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Where do I begin as a
Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor?
Start by determining your goals. What exactly is it that you
would like to do? Visit gyms and talk with instructors you
meet. This can help you decide what type of location or groups
of people you might work with best. Next, make an appointment
to visit with personal training or group fitness directors
at places that seem like a good fit to find out what you need
to get started. You do not have to have a certification to
start work. Many, particularly for group exercise, will hire
and train you and ask you to be certified within a year. Frequently
Asked Questions on CECs
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What certifications do
I need to become a fitness professional?
This depends on your specific area of focus. There are different
certifications for the different areas of the fitness profession.
There are basic certifications that cover the foundations
of fitness knowledge. Then, specialty certifications focus
on certain activities, such as indoor cycling or water exercise,
or on special populations, such as older adults. Most fitness
businesses look for a foundation certification.
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What kind of degree do
I need to become a fitness professional?
If you choose to obtain a degree, some programs to look into
are Kinesiology and Exercise/Sports Science. See the provided
list of Universities
and their websites offering degrees in Health and Fitness.
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Is it better to have a
degree or just get certified?
Being a certified fitness professional will be a prerequisite
for many facilities. While a college degree may not be a requirement,
it is beneficial to have a degree, no matter what profession
you choose. Management positions often require a college degree.
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Why is it necessary to
get certified if I have just spent 4 years earning a degree?
This certification will prove that you have received specific
training focused on your chosen area of study.
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How long does certification
take?
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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Can I work on getting
certified while pursuing my college degree?
Yes you can. To be certified, you take a test. Everyone has
a different learning curve and capacity for what they can
handle, you need to make that decision.
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How long is certification
valid for once I get it?
Most certifications are valid for 2 years and then you must
apply for re-certification. While you are certified, you must
earn continuing education credits (CEC). The number of credits
required varies for different certifications. Certification
agencies approve organizations to offer the CECs. For example,
IDEA is a provider of credits for several certification agencies.
You can earn CECs at IDEA events,
which provide you with the latest, innovative training techniques,
or through distance learning courses.
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Why are there so many
different certifications?
Certifications range from 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
on CECs
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How much money can I earn
as a fitness professional?
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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What are the benefits
like in the fitness industry?
Again, this depends on your employer. Full-time employees
earn benefits such as paid vacation and sick time. 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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