how to get started as a personal trainer after getting certified
I just got NCSF certified and am trying to figure out where to go from here. I have a fair amount of personal experience (extremely physically active and in sports since early childhood, been doing personal training as a client for a little more than a year, been instructing some people on techniques in Judo and archery) but I don’t yet have much confidence as my ability as a trainer. I’m afraid that I’ll get a client and won’t know how to help them; what they need or what exercises to do with them.
I understand the only way to have experience is to jump in and get experience but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions/ advice on how to do that, a good course of action from here, advice in general, etc..
Hi Daniela,
I like Amy’s recommendations.
Working at a gym is not the most lucrative position but it gives you experience with people who are looking for exercise recommendations. You can also observe how trainers interact with clients and take from it both what you like and what you do not want to do yourself.
In many gyms, new members are offered a session or two with a trainer. For the most part, those new members are put on a standard program which is designed not to do any harm. Those sessions will give you an opportunity to listen to what they have to say about themselves, problems that they have and previous experiences. It will also give you a first opportunity to customize programs when you need to deviate from the canned version to accommodate special requests.
Over time, you will get more confidence in your own abilities. It takes a little time. Be willing to listen, and never stop learning.
Wishing you the best.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com