Working a traditional, sedentary, nine-to-five job, and being stuck in a small, stuffy cubicle is not for everyone. Many people crave a career that is more active and physically challenging. For people who gravitate to the latter choice, a career in personal training could be the answer. Becoming a personal trainer takes great commitment and drive. If this type of career is appealing to you, the following steps will show you how to become a personal trainer in NJ.
Personal Trainer Requirements
Do Your Research
Becoming a personal trainer takes a large personal commitment, and is not for everyone. The first step in becoming a personal trainer is to conduct some research on the career. Do you need a license to be a personal trainer in NJ? There are several certification programs that will help you obtain your goal. If you are serious about making personal training your career choice, make sure you choose a program that is recognized and accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This organization is recognized as the gold standard in health and fitness accreditation. A personal trainer certification in NJ that is not recognized by this group is likely not a strong program. Choosing the right personal trainer school for you will help you to be successful in your quest.
Register for Your Exam
After you choose a certification program, be sure to complete all of your prerequisites. Then, you must register for your exam. Normally, the cost of taking the exam is included in the cost of the study materials. Keep an eye on the calendar as time is a factor in taking the exam. You only have six months from the purchase date of the materials to register for the exam. Keep in mind, you do still have time after that date in which to take the exam, though.
Pass the Exam
Study hard for your certification exam. When you are sufficiently prepared, take the plunge and take the test. Once you pass it, you will officially be a certified trainer and ready to start working. As a certified personal trainer, you will gain access to resources that are designed to help you at the outset of your career. Upon passing the exam, you will also receive a certificate and ID card as physical proof of your status as a personal trainer.
Get a Job
The first place any career starts is with a first job. When you choose to work in the personal training field, there are many factors that go into finding a job. There are many environments in which a personal trainer can work. Many people believe that personal trainers can only work in gyms or health clubs. But, they can also work in specialty studios, hospitals, medical fitness facilities, or even start their own business. The first step is deciding which environment will suit you best. Then, seek out the best jobs in that area. Whichever path you choose to take, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you through your chosen certification program.
Pick a Specialty
There are many facets of personal training, and no trainer can do absolutely everything. So, once you get settled in your new career, decide on an area in which to specialize. Once you have a good taste for everything your job as a personal trainer entails, decide on which aspects you excel at or that you truly enjoy doing and focus on those areas as your specialty. Some organizations offer certifications is some specialties, so this is a great opportunity to build your knowledge and gain additional certifications.
Maintain Your Certifications
Becoming a personal trainer is a long-term commitment. Your education and dedication to the field does not end once you have earned your initial certificate. Most certification boards require continuing education credits (CECs) on an ongoing basis. Keeping your education and skills up-to-date help to validate the profession and assures all personal trainers are qualified and able to perform all of the necessary tasks associated with the job.
Obtain Insurance
Personal trainers must work closely with their clients. Since many of the tasks they ask their clients to do are physically demanding, there is always a chance of injury. The best way for a personal trainer to be protected is by obtaining insurance that covers them while they are performing their professional duties. Having a professional liability insurance policy can help to assure you will not lose the business you worked so hard to build.
Becoming a personal trainer and starting your own business takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication. Do not let your efforts be lost because of a failure to plan. Obtaining personal trainer insurance might be the best business decision you ever make. If you are a personal trainer and need to insure your business, Marine Agency can help. Contact us today for a quote and to see how we can customize a policy to meet your needs.
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