Fitness Training Du Jour: Become a Certified Fitness Trainer

By Kelly Richardson
Career Colleges Columnist

Consider this: 60 million adults over the age of 20 are obese, and the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled over the last 25 years among adolescents and quadrupled among children. For the certified personal trainer, that's millions of potential clients that need fitness training from a professional.

As science reveals more about the benefits of exercise on our holistic health, the role of the certified personal trainer has become increasingly imperative. Fitness training professionals are experts in providing guidance for healthy living in the form of sound exercise and dietary habits. Fitness workers held about 205,000 jobs in 2004, primarily with health clubs, health care facilities, and on a freelance basis. Thousands of Americans routinely seek out their counsel on living a better life.

Fitness Training Concepts

Want to make your mark in the fitness world? Here are a few of the concepts you'll study as you work your way towards certified personal trainer credentials.

Aerobic Exercise. As the number one fat-fighting activity, sensible aerobic exercise routines will have innumerable benefits for your clients.
Weight Training. Weight training will help your clients replace fat cells with lean muscle as well as improve endurance and bolster immune systems.
Dietary. A prudent diet goes hand-in-hand with exercise and weight training. You can offer your knowledge as an add-on to fitness routines.
CPR. Every certified fitness trainer should know the process of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of emergency.

Certified Fitness Trainer Career Profile

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the fitness training field will see incredible growth over the next decade. And earning solid credentials in the field, particularly a certified personal trainer designation, will increase your chances of finding steady employment.

Basic Training. Earning a degree in fitness, exercise science or nutrition will separate and differentiate you from a sea of competitors.
Employment Outlook. Employment of certified fitness trainers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014.
Salary Potential. Median annual earnings of personal trainers and group exercise instructors in May 2004 were $25,470, with the middle 50% earning between $17,380 and $40,030.

If you have a passion for exercising, living and eating well, and longevity, becoming a certified fitness trainer will allow you to share your healthy habits with others. The fitness training world is awaiting your contributions. Find a school offering fitness training near you to get started!

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in a variety of respected educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

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