Personal Training Career

Jacquelyn Theriault

English III - Honors Pd. 6

Mr. Alburger

February 23, 2017

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Jacquelyn Theriault

23 February 2017

English III Honors

Mr. Alburger

Personal Training Career

The growing consciousness of the importance of healthy lifestyles lead individuals to

seek help when it comes to managing stress, exercising, and eating wholesome foods (Hot).

The personal training career molds professionals who choose to work an individualized approach

when assisting their clients fitness goals. With the execution of effective and safe exercise

programs, the personal training industry continues to boom, receiving referrals from clients to

doctors (Waryasz). More or less teachers, personal trainers support and motivate their clients to

further their progress in physical fitness, supplying encouragement and the knowledge to push

individuals to achieve their set goals (Personal). Personal trainers assess individual health and

develop fitness plans to better promote a healthy lifestyle, gaining relevant experience and

overview in the industry, complete certain levels of education, and come prepared for day to day

changes in job responsibilities.

Before pursuing a career in the fitness industry, personal trainers must have a clear

perception of their job overview and proper background experience in order to achieve complete

success. The median wage in 2015 for a personal trainer averaged $36,160 a year, or $17.39

hourly (Fitness Trainers). The highest ten percent of personal trainers in the industry had

earned more than $70,180 in May of 2015, whereas the lowest ten percent of personal trainers

had earned less than $18,690 in May of 2015 (Fitness Trainers). Experts project that careers in
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the personal training industry will increase around eight percent in the ten year span from 2014

through 2024 (Fitness Trainers). The steady projected job growth in this industry comes as a

direct effect of increasing awareness in the plethora of benefits that these programs offer

(Fitness Trainers). In addition to doctors recommending personal trainers and fitness

professionals to patients, the positive impressions of health and fitness programs additionally

emerge recognizable to businesses and government, thus increasing the demand for these fitness

professionals, especially certified personal trainers (Fitness Trainers). More common than not,

the baby boomer generation exercises fitness curiosities, resorting to personal trainers in order to

refrain from the common illnesses and injuries directly linked with aging the industry pushes

individuals towards a healthy lifestyle for people of all shapes and sizes (Fitness Trainers).

Approximately seven percent of trainers currently subsist as self employed, either through

individual entrepreneurship or working through contracts in association with fitness centers

(Fitness Workers). Growth in the fitness industry booms, leading to more job opportunities in

rapid growth fitness centers than ever before (Fitness Workers). Today society shifts towards a

primary focus on individual health, causing people to spend more money on wellness programs

for employees and fitness itself, leading the careers in fitness industries to increase quicker than

the 2014 occupational averages of other careers (Fitness Trainers). The flexibility of the

personal training industry stands out among competition, winning over the leisure of getting fit,

especially since some personal trainers make the trip to visit clients in their homes (Fitzpatrick).

Projected rates for each personal training session depend on the following factors: the duration of

the session, location of the training, frequency of the workouts and sessions, and most

importantly, the experience of the personal trainer (Chapter). The projected number of
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personal training jobs in 2014 reported roughly 279,100 (Fitness Trainers). Average rates per

training session may cost anywhere from $25 to $225 per hour, however, some trainers show

flexibility to clients and work with what the clients can afford to pay per session (Chapter).

The primary focus of a personal trainer remains to properly motivate, educate, and help their

clients safely succeed in their fitness goals (Fitness Trainers). Clientele in the personal training

industry ranges from all ages and backgrounds, whether the clients stay taught in group classes

or one-on-one with their preferred trainer or fitness coach. Gym members in some larger

facilities often buy a personal trainers services through the gym itself (Fitness Trainers).

Workplaces for personal trainers consist of a wide variety, including: client homes, recreation or

fitness centers, gyms, health clubs, pilate and yoga studios. These locations remain either

standalone centers and personal businesses, or fitness centers maintained by external businesses,

establishments, dedicated to social and civic organizations (Fitness Trainers). Backgrounds of

personal trainers vary by person, and consist of a wide variety of certification courses,

experience, and college degrees in a related exercise field (Waryasz). The more advanced and

rigorous a trainers education and certifications, the increased chance of landing high paying

jobs. There lives a great significance in studying the different certifications and educational

backgrounds while improving knowledge through a bachelor's degree (Waryasz). Trainers that

take such initiative have greater opportunities for higher employment, and encompass pragmatic

knowledge for a successful career.

Prior to entering the personal training profession, students interested in this pathway

understand the immense importance to meeting the educational background and certification

prerequisites that employers seek in potential employees. Certifications that personal trainers
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possess act alike tickets to higher job opportunities and the different areas of specialty in the

personal training career require various certification and educational backgrounds (Fitness

Trainers). Differing facilities require different accreditations for personal trainers, specialized

fitness instructors, and group fitness instructors pursuing different jobs and different tasks in the

fitness industry (Fitness Trainers). A high school diploma remains required for the majority of

students seeking a personal training career prior to beginning the profession. In order to fit the

requirements of the majority of employers, students should obtain either a bachelors (associated

with management) or associates degree in a related fitness and health field such as: exercise

science, physical education, or exercise techniques. Programs readily available to these students

also include: nutrition, anatomy, exercise techniques, biology, and group fitness (Fitness

Trainers). On the other hand, certain employers allow a college degree in place of a

certification, even though the majority of employers seek employees obtaining a bachelor's

degree and certification (Fitness Workers). Advancement in a personal training career excels

when the trainer previously took personal management, accounting, management, and business

administration courses during their college career. However, most fitness companies train their

employees for positions in management through corporate universities (Fitness Workers). The

majority of personal trainers in the field obtain a certification and/or a collegiate degree before

the search for a job in the industry. These certification programs require certain prerequisites.

Other less extreme certification courses only require a fee to take the course, and an exam to test

a trainers knowledge at the end (Waryasz). One certification associations conditioning and

strength coaches, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), believe that a masters

degree reigns more desirable compared to certifications themselves (Waryasz). Degree programs
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sought after by aspiring personal trainers includes comprehensive concepts and personal training

skills, and coursework including: Anatomy, Kinesiology, Conditioning, Motor Development, and

Physiology (What). Another certification organization, the American Council on Exercise

(ACE), reports that their certified trainers (higher than 40,000) obtained the knowledge of

clinical exercise, personal training, lifestyle and weight management, and group fitness

instruction. In the personal training profession, accreditation must stay maintained, so continuing

education throughout the career and renewing certifications claims best (Chapter).

Certification reins key when looking for a job in the personal training industry, many trainers

must obtain a certification prior to working with clients (Fitness Trainers). Certification exams

accurately measure a candidate's understanding of different and proper exercise techniques, the

ability to create proper exercise programs, a knowledge of human physiology, and the ability to

assess the different fitness levels of clients. The test splits into two sections, a written part for all

exams, and a practical part for most certification exams. Exam preparation lives mostly through

the advocation of these certifying organizations who offer audio and visual study materials,

webinars and book study materials, and seminars and preparation workshops (Fitness

Trainers). In order for a fitness professional to work with ill or injured people, advise general

health, or even train athletes, advanced certification such as a bachelor's or associate's degree in

an exercise related field remains required, since advanced certifications offer more specialized

courses (Fitness Trainers). Before advanced certification in the fitness industry, the majority of

fitness instructors and personal trainers require basic certification in external defibrillators and

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Fitness Trainers). In order to receive certification in CPR,

candidates may obtain a high school diploma, and pass the cardiopulmonary resuscitation exam.
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Certifications generally last about two years, then recertification occurs (Fitness Workers).

With the existing 75 certification agencies for personal trainers in the United States, the task

remains for employers to find a well-qualified personal trainer (Kufahl, Funneling). Not all

personal trainers possess certifications or recognized certifications for that matter, ensuring for

less potential when seeking a job in the fitness industry (Kufahl, Funneling). Certifications

exist primarily as reassurance for employers and managers to show the adequate training and

knowledge the personal trainer possessed through educational standards (Waryasz).

Credentialing exists to regulate personal trainers and job growth and opportunities, meaning

professional certifications and distinct education arrive vital when attempting to establish a

presence of high quality personal training (What). A plethora of certification organizations

exist for personal trainers, found listed in the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

(NCAA), offering accredited certification agencies (Fitness Trainers). Some common high

profile certifications available to personal trainers come from many associations, such as the

American Council on Exercise (ACE) offering Personal Trainer Certifications. The American

Fitness Professional and Associates (AFPA) organization offers: Strength and Conditioning

Specialist Certification, Senior Fitness Certification, Post Rehab Exercise Specialist

Certification, Personal Trainer for Special Populations Certification, Personal Trainer

Certification, Master Personal Trainer Certification, Functional Training Specialist Certification,

Advanced Personal Trainer Certification. The National Academy of Sports Medicine, NASM,

offers CPT, Certified Personal Trainer Certification. The NSCA, National Strength and

Conditioning Association, offers the NSCA-Certified Personal Training course. The NCSF

Personal Trainer certification lived offered by the National Council on Strength and Fitness.
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Lastly, the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM, offers the ACSM Certified Personal

Trainer certification course. The American Red Cross largely recognizes the CPR/AED

certifications acquired beforehand (What). The majority of personal trainers work part time,

resulting in low chances of receiving health insurance or retirement plan benefits from their

employers, but some trainers do receive the benefit of full use fitness facilities at no cost to them

(Fitness Workers). The physical fitness benefits of this career offer differing positive benefits

than company-offered insurance benefits.

To become the perfect candidate for a personal training career, individuals must possess

important skills and qualities to ensure positive growth in the training career and industry.

Customer service skills reign a must have in the personal training occupation since many trainers

depend on the sale of their services to acquire clients. Customer service skills also include an

encouraging, polite, and friendly atmosphere to guarantee a positive relationship between clients

and their trainers. Instructors of fitness must have the ability to execute and explain safe

exercises using proper form and technique, adjust these exercises specifically for each client, and

demonstrate communication skills. Trainers must possess adequate listening skills in order to

collect client input and determine their fitness goals. Fitness professionals have to obtain

motivational skills to reach success and keep clients in shape and physically motivated means

more business for a personal trainer. To stay up with the physical demands required from a

personal trainer, candidates for the career should have physical fitness skills to properly

demonstrate exercises to clients, and maintain proper form. Personal trainers must complete

individualized approaches and fitness plans for each client, therefore, problem solving skills help

the trainer evaluate and approach the different fitness levels of clientele (Fitness Trainers).
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When pursuing the personal training occupation, candidates should work well with people, have

a motivated and sensitive personality, and should act extremely outgoing. Personal training

candidates should also possess exceptional health and the ability to endure the physical nature of

the career. Sales skills also come in handy when seeking a personal training career in popular

commercial fitness centers (Fitness Workers). Developing understandings of fitness screening

techniques allow personal trainers to point out risk factors that could possibly deteriorate a

clients health before producing fitness plans. Communication and leadership reign key in the

fitness industry, listening, responding, and taking the lead help personal trainers better motivate

clients towards set goals and bear information. Personal training professionals must possess

information needed to understand nutrition and weight management, while teaching their clients

in the process. A basic understanding of client leverage and human nature itself maximizes

positive client relationships and broadens the experience of a personal trainer. Knowledge of a

personal trainer should grow and expand, knowing how to safely and effectively teach: physical

limitations, session lengths, equipment, warm-up routines, cool-down routines, and establishing

safe and effective fitness plans for individual clients through exercise monitoring (Personal).

Within the workplace lies many duties for personal trainers such as: enforcing and explaining

rules and regulations, the use of exercise machines and equipment, providing clients with proper

nutrition resources and information, and the ability to provide first aid in an emergency if

needed. Also, personal trainers must always monitor client progress and provide workouts in

limiting situations, safely demonstrate how to execute given routines and exercises, observe form

in clients doing exercises, minimize injuries within clientele by properly informing clients

correct exercise techniques and form, and lastly prepare alternative workouts for individuals of
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different skill and fitness levels (Fitness Trainers). Assessing the client's physical fitness level

before hand helps to shape a unique fitness plan specifically designed to help the clients work

towards their set goals. (Fitness Trainers). Fitness professionals find themselves responsible

for much more than the fitness aspect of the job, providing additional help and functions for their

employers or company, usually smaller facilities. These duties include advertising, such as

making flyers and posters, apparel, newsletter articles, and advertisements. Also, personal

trainers clean the facility and even tend the front desk, showing the fitness center to potential

clients and signing up new members, while managing the weight areas and power racks. On the

other hand, larger commercial fitness centers require their personal trainers to make a specific

number of sales each year, recruiting new members to the facility, combining the work of

personal trainers and group exercise instructors. Commonly in small facilities, personal trainers

run group classes aside from their personal clients (Fitness Workers). According to certified

personal trainer Josh Soper, the biggest challenge in the personal training profession persists

building a strong client base. Therefore, Soper notes that a personal trainer must set themselves

apart from the rest, assessing skill sets and marketing credentials (Soper). New research shows

that the baby boomer group has withheld a recent concern for their health and independence,

seeking ways to grow physically fit. The baby boomers group has grown to the largest

demographic group of members associated with health and fitness clubs. Physical education has

reduced in schools and childhood obesity has skyrocketed, causing parental concern for the

fitness of their children to increase, growing children health club memberships drastically.

Weight-training and personal training proceed to rapidly grow among the youths interest,

sparking the exponential increase in physical fitness jobs (Fitness Workers). Health clubs seek
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to offer a bigger variety of health classes, group classes, and personal training sessions in order

to better motivate their current members and keep their interests. Income increases and physical

fitness concerns have caused youth fitness rates to increase over time (Fitness Workers).

Government, corporations, businesses, and insurance organizations proceed to understand the

positive outcomes of physical fitness, taking the personal training career more seriously. This

causes recent incentives to arise, encouraging individuals (or their employees) to gain

memberships at health clubs or gyms, rapidly increasing the demand for personal trainers and

other fitness professionals. Incentives given by corporations look to improve employee wellness

and the foundation of their companies (Fitness Trainers). Replacing prescriptions for exercise

plans reigns key to keeping up with a healthy lifestyle (Kufahl, Prescription). Today, an

increase in entrepreneurs specializing in personal training occurs, building the fitness industry

like never before. These entrepreneurs manage their own businesses while promoting the

wellness of individuals through the act of personal training, handling machinery. The work

schedule for every trainer varies, yet most work holidays, weekends, and nights, traveling to

client homes or different gyms to conduct training sessions (Fitness Trainers). Personal

training schedules tailor mostly around clientele, leading to weekend sessions and holiday

appointments.

Personal trainers assess individual health and develop fitness plans to better promote a

healthy lifestyle, gaining relevant experience and overview in the industry, complete certain

levels of education, and live prepared for day to day changes in job responsibilities. Overall, the

personal training career guarantees positive job growth in a healthy environment, giving

individuals in the occupation a chance to positively impact their communities through the power
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of health and fitness. As the fitness industry booms, so does the growth rate of the personal

training occupation, opening doors for healthy lifestyles and fulfilling jobs.
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