Fitness and Exercise Certifications
If you want to have a successful career as a personal trainer you need all the right fitness and exercise certifications; otherwise, you're going to get nowhere. People trust personal trainers who are experienced, knowledgeable and professionally certified to give them the right exercise regime they need to achieve their goals and give them the best health and fitness advice possible. The more certifications you have, the more customers you can help and the more trust you can instill in people when they come to you for advice.
With a basic certification you can begin working as a basic personal trainer at a gym, but there is only so far that the basic certification will take you. Many personal trainers already have college degrees in some sort of health and fitness related field as well. Then there are certifications in specific knowledge areas like group fitness, nutritional counseling and Pilates. If you want to teach one of the most popular classes or get clients who are in need of very specific nutrition advice, you will need some of these additional certifications.
Many people want to work with personal trainers who have nutritional certifications because they are trying to lose weight at the same time that they are trying to get their bodies in shape, and they may have problems switching their routines for the sake of a healthier diet. An exercise and nutrition expert can provide a wealth of advice for this type of client. Someone with very specific health needs may need to see a registered dietician, however.
Other clients may be more interested in a personal trainer who has certifications in Pilates and yoga because they are trying to tone their muscles and increase their flexibility while they maintain their overall fitness. A personal trainer with lots of experience in core strength training will have plenty of clients in need of advice.
When it comes down to it, the more fitness and exercise certifications you have the better. If you want to have a successful career in this field and attract as many clients as possible you need to broaden your skills.
