How to Become a Personal Trainer

If
you want to know how to become a personal trainer, the very first step
is to make sure you're in peak physical condition.  It may sound
obvious but people aren't going to hire you to improve their fitness if
you don't look fit yourself.  Once you've worked on getting yourself as
fit as can be, there are many other steps you can take that will help
you with how to become a personal trainer. 

If you're still in college
and want to know how to become a personal trainer, the first step is to
major in an area like physical education or exercise science.  If
you've already graduated college the next step is to determine if you
have the personal qualities you need to be a good personal trainer. 
These qualities include being patient, nurturing, organized, and
persistent, because you're going to be working with clients who lack
some of those qualities and need you to help provide them. 

If you've determined that
you have what it takes to become a personal trainer, the next step is
to get certification.  There are currently 10 organizations in the
United States that offer certification programs, so it's best to call
local gyms or other areas you may want to work like physical therapy
programs and ask them what certification programs they prefer.  It
actually behooves you to get more than one certification because
different places have different needs and most places will look at you
more favorably if you have more than one.  Be warned though that
certain gyms and programs will still require you to complete their own
certification program even after you've qualified nationally.   

The ten national
qualification programs are ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine),
ACE (American Council on Exercise),  AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness
Association of America), AFPA (American Fitness Professionals
Association), IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association),
ISSA (International Sports and Science Association), NASM (National
Academy of Sports Medicine), NCSF (National Council of Strength and
Fitness), and NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers). 
Some of these programs allow home study courses, which is an excellent
option if you're currently in another career and want to keep working
while you study.   

Another certification
you'll need if you want to know how to become a personal trainer is
CPR.  Most gyms will require you to get a professional level
certification in this.  Courses are offered at local hospitals so
contact them to find one that's convenient.   

Finally, once you've
achieved all your certifications, the last step in how to become a
personal trainer is to determine what area you want to specialize in. 
You can work in the weight loss realm, help athletes in training,
assist in physical therapy programs, or work in a recreation
department, among other options.  Decide what type of people you'd like
to work with—are you good with children, enjoy the elderly, or really
have your heart set on working with elite athletes? Once you determine
that you'll be able to go from there in building a satisfying career.