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How much experience do
you need to have to become a fitness professional?
Many places will help train you after you are hired. However,
the more experience you have, the more choice you will have
over where you work. If you are a regular exerciser and want
to start teaching, ask the director if the company helps with
your training.
Basic certification is generally requested either before or
within a year after hire. The 2002
Compensation Survey will show that some jobs, e.g., group
fitness, require cert. more than other jobs. See our list
of certification agencies
accepted into the IDEA PFT (Personal Fitness Trainer) recognition
system.
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What is the pay like?
This depends on whether you work part-time or full-time as
well as what type of job you do. In general, group instructors
who teach classes like step or high-low impact have a base
wage, and instructors with specialized skills such as indoor
cycling or yoga earn more. Personal trainers are often paid
a percentage of what the client pays for each session. More
specialized personal trainers charge a higher per-hour fee.
In fitness, your earnings are in your hands depending on how
much you want to work. Get a general idea of wages in the
fitness industry at www.bls.gov.
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Why do I need to get certified?
As wide as the Health and Fitness Industry is, certification
will prove that you have received specific training focused
on your chosen area of study.
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How long is the certification
process?
There are many certification course options. Some can take
days and some can take months. Make sure that you do your
research when choosing where to get certified. You want to
make sure you are being trained by a credible source.
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Where can I get certified?
See our list of certification
agencies accepted into the IDEA PFT (Personal Fitness
Trainer) recognition system.
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How do I become associated
with IDEA?
It’s as easy as registering online at www.ideafit.com
or call 1.800.999.4332, ext. 7 and one of our member representatives
will be happy to help you join the leading membership organization
for health and fitness professionals. Join
Now >>
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How much is it to be an
IDEA member?
IDEA offers memberships for everyone ranging from student
to business professional. Depending on which membership you
choose, benefits and cost will vary. Find out more about our
membership packages.
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What are the benefits
like in the fitness industry?
This depends on your employer. Full-time employees earn benefits
such as paid vacation and sick time. Part-time employees and
independent contractors do not receive these benefits. To
get an idea of salary and benefits, go to www.bls.gov
or become
a member now to view the 2002
Compensation Survey, which includes the latest salary
and benefit industry information.
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Liability insurance...how
necessary is it?
A good option is to research Professional
Liability Insurance. Even if you do your best and act
according to industry guidelines and standards, a client can
still file a liability claim. Liability insurance is one of
the best defenses available to you in these situations. IDEA
offers their members affordable insurance as one of many benefits.
* Eligibility for liability insurance dependent on membership
category.
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What kind of positions/jobs
are there in the fitness industry?
There are many different positions to choose from. Teaching
staffs include group fitness instructors, personal trainers
and workshop leaders. Each of these jobs also has management
positions. Administrators start as “front desk”
workers and can later move in sales, finance and management
positions. There are options to start your own business, perhaps
as a personal trainer, or supplying instructors to corporations
or hospitals
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Why are there so many
different certifications?
Certifications range from being basic to very specialized.
Depending on your chosen profession and what kind of training
you would like to offer your clientele, you may need more
specific certifications.
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Do I need to go back to
school and get a degree to enter the health and fitness field?
No, but you do need specific knowledge to help people safely
and effectively exercise. You can be trained at a place of
business, or attend university or community college extension
programs. Studying on your own or with a friend can help you
learn more quickly. Many fitness businesses will ask for a
certification, and some may require a college degree.
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