Who Should Get Personal Trainer Certification (And Who Shouldn’t)?

Photo by Lawrence Wilcox from Unsplash

A personal trainer certification gives you more than bragging rights. It also provides extensive knowledge and skills that you can apply in real life. Throughout the training, you will learn many things that will make you more competent. That being said, this certification isn’t for everyone.

Do you need a personal trainer certification? Is it only a waste of time? Read on and find out!

What Is a Personal Trainer Certification?

From high-intensity interval training to strength training, getting a personal trainer certification can help you build health and fitness programs suited for your clients. It is a great way to enrich your knowledge and skills while also building your competency.

In a nutshell, a personal trainer certification is a program designed for those who want to start a career in fitness. It involves taking lessons over a predetermined time and passing an exam. Once you pass, you will get a certification, which you can use to highlight your credentials as an expert in the field.

Different certifications are available. Among others, one you might want to consider is the ISSA Personal Trainer Certification. It is a program from the International Sports Science Association, an organization that has been around for more than three decades. Passing the certification requires taking a program over 10 weeks. It culminates with a 200-question open-book exam.

Who Should Get Personal Trainer Certification?

Are you still contemplating if you need to have a personal trainer certification? Below are some of the reasons why you might want to consider taking such a program.

1.    You Want to Build a Career as a Professional Personal Trainer

Being a personal trainer can be a lucrative career. However, the latter depends on many things, such as your experience and credentials. It is paramount to build expertise in the field so you can command respect and attract clients.

One of the best ways you can show your authority in the field is by getting a personal trainer certification. With it, you can increase the chances of being hired by a reputable gym, and you might be given more responsibilities compared to those who do not have a certification. It can also mean a higher salary.

Certification can help you earn more money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for personal trainers is $40,390. However, those with certification can earn up to $50,000 per year or more.

2.    You Want to Know How to Market Yourself as a Personal Trainer

The personal training industry can be competitive. Hence, you must find ways to stand out. With this, a personal trainer certification can help. You will learn how to better market yourself and your services. It can be a great opportunity to effectively reach your target market, which you won’t know how if you don’t have a business or marketing background.

3.    You Want a Cheaper Insurance

Some insurance companies can provide you with insurance even without a certification. However, some insurers will recognize your certification. They can assume you are highly qualified, and hence, you are less likely to cause harm and injury to your client. As a result, they might perceive you to be a lower risk, and hence, you can qualify for a lower premium for general and professional liability insurance.

Who Shouldn’t Get Personal Trainer Certification?

While a personal trainer certification sounds like a badge you can brag about, it is not for everyone. For some people, it can be a waste of time. Here are some of the reasons why it might not be for you.

1.    You Want to Train at the Collegiate or Professional Level

If your goal is to train at the collegiate or professional level, then you will most likely need more credentials than a personal trainer certification. The requirements can vary, but in most cases, you will need formal education. It could also mean getting a college degree related to the field.

2.    You Want to Learn Fitness for Yourself

As the name implies, a personal trainer certification is for those who aspire to work as a personal trainer. Meanwhile, if you want to learn healthy habits for yourself and not teach others, a certification is not necessary. You will find lots of cheaper options online.

3.    You Want to be a Nutrition Expert

Those who want to be nutrition experts must consider a different kind of certification. Personal training certification focuses on exercise, as well as how it can complement your diet. Nonetheless, if you want to emphasize diet and nutrition over exercise, then you might be more suited for a different program.

In Closing

 

Photo by Rinke Dohmen from Unsplash

Overall, a personal trainer certification can be an asset, especially if you want to build a fitness career and help clients achieve their goals. It is also great for marketing yourself as a personal trainer and even for potentially qualifying for cheaper insurance. Meanwhile, it can also be a waste of time and money, especially if you want to learn more about fitness only for yourself.