Personal Training Programs

Many people find it difficult to stay on a health and fitness routine. If you think staying healthy and fit is a priority for you, you can turn your interest into a career. Not only will you stay fit but you will also help others to work on fitness goals. Personal trainers play a vital role in improving their clients' physical and mental health. Personal training schools are also growing with the rising demand for health and fitness. If you want to have a successful career as a personal trainer, it is really important for you to look for a high quality personal training.

Personal Trainer Requirements
Education
Almost all trainers and instructors hold a high school diploma before they enter the personal training profession. Many employers now demand personal trainers to have higher level degrees such as an associate's or a bachelor's degree in the fields of physical education, kinesiology, or exercise science. Personal training programs usually include courses in group fitness, exercise techniques, and nutrition.

Certification
Employers have a preference to certified fitness trainers and instructors.  Most trainers and instructors require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). After that they can apply for a certification in physical fitness. All certification exams have a written portion, but some exams also include a practical part. Certification exams test students on topics such as physiology, exercise techniques, assessment of fitness level, and development of exercise programs.

Online Programs
Online programs are convenient and flexible, and are quite suitable for individuals who are unable to attend on campus programs. Online personal training programs provide students with a solid foundation in terms of knowledge, skills, and physical abilities. Students learn to perform exercise-related assessments and tests. They learn to come up with safe and effective exercise programs and also gain knowledge about implementing safe weight loss or gain programs. In addition, they acquire a number of business skills. These programs enable students to have an entry level career in personal training.

Career As A Personal Trainer
According to BLS, employment opportunities for fitness trainers and instructors are expected to increase by 24 percent between the years 2010 to 2020, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment opportunities are likely to grow, as business and insurance companies are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness. The aging population of baby boomers who need help in preventing injuries and illness will also require personal trainers. Other employment opportunities for personal trainers will arise from the increasing emphasis of young people to overcome obesity and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Work Settings
As a personal trainer, you have a number of options in terms of where you want to work. Some of the work settings where personal trainers are generally found include:

• Health clubs
• Corporate fitness departments
• Vacation resort or spa
• A gym or workout facility
• Independent personal training
• Aerobic and yoga centers