Where to Find Training as a Fitness Trainer

Even trainers needs training.  And fortunately, if you have your heart set on becoming a fitness trainer, there is training that will make the path smoother for you.  In fact, the right fitness training school will not only teach you the facts and skills that you’ll need to know, but will also lead you to eventual certification.

At a fitness training school, you’ll be taught the basics in areas such as nutrition, physiology, anatomy, and metabolism. You’ll get hands-on practice in conducting physical assessments, and help with designing and implementing fitness plans.  You’ll be shown how to work in a gym setting or even at people’s work sites.

There are enough fitness training schools you can afford to be choosy. Think about what your specialty will be, and see if the school offers something specifically for you.  There are schools with specializations in specific areas like running, yoga, working with seniors, aerobics, strength training, (CSCS and NCSF) sports medicine (NASM ACSM), working with youth, and more. If, in your actual career, you need to at first cast a wide net, you simply advertise yourself as a certified trainer.  Afterward, though, if you have specific training in a specific field, you’ll be better equipped to advertise that specialty.  More info here on Three Main Fitness Certifications.   If you are looking for a fitness school, try The National Fitness Training Institute. 

As a fitness trainer, you can either work for an employer or start your own business. It’s smart, though, to be prepared in case you have to work for someone else. In that case, you’ll need to meet their minimum requirements.  Usually this means that you’ll need at least an AS (Associate of Science) in physical education, exercise science, sports medicine, physiology, or some related health-care field.  Many of the better positions will expect at least a BS (Bachelor of Science) or an MS (Master of Science).  The higher you go with your training, the more and better jobs that will open up to you.

So what kind of pay will you find as you enter your career?  As you first get started, it could be as low as $18,000 a year. However, the good thing is that salaries move up quickly in the fitness field. You can expect that by mid-career, you’ll be making more than $60,000 or $70,000. This, of course, will vary depending on your education level, region and experience.

If you are just starting out, you may want to look at Fitness Related Job listings and see what is available in each of the different specialties that you are interested in.

The lesson:  If your dream career involves sweating and helping others sweat and stay in shape, get your education now; a good career will await you once you’re done.