Becoming a Personal Fitness Trainer




Becoming a personal fitness trainer was one of the best things I ever did, not only for myself, but for my family too. Yes, fitness has long been a passion of mine but there are days when I too just want to drive right pass the gym. Luckily, becoming a personal fitness trainer has kept me accountable and motivated to stay in shape, for myself and my clients. I mean, what other job do you get paid to work out?! Added bonus, I get to make my own schedule…a mom’s dream!

Okay, enough about why I think it is the best job ever. With a little hard work and enthusiasm for fitness, anyone can do it. Here are a couple different avenues for becoming a personal fitness trainer.

Get Certified

There are a number of different organizations that you can go through when becoming a personal trainer. No, not all certification were created equal. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the organization is accredited. Being accrediated by a independent third party verifies that the organization has passed a review process designed to ensure health and safety to the public.

Some other things to consider when picking a certification for becoming a personal fitness trainer…

  • What are the prerequisites for the certification? Most require you to be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma and a CPR certification.
  • Is it an at home study program, a seminar or a workshop?
  • How much does it cost?
  • How long does it take to study for?

Here are some of the most popular personal training certifications for becoming a personal fitness trainer...

ACE (American Council on Exercise)

After much research, this is the certification I settled on. As I understand, it is among the gold standards of personal training and fitness certifications. Yes, the information is very thorough but I believe knowledge to be one of the most important characteristics for being an effective personal trainer. Here are ACE’s stats…

  • Accredited: Yes, by NCCA (the gold standard of quality for fitness certifying organizations
  • Prerequisites: 18 years old, CPR and AED certified by the time you sit for the exam
  • Home study program, a seminar or a workshop: Home study is available, exam taken on site or online, workshops available for preparation purposes, free personal trainer study coach program
  • Cost: $219-$249 (online test is more expensive). Your study material is extra and varies depending on the material you choose
  • Preparation Time: 12-20wks (can take more if you so desire)

ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)

  • Accredited: Yes, by NCCA (gold standard of quality for fitness certifying organizations)
  • Prerequisites: 18 years old, High School diploma or equivalent, Adult CPR certification that has practical skills component (American Heart or Red Cross would work)
  • Home study program, a seminar or a workshop: Home study is available, exam is computer based at Pearson VUE testing sites (offered daily). Workshops also available at additional cost
  • Cost: $219-$279 - Your study material is extra and varies depending on the material you choose
  • Preparation Time: 3-6 months (can take more if you so desire)

AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)

  • Accredited: Yes, by Vital Research
  • Prerequisites: 18 years old, must be CPR certified to receive certificate
  • Home study program, a seminar or a workshop: Home study is available, exam taken on site workshops available for preparation purposes, free personal trainer study coach program
  • Cost: $479 – This includes a 3 day workshop, study guide, 1 yr AFAA membership. This does not include the recommended text book ($59)
  • Preparation Time: It’s a three day workshop but it is recommended that you are familiar with the recommended textbook and study guide

NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

  • Accredited: Yes, by NCCA (the gold standard of quality for fitness certifying organizations)
  • Prerequisites: 18 years old, current CPR and AED certification
  • Home study program, a seminar or a workshop: Home study is available, exam taken on site, workshops available for preparation purposes
  • Cost: $549 (includes exam and online practice exam). For $599 your study material is included. For $799 a live workshop is included.
  • Preparation Time: 3-6 months (can take more if you so desire)

The Cooper Institute

  • Accredited: Yes, by NCCA (the gold standard of quality for fitness certifying organizations)
  • Prerequisites: 18 years old, current CPR certification at time of exam (no online CPR certification is accepted)
  • Home study program, a seminar or a workshop: Home study is available, exam is computer based at Pearson VUE testing sites world-wide.
  • Cost: $250 for the exam. Your study material is extra. Two options: 4 day workshop with live instructors for additional $525 or DVD computer lectures, study guide and 1.5 hours of applied training for $570 (offered twice a year)
  • Preparation Time: Based on the individual. 75 hours of independent study is recommended and 10 hours of role play is recommended for becoming a personal fitness trainer with this certification.

These aren’t all of them. There are more accredited programs for becoming a personal fitness trainer that are worth looking into. Do your research and pick the one that is best for you.

  • ISSA (International Sports & Sciences Association)
  • NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
  • NFPT ((National Federation of Professional Trainers)
  • IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association)


Become a Beachbody Coach

There's one more option for becoming a personal fitness trainer or coach.

My vision for this website, and as a personal trainer, has always been to provide all the tools necessary to help others, not only get back into those “skinny jeans” but get healthy. Unfortunately, I have struggled with providing these resources to everyone. I want meal plans, easy recipe books, grocery shopping lists, work out options to keep you from hitting a plateau, oh, and wouldn’t a DVD be nice for those days you can’t make it to the gym! Honestly, there are times I feel like throwing in the towel because I can’t figure out how to provide online all the necessary tools for helping people reach their goals.

The answers to all my frustrations came when I was approached by another fitness coach about becoming an Independent Beachbody Coach. After much research, I decided it was an amazing opportunity! As a Beachbody coach, all those essential tools are provided. Your clients will have access to meal planning, grocery shopping list print outs, easy recipes, chat rooms, and an incredible selection of proven fitness programs…everything I always wanted.

Your job is to guide your clients through these weight loss programs while encouraging them, supporting them and answer their questions…all done on line! I use this type of coaching to reach more people and as a supplement for the clients I have.

Essentially, you are your own boss, working from home, part-time or full-time…it’s all up to you. With a baby on the way and three year old that is growing up way too fast, this is awesome personal training option.

LEARN MORE! It just might be the perfect fit for you!

There you have it! You definitely have some options. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming a personal trainer.


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