how can I become a personal trainer for young kids-would like to start a program
Education and experience will lead to having better focus and knowing what further education and experience will assist you in your goals.
Learn, apply, evaluate where you are, decide what you need to learn now, learn that, apply, evaluate, and so on. You have a lot of experience teaching children. But if you don’t know your subject, teaching it will be an act in futility.
Since I took my last test in graduate school, I have spent about 100 times more time studying and learning than I did in the entire 8 years that I was in college. When I look back I realize that I was a very cocky coach and instructor for the small amount of knowledge I possessed back then. That is partly why I approach new instructors with a lot of patience. And have found that I need to be patient with myself as well.
Hi Janet,
Glad to hear from a fit minded grandmother. For instant action let me recommend you visit “ChooseMyPlate.gov, a USDA site with lots of free materials you can use right now to educate your kids.
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/children-over-five.html
There is something for everybody. Follow the TEAM NUTRITION thread and you’ll have access to even more materials.
Also, check out American Council on Exercise’s ACE GetFit. Click on Youth Fitness for more excellent free materials for children and youth. ACE’s Public Outreach page has more programs you can take a look at.
Start here:
http://www.acefitness.org/ofk/default.aspx
These materials are designed for educators such as yourself and I’m sure you’ll be able to glean a lot of material from these sites to help you get informed and started right away. You don’t have to be a personal trainer to benefit from and use these materials to educate your kids.
I also highly recommend you take a look at ACE’s Personal and Group Exercise training certifications as well.
Go get’em Janet and more power to you! We need all the “Grandma’s” on the side of fitness we can get! I’m one myself.
Karin’s and LaRue’s answers give you 2 excellent organizations. Both the NASM and ICYA are commited to giving those interested excellent training in working with kids. I also agree with Karin in that you should become certified as a personal trainer to establish a strong background to develop a strong foundation in safe and effective fitness training and nutrition.
Good luck, take care.
Indoctrination starts early. If they’re really that young more focus should be put on sports and fun, active things they can do in groups or alone.
Strength and nutrition for kids is good, but may be a little much for them to chew on for a few years.
If you want to get started in youth training I’d suggest summer camps. They’re a good way to get on the job experience (and as fun as a job can get).
Make it fun, make the food tasty.