Would it be wrong of me to start training people before I take my PT exam?
Hi Denise,
there is nothing to add to the answers that you got from LaRue and Jocelyn. Mine would have been identical.
But I understand that you want to practice, and there is one thing I believe you can start doing before you are certified: practice postural assessments. Ask people whether you can take their pictures according to the assessment modality of your PT exam and see what you can see. Or observe people’s gait and ask yourself what is out of alignment if you see imbalances.
Assessments are the cornerstone of any personal training, and they are both an art and a science. I have been a personal trainer for 17 years, and I still consider myself a learner in that field.
I wish you good luck with your exam.
For hands-ons practice and experience purposes only? Yes. That means charging them a minimal fee, or training them for free. Please understand there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a personal trainer. Think it would be best to take take the exam, first and follow the code of ethics. \
Good luck on the exam!
I would tend to agree with the answers given. If you could shadow someone that would be great. Take the time to practice on yourself and then maybe ask a friend if you can “try” a workout with them to see how what you have written makes sense. But I would not train anyone without being insured or certified. You could be asking for trouble. Good luck with your exam!!!!
As Jocelyn and Larue have so clearly articulated, just be absolutely careful about what you represent as your qualifications. I don’t know if you can get professional insurance, I doubt it, as LaRue suggests. And that’s a very important reality. Tami’s suggestion to “shadow” a trainer/client is great. What would you do in a similar situation?
I would at the first contact let every client know that you are studying to become a certified personal trainer. Bottom line.. it’s your skill and motivation that really matters. If you’re honest and up front, then many of your “pre-certification” clients will undoubtedly become clients when you complete the certification process.
Karin’s suggestions regarding assessment are so important. As a trainer, certified or not, assessment is the basis of your program design. Within the limits of the tools that you have available, become an expert at assessment of cardiovascular, strength, flexiblity and nutritional fitness. Then you will be an excellent personal trainer.
Take care.