Overview
Becoming a personal trainer can be a very rewarding career choice. Not only does a personal trainer have an opportunity to make signficant money at his job -- it's possible to make more than $100,000 per year -- it's also rewarding to know that you have helped someone turn their life around by getting in better shape and helping them build confidence.
Communication
If you have excellent communication ability, you have a good chance to become an excellent personal trainer. As you instruct your client how to perform a certain exericse or what movement to make with a weight or dumbbell, you need to explain subtle changes that the client must make to have the right form. You need to be able to speak clearly and quickly and give advice that is easy to follow. You also need to recognize verbal and non-verbal cues from the client to know when they need to be pushed and when you need to back off.
Physical conditioning
You need to be in good shape yourself if you are going to become an outstanding personal trainer. It is possible to advise and counsel even if you are not in shape because you understand what it takes and you know what you are talking about. However, there will come a time when your client is tired and ready to quit and you will need to push them to the limit. If they see that you are in shape, they will be much more likely to follow through and push themselves than if you are out of shape. A personal trainer who is not in shape will meet with resentment at one point or another as the client will silently ask, "Why should I listen to you?"
Scheduling flexibility
When you are a personal trainer, you make your own hours. You meet with your client when it is convenient for you and it is convenient for them. This makes this an ideal career for someone who has responsibilities to children or older adults who can't care for themselves. Personal trainers who take care of others often come to the gym motivated for a great workout.
Finances
Personal training is a word-of-mouth business and a good trainer who gets great results for their client can charge signficant amounts of money when working with a client. If you can make the session enjoyable and productive, you can charge a high hourly fee or sign a client to a two- or three-month contract. Good personal trainers who make their clients feels like they are becoming more productive individuals can make $100,000 or more per year.
Certification
Getting certified will give you more credibility in the eyes of your clients. Organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and the International Fitness Professionals Association will give you the backing, education and credibility to become and excellent fitness professional who can help a client get in much better condition.
