it.

Have patience – People can become frustrated, and lose patience with an exercise program. You shouldn’t lose your patience with them, encourage them and know when to call it quits.

When you are thinking of becoming a fitness trainer you need to seriously consider if you have what it takes. You need to also be in shape, and be able to provide your clients with advice. A good fitness trainer is a role model.

There are many places where you can employ your fitness trainer services. Some of these facilities include:

Elementary and High Schools

Spas

Fitness Clubs

Universities

Athletic Clubs

Rehab center

If you have any specialized sports related skills, you could use these to teach others. Such as karate, aerobics, baseball etc. These could be taught in gyms, students homes, YMCA's or anywhere that you would have access to a large enough room and the equipment needed.

Start-up Costs:
$100 to $5,000 depending on where you are going to do your workouts.

Financial sources:
Banks or Credit Unions. There is also the Small Business Administration. Your own savings or family members.

Advertising and Marketing Tips:
Yellow page advertising, business website, business cards and newspaper advertising. Once you get some clients, word of mouth will work very well if you are good. Your website should be listed on your business card and with your other advertising.

Essential Equipment:
CD player, DVD player, TV, aerobic steps, ankle & wrist weights, exercise balls, jump ropes, exercise mats, step-up boxes etc. Reference books and video tapes on nutrition, weight training, physical fitness and exercise games. Cell phone, seperate phone line with answering machine or service, pager, brochures and business cards.

Recommended Training & Needed Skills:
Nesta is an association that covers training and certification for being a Personal Fitness Trainer. You will need to know nutrition, athletic training and sports psychology. Learning at your local community college or with online courses such as with Nesta. Home study courses are offered by the Distance Education and Training Council.

Income Potential:
As a Personal Fitness Trainer you can earn from $20,000 to $80,000. This would all depend on your level of training and what type of classes or individual courses you teach.

Target Market:
Your target market as a Personal Fitness Trainer would be professionals, atheletes or people who just want to get in shape. Another market would be people who have been told by their physicians to get back into shape. This holds especially true for diabetics and people with high blood pressure.

Success Tips:
For those who haven't done any exercising recently, have your client get permission from their doctor. Get a start-up business plan.

Check local zoning laws. Have your Lawyer and Insurance agent provide liability insurance and waiver forms for your clients.

Once you know How to Become a Fitness Trainer, you can also consider opening your own small gym and starting your own business. Regardless what you decide, make sure you carefully think over your decision about becoming a fitness trainer. This job requires passion and dedication towards the health and wellness of others. If you aren’t prepared for this level of responsibility, you should consider another profession.

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