A Personal Trainer is a health or fitness professional who evaluates, motivates, educates, and trains clients to help them meet individualized healthy lifestyle goals. Personal trainers provide fitness assessments, instruction and supervision to individuals or small groups of clients. They may be employed by fitness centers or work on a freelance basis. Most personal trainers are certified, and an increasing number of them hold associate's or bachelor's degrees in fields like exercise science or physical education. Personal trainers tend to start their employment by being paired with a more experienced trainer for on-the-job training.There are several different paths one may take to become a personal trainer, though certification and postsecondary education programs are the most common. Certification is not always mandatory in order to work as a personal trainer; however, the vast majority of employers have policies requiring that personal trainers be certified, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Certification is also beneficial for freelance trainers, who rely on reputation and word of mouth to obtain new business. Trainers can obtain certification through several professional associations devoted to fitness and related areas, such as the American College of Sports medicine, the American Council on Exercise or the International Sport Sciences Association. Certificates of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are generally required to enroll. Qualified candidates must then complete training requirements and a certification exam set by the respective accrediting organization. Once certified, the BLS notes that these professionals are typically required to complete continuing education requirements every two years in order to maintain their credentials. Personal trainers meet with clients on a one-on-one or small group basis to help them determine, execute and achieve physical fitness goals. They supervise clients in the use of cardiovascular and weight machines, act as spotters for clients using free weights and provide verbal motivation to help clients meet their goals. Some trainers also specialize in specific forms of fitness, such as yoga, and provide personalized instruction to clients who wish to learn or increase their knowledge in those forms of exercise. The BLS reported that fitness training and instruction jobs were predicted to increase by 13% from 2012-2022, which was an average growth rate. Workers with formal education in health and fitness should see the best job opportunities. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors earned a median salary of $33,020 as of May 2013, per the BLS.The number of personal trainers in America will jump 24% by 2020, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the field increases, clients will need to do more research to find the perfect fitness coach. It's important to consider everything from what your trainer wears to how they talk.
Here are five qualities you should look for in a personal trainer:
1.Patience
Patience is the key to a good client-trainer relationship. Trainers should understand that what works for one client may not work for another. He or she should do an assessment of your body when you first meet to familiarize themselves with your needs. Trainers should also find a comfortable pace for their clients, Borden says. Some clients may progress at a faster rate, while others may require more coaching and assistance.
2. Communication
Your trainer likely will not be with you at all times during your workouts. That said, they should be able to explain things to you on the phone and teach you how to do certain moves without physically being present through every workout.
3. Professionalism
While it's important to maintain a close relationship with a client, Borden says, there also needs to be a level of professionalism.
4. Education
Trainers should have, and be able to show you, an appropriate fitness certification for their area of expertise.
5. Personality
As a client, you want to feel comfortable and trust that your trainer has your best interest in mind.