Welp MagazineIf you spend a moderate amount of time on social media, there’s a good chance you’ll see videos of fitness influencers, gym rats, and personal trainers. These videos get a lot of engagement and could be the inspiration for many people looking to train people in the gym. According to IBIS World, there are approximately 829, 645 personal trainers working in the U.S. That’s a large number of personal trainers, but just goes to show you that this goal can be accomplished. Still, you might not know how to make this happen. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy guide to becoming a personal trainer below.
Looking Fit
One of the core requirements of becoming a personal trainer is being fit and looking the part. No one is going to hire an out-of-shape personal trainer or someone who doesn’t look like they frequently go to the gym. Make sure you’re living a healthy lifestyle and working out regularly. Remember that you’ll actually have to demonstrate certain exercise and routines so keep your sharp fitness. You’re setting the bar and you’ll be looked at as the authority figure so do your homework, workout, and get your nutrition right.
Certifications
This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s highly important to be certified before you can become a personal trainer. Technically you don’t need to fulfill a national or state licensing requirement to work as a personal trainer. However, most employers require personal trainers to hold one or more national certifications. There are plenty to choose from the National Strength and Conditions Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is one of the best around. This exam is challenging so it would be wise to get a CSCS study guide you can trust. Choosing the right CSCS study guide will increase your chances of passing and put you on the road to personal training professionally.
Social Media Presence
They say content is king and this sentiment holds true for standing out as a personal trainer. You have to advertise your services and one of the best ways of doing this is through social media platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, etc. Come up with a loose strategy and figure out a posting schedule. Mix up your content and post a variety of videos as well as photos. If you have disposable income, you can promote posts and maybe even hire a promotional agency. Either way, this will help your services become known in your area and if done correctly, clients will seek you out.
Test Run
It’s hard to tell if you’ll like a career path especially if you don’t get to try. Luckily, you can do a test run on a close friend or a family member who trusts you and supports your aspirations. This will give you a chance to come up with workout plans devised for an individual and their goals. You’ll be able to see the struggles they face, their potential progress, and you’ll see how you handle these issues overtime. You might learn something new, and you’ll ultimately end up with a grounded view of what it’s like to be a personal trainer in a competitive industry.
Nutrition
Everyone knows that half the battle of staying fit isn’t just working out consistently, but getting the right amount of nutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, skipping out on nutrition can “reduce muscle mass, lower bone density, and cause fatigue.” Clients will ask about meal plans, supplements, and a multitude of diet questions. So it’s important to study and do your research so you’re prepared to handle these questions for the best results possible.
Insurance
Just like any business, it’s important to get some type of personal trainer insurance to protect yourself. There are multiple kinds available such as liability insurance, public liability insurance, professional indemnity, and more. If a client gets injured during one of your training sessions, you want to make sure you’re covered and no legal issues arise. Some gyms won’t even let you train on their premises without public liability insurance. These insurance plans are affordable, but make sure you do your research to see what option best fits your needs.
Conclusion
There are many routes to becoming a personal trainer and you have to figure out what path aligns with you as well as your goals. First and foremost make sure you look fit, then look into getting certified with a CSCS study guide. Try to build a solid social media presence, do a personal training test run with a family member or loved one, and study nutrition. Lastly, do your research and look into getting some sort of insurance to protect yourself against unnecessary expenses and legal situations. Take advantage of the tips outlined above in this guide, and you’ll break into the fitness industry sooner than you think.
