Why the Need for Personal Trainers Will Grow

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for specialized personal trainers is expected to continue this growth; the generation is the second largest age group in the U.S. and holds over 50 percent of the nation’s household wealth.

In other words, the United States has an aging population, and older adults have the time and money to focus on their health. That means staying active, and personal trainers fulfill an important role by helping people exercise safely.

Of course, not all personal trainers work with older adults. If you’re serious about this career, you can consider taking courses to develop a specialization. Possible career paths include:

• Group Exercise Trainers- These trainers specialize in developing and monitoring group-oriented activities. That could mean everything from running spin classes to yoga, but you’ll draw on your knowledge of fitness to make sure that every client receives personal attention.
• Mobile Personal Trainers- These professionals visit their clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. As a mobile trainer, you’ll spend a lot of time commuting to different houses, developing personalized workout regimens for each client.
• Remote Personal Trainers- During the pandemic, the market for online personal training has expanded considerably. Remote trainers use webcams to interact with their clients, leading them through appropriate exercises.
• In-Gym Personal Trainers- These trainers work at a single gym. This can be advantageous for people who crave a steady work schedule — additionally, you won’t need to haul much gear back and forth.

If you’re thinking about becoming a certified personal trainer, it’s important to seek out reputable training resources. You will need specific certifications and training to find employment opportunities — but the internet makes that process much easier.

Online Resources for Personal Trainer Certification

A variety of accredited organizations offer personal trainer certifications online, so you’ll need to research carefully to find an option that meets your expectations. Make sure to evaluate every available option. Ask questions; find out whether your certifications will be applicable to employment in your state. Determine whether the training will take place online or in-person.

Benefits of online certification programs include:

• Easy scheduling
• Fast completion timelines
• Simple financing options for tuition costs
• Lower overall costs compared to many in-person courses

Some schools also offer job placement programs to help graduates find work right after graduation. To get started, look for at least 3-4 options, keeping detailed notes about each program’s advantages and disadvantages.

Research Carefully When Finding Personal Trainer Certifications Online

If you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, find out what certifications are required in your state. While in-person certification courses can be beneficial, online-only courses or hybrid courses (which mix online coursework with in-person instruction) can make the certification process considerably easier. However, online programs vary greatly, so be prepared to read carefully.

Some tips for searching:

• Read the terms and conditions. Find out whether the program offers refunds if you decide to cancel before starting your coursework. Look for additional costs that might add to your total expenses; some courses charge for certification exams, for example.
• Make sure the course fits your schedule. Some accredited institutions allow students to take classes and complete tests on their own time — others have strict class schedules. Make sure you’ll be able to devote enough time to finish your coursework.
• Find out the expected time to graduation. Some courses can be finished in weeks or months, while more advanced programs can take several semesters to complete.

It’s also important to remember that as a personal trainer, you have a responsibility to continue your education after receiving your certification. Reputable online resources can be enormously helpful for expanding your knowledge and developing your skill set.

Personal Trainers Have New Resources for Getting Certified and Finding Work

If you’ve decided to become a personal trainer, you’re embarking on an exciting, fulfilling, and important career. Online resources can help you get started. However, different programs have different benefits — to find an appropriate course, you’ll need to review your options.

Look for a variety of accredited schools with online training programs. Don’t sign up for the first school you find; any time you spend on research will pay off, and comparing a few options could save you time and money in the long run. By taking a careful approach, you can start your journey as a personal trainer today.