I am f/30 year fitness buff & former runner considering becoming CPT to help women boomers on ML journey. Any advice? thx!
Study. Learn as much as you can about the basics of fitness, exercise and wellness (you can never stop learning in this industry). Get certified (there are numerous certifying agencies so do your research and pick the one that you feel is the best fit for you). Get experience (any way you can – internship, assist an experienced trainer, train family and friends). Market yourself (once you feel competent, get out there and get some clients!). Study (learn as much as you can about more advanced techniques, theories and methods). Market yourself…
I think you get the idea 🙂 That’s really great that you feel the passion to help others in this way. As a trainer with over 19-years training experience I commend you for finding (and following) your passion. The one caveat that I ‘might’ give is this. In my opinion, it’s always best when you’re starting out in a new career path to learn as much about that career/profession that you can before ‘specializing.’ This doesn’t mean that you should not put your primary focus on the demographic that you’ve chosen (midlife women) as you niche. It only means that you may want to spend time (at least in the beginning) working with a variety of other clients as well. This will give you a more well-rounded training experience, and you never know, you may find a ‘secondary passion’ for training a completely different demographic.
I hope that this helps and good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
THANK YOU all for the supportive and positive feedback. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a VERY long time. I think I’ve already connected with a mentor who has graciously offered to help me in any way she can! The stars a aligning and I’m starting the process with getting my CPR/AED cert. 🙂
I am highly considering ACE for certification. Many of the trainers in my geographical area are certified thru ACE. I’ve been researching for several weeks now and ready to make a decision once CPR complete. Any comments on ACE?
ACE has been great, I was originally certified in 1988 as group fitness instructor, later as a personal trainer also with ACE. I agree that the field, though competitive, always has room for excellent professionals. Regarding mistakes, it is paramount to train with the absolute safety of your clients in mind. It is crucial to know and follow the ACSM guidelines. With older adults, mistakes may be more costly to those you train. Getting older brings all the effects of aging and recovery takes longer. Injuries also take longer to heal, and may remain for the remainder of life. Additionally, you will be dealing with co-morbidities that your client may not be aware of. I strongly recommend Spirduso et.al. “Physical Dimensions of Aging”, an excellent and comprehensive text, http://www.humankinetics.com/products/all-products/physical-dimensions-o… . It is worth every penny. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or concerns. I would be delighted to assist with your mentoring. This is a growing market that is underserved in MANY ways!