The past few years have largely changed the way that we look at and pursue our career or professional life. Many people in the wake of the events of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have ended up making career changes. This was the result of a major intersection between world events and societal perception shifts. In other words, the way the world changed in response to the events of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything that followed was also a result of the overarching societal perceptions, and underlying technological foundation that was already present.
With so many people forced into finding a new career path, or pursuing a personal venture out of their own passion, becoming a personal trainer might be one of the first options that crosses your mind. Becoming a personal trainer can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. While there are some exams you have to take to earn your certifications, using tools like a NASM study guide can make the studying and exam process a breeze.
Below are some of the things to consider about a career as a personal trainer and how it might fit into your life.
Some Benefits of a Personal Training Career
There are actually quite a few benefits to building a career as a personal trainer. One of the significant benefits here is that, by and large, you’re able to create your own hours. This is a luxury that not many other professions offer. The ability to craft your own schedule week after week makes personal training an extremely flexible career that is good for those who like to be on the move, have their hands in a lot of different pots, or just like to have a bit more control over their work schedule.
This also makes personal training a great option for moms and dads because they can create a schedule with their clients that meets their family needs.
Another great aspect of becoming a personal trainer is the potential for earning. Many people don’t know the fundamentals surrounding working out, and need guidance. Even those who do understand exercise basics often utilize a personal trainer or coach to help them stay on track to reach their fitness goals.
Being able to offer clients as much support as they need can be extremely rewarding and gratifying. Especially if you like working with clients who always want you to push them harder.
How to get Started as a Personal Trainer
As mentioned above, you can’t just jump into a personal training career without some type of certification and education that demonstrates a clear ability to train others, and the knowledge required to do so safely.
Signing up for a personal training certificate program is one of the first things you’ll want to do after you’ve decided to pursue a career as a personal trainer, whether as a side hustle, or for your full time career.
Creating Tailored Workout Programs
Once you’ve been certified and maybe have gotten a start with a local gym, you’ll also be able to market yourself on social media, through a website if you have one, and through other channels as well.
One of the most exhilarating, exciting, and fun aspects of being a trainer is taking the time to learn your clients, learn about their struggles, and learn about their goals. This will help you create a tailored workout program just for them.
As a personal trainer, it’s extremely satisfying to help someone reach their individual goals through a training plan that you put together for them specifically.
Continual Learning
If you do decide to pursue a career as a personal trainer, it’s vital to keep in mind that you’ll likely need to acquire more than a single personal training certificate to show your knowledge and skill when it comes to physical and personal training.
Continual learning is an important part of any career, but for trainers, it’s especially important to keep on top of the latest knowledge surrounding optimal training techniques and tactics.
Practice What you Teach
Finally, it’s a good habit for all professionals to get into to simply practice what they teach. This is especially important for personal trainers, though. Part of the reason this is so important is because it will give you more than a textbook understanding of how a movement is supposed to feel, and the various struggles or pains that a client might feel.
Not only this, but it will also help you learn how to more accurately correct a client when they’re practicing a movement incorrectly which can often lead to permanent damage.
A few Final Thoughts
Many people are looking for their career calling these days wherever they may be able to find it. For some, the path of personal training is their vocation. It can be extremely rewarding to help others pursue and reach their health goals.
If you think personal training is right for you, consider finding a certificate program to enroll in today.