22 April

The Importance of Personal Training Education: How to Choose the Right Program

Image of a person working with a personal trainer on NPTIFL's website

The fitness industry continues to grow as more and more people understand and embrace the importance of and desire to keep their bodies and minds fit and healthy. In fact, the employment of fitness trainers and instructors projected to grow 19% before 2031, faster than the average for all other occupations.

Personal training career education can certify you to safely and effectively design fitness programs and work with clients to help them achieve their goals. And in today’s gyms and homes, it’s critical for personal trainers to have the proper education and certification.

However, it can be difficult to choose the right program. Here are some tips on finding the right program for you:

Benefits Of Personal Training Education and Practical Lab Experience

Not only is it an expectation of clients that their personal trainer has the necessary education and practical lab experience, but there are several additional benefits such as:

  • Increased knowledge of exercise science and human anatomy. Understanding exercise physiology can boost fitness results, and the better their results, the more people will want you as their trainer. Having this knowledge can help you create effective, personalized programs while also preventing injury.
  • Enhanced ability to create personalized health and wellness programs. Education gives you the information and skills you need to create personalized training programs for your clients regardless of their conditions, injuries, needs, or goals. You easily can tailor those programs to ensure your client has safe, effective workouts.
  • Improved understanding of nutrition consultation and its role in fitness. Regardless of if your client’s goal is to get stronger, lose weight, or train for a specific event, they can’t meet those goals with exercise alone. Nutrition plays a huge role in health and fitness, and education and experience will give you the knowledge you need to provide recommendations and information to your clients.
  • Better communication, increased accountability, and motivational skills. Hiring a personal trainer isn’t a task taken lightly by clients, and they are looking for a trainer who can communicate with them well, hold them accountable to their program, and motivate them to meet their goals. Learn and improve these skills during your education program.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Personal Training Education Program

When choosing a PT education program, you should do your research and compare several options to find the best one for you. Some factors to consider include:

  • Accreditation and Department of Education licensure: With an accredited institution, a student has assurance of receiving quality education and recognition by other colleges and employers of the course credits and diploma earned. Students from accredited institutes also gain greater access to federal loans, scholarships, postsecondary education, and military programs that require students to have attended an accredited institute.
  • Classroom live learning and ACCSC Accreditation standards: This provides you the education and support you need to be a successful trainer.
  • Availability of hands-on experience in a real fitness center: You’ll be working with clients every day, so getting hands-on experience will allow you to learn by doing as well as solve problems for yourself, constructing your own knowledge and perfecting your technique through your experiences.
  • Science based curriculum and degreed instructors: A degreed instructor will provide a structured path to learning and make sure there aren’t gaps in your learning.
  • Tuition and financial aid options including FAFSA, Military educational benefits: If necessary for your own situation, be sure to choose a program that provides the financial aid options and benefits you may need.

How To Choose the Right Personal Training Career Program

When choosing a program:

  • Verify licensure and accreditation. Do your own additional research into the licenses and accreditation the program claims to have to verify the program is legitimate and has a high-quality program.
  • Visit and tour the campus. You’ll be spending many hours in the school’s classrooms, lecture halls, labs, and other areas, so go to the campus and take a tour, ask questions, and make sure it feels like a place you could see yourself attending.
  • Speak with current students attending the program. Talking to current students is one of the best ways to learn about the program, including the positives and negatives, and to get answers to questions you may have. They will be honest with you, and it can make a huge difference in your choices.
  • Review graduation and employment rates. How many students attend the program each year? Of those, how many graduate? How many are employed post-graduation? What’s the average time between graduation and employment? You’ll want to ensure the program is built to support students throughout their entire education journey, and that you’ll be able to get hired quickly afterwards.

Now is the Time to Become a Personal Trainer

Looking for a rewarding, high income fitness career as a personal trainer? Call or text the National Personal Training Institute of Florida at 407-772-0057 to become a qualified educated personal trainer in Orlando or Tampa. Or, sign up online to learn more about the training programs we offer.

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