How To I become a Personal Trainer?

HauseKat

Banned
I was just wondering how I would go about becoming Certified as a Personal trainer and working in the local Gyms??


I have seen many online courses I could take, while Im away from my home town for a couple months. Its only about 400 dollars to complete the course and become certified!!

Would this be all I really need to get my first real job in the local gyms around my hometown. Like 24 hours fitness, firm intentions, YMCA, those are some regulars around my area

ALL HELP would be appreciated!! Thanks!!!!
 
If you are worried about working in a gym and needing certification. ISSA is the way to go, everyone will except them, I used to be registered with them, but over the years the certificate has meant nothing in the big game of it all. The other two trainers, at my MMA school aren't certified either, but for a commercial gym you will have to be.
 
saWeeeT!!! so how would I get a job then
would the people working there now as personal trainers
train me in the field, and then let me have my own clients???

so i can make some good money???!!!
 
Well some trainers make good money, others starve. It is all up to you and the results that your people get. Get certified with ISSA, then usually you will get paid a floor rate, and a training rate. You can make out really well, or not at all.
 
IMHO, personal trainers are not on demand at all, at least right now. Many of my local gyms even have signs up prohibiting posting flyers, training clients there, etc. There's just way too many of them around anymore. It gets to be a hassle for the gym owners and the other members there.

I was going to do this before too, but looked into it more and decided not to. If I were you, I would judt try and get your own personal/private clients fro now. And I would focus on mainly older trainees. THis way you wouldn't even need a cert. and you could always do that later...
 
I feel strongly NASM (national academy of sports medicine) is the best one can obtain, without having a degree in sports science (ascm would get that vouch). This is the one of the two I have and absolutely had no problems with getting job offers. I think PT's are in high demand still. Really depends on the gym and location im sure. One could make 6 digits with the right situation and big clientele (ACE, ISSA, AFAA all good.... there's a few more)
Sage
 
Like Jergo was saying, the demand for personal trainers right now is very low.

At my gym I am in charge of interviewing and hireing trainers when we need them, which is very rare. In the past I have had to schedule several inteviews a day which involve skills assesment and written tests. I rarely hire someone unless they have some sort of formal education in the field or are certified by a major organization like ACSM or NSCA. I cant speak for the gyms in your area. Thats just my experience when it comes to personal training.

I will say this. There have been times where someone with no previous training experience has come in and showed that they know there stuff. If thats the case we usualy take them on and help them work towards their certification.

Thought you might like to hear from someone on the inside. Hope it helps.

good luck
 
The reason I want to know this is because
Personal Training is somethin ive wanted to do for along time
and Now that Im 18, I really want to make this happen!!


I just want to make enuff money to get my own place sometime soon yano
and stuff like that HAHAHA

thanks for all the info guys!
 
HauseKat said:
The reason I want to know this is because
Personal Training is somethin ive wanted to do for along time
and Now that Im 18, I really want to make this happen!!


I just want to make enuff money to get my own place sometime soon yano
and stuff like that HAHAHA

thanks for all the info guys!
Click to expand...

18? You mean 20 right?
 
kmac6225 said:
yeh weird, i thought you were 20 too???? hmm musta gotten confused
Click to expand...

indeed:

HauseKat said:
Alright, Im 20 years old, might not look like it but I am.
Click to expand...

HauseKat said:
And Im 20 i have no clue why it said 18,
Click to expand...

HauseKat said:
Im 18 and i made the same choice,
Click to expand...

HauseKat said:
Now that Im 18, I really want to make this happen!!
Click to expand...

no offense HauseKat, but just come clean, man.
:)
 
thats funny

I was registered with ISSA as well back in the dizzay

id say get a certification it looks good on a business card if you want to do it privately

you don't even have to tell the gyms you are training someone there...all gyms normally have some kind of rate for a one day pass

if you land some clients...they pay for the use of the gym on the days they want to go, and thats that...

also...its tough getting clients at a gym..i worked in NYC for a bit...

like stated above..you are a "floor trainer" where you get paid like 9 an hour to walk around and help people..trying to get clients etc....you only get paid more when your with a client

i personally didnt make that much money...there were dudes there with phd's etc in exercise phys...real tough

needless to say, i am now an IT guy

h19
 
I'm currently a trainer at my job, formerly sales..

Things to consider when becoming a trainer:

1. Get CPR certified, don't want Grammy fallin' out on you from the treadmill..
2. The main certifications you'll need (one, or all if you got the $$) ACE, NSCA, NASM, ACSM, ISSA, AFFA.. Some clubs, like mine, have specialty certifications you can take, which makes you worth more..

3. Don't be shy! Do you know how many women ask me to spot them a day? I'm at the squat rack more while I'm working than I am on leg day!! Not that I'm complaining, no.. :D The moral is, the more personable and out-going you are, people will just bring you clients..

4. Sex is not a payment option, but negotiable if she's cute..

5. As long as you can motivate your clients, keep them pushing, don't let them down, and show them results, once again, they'll bring you clients..

Don't thank me, this is what I do! ;)
 
point #3 is a good one. and im sorry but trainers have a different mentality on a good lifestyle than your average gym-goer. An idea that was well put in Pete's 5th point. Im a PT, and sorta feels like a club..... :) But of course, they're dudes (many on this board) who isnt a certified trainer and knows everything about everything health and sports science.
Sage
 
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