If you like to boss people around, watch them suffer and have a passion for all things fitness then this my the career for you. It is actually very easy to become a personal trainer via online or local courses. What is not so easy is how to know which certification to go after and then how to start after you have secured the certification.

How Do You Start in Your Quest to be a Certified Personal Trainer?

Besides securing a certification from an accredited personal training agency like ACE, AFAA, NASM, or ISSA, you will need to purchase liability insurance and perhaps a few of your own training tools like dumbbells, stability balls, BOSU balls and exercise bands. In addition the physical assets you will need to have some of the personality traits of a personal trainer.

A good personal trainer will be outgoing, energetic, have patience, loaded with charisma and have a deep understanding of health, wellness and fitness. A plus would also be that there is a desire to work with and help all types of people.

Once you have ascertained that you are Personal Trainer material, you want to start the search for an accredited, nationally recognized certification agency. Once you know they are reputable there are a few other things you will want to look into:

What to Look For from a Personal Trainer Certification Course/ Program:

• Is the certification they offer national or internationally recognized?
• Is there a pre-requisite for the exam like age or minimum education received?
• What is the cost of the course and test?
• What are the requirements after certification to stay current? CEC's
• Does the club or gym you work for accept that certification?

Once you know where to go and what you need you can start the process of becoming legitimate. Once you have passed your test phase two begins.  To be a great trainer you need to know what you are doing in practical, real life terms so hire a trainer you admire and respect and learn the tricks of the trade as well as how to interact with clients and close deals. You are, after all, a salesperson selling your skill. Another important aspect to following the path of becoming a CPT is to know which demographic you want to work with. There are trainers for the elderly, for the patient in need of rehabilitation, for children, trainers for the athletes and elite fitness enthusiasts. There are trainers that specialize in functional training and others that like to work solely on the resistance equipment. Find your niche and focus your main efforts there. Although you want to learn all fields of fitness you want to specialize in your passion where you will be most successful.