So You Want to be a Personal Trainer

It wasn’t too long ago that Erin and I had a pretty similar conversation.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming (or hiring) a personal trainer, you’ve probably wondered: What does it actually take?

The short answer? Actually not too much. 

A weekend course, an open-book test, and congrats—you’re now a certified trainer.

That’s how it works for most certifications, and frankly, it’s a big reason why personal training can get a bad rap.

It’s probably just a little too easy to get certified.

At JMF, Erin and I are both Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).

Earning a CSCS isn’t easy (which is why you should be impressed as ever the next time you see Erin in the gym).

It requires a four-year degree (in a related field, as of this certification cycle), hundreds of hours of studying, and passing an exam that the majority of testers don’t pass on their first attempt.

It’s not just a weekend class. It’s comprised of a deep understanding of human movement, strength training, and how to coach people in a way that actually works.

To be clear, you can still be an extraordinary trainer without a more involved certification (or sometimes without any certification at all).

The most important part of training is continuing your education beyond whatever initial credential you start with, whether that’s a CPT, CSCS, ATC, or DPT. 

Advanced certifications just become a logical extension of a passion for continuing education.

If you want to learn more about myself or Erin, feel free to click here.

And if you’re a trainer, or looking to become a trainer, (or hiring a personal trainer) just know this: don’t get too bogged down with certifications or titles. 

Focusing on becoming (or hiring) the type of trainer who’s passionate about exercise and continuing education will be the most important part of the journey.