Congratulations on passing your certification exam! This is a huge accomplishment. But remember, it is just the beginning not the ending. Take a break to recharge if needed, then dive back into learning and growing. (If you are looking for a certification organization, you might want to read “How to become a certified personal trainer – Selecting a certification organization”)
Now that you’re certified, what’s your next move? Do you want to jump right into the job market or delve deeper into your fitness education with specialized certifications? Maybe a short break is in order before you take the next step.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of personal training. I’ll share my experiences and tips to help you prepare for your future.
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Programs that provide training and job placement support
Although NASM offers a great program and I studied hard for it, I still didn’t feel fully prepared to start working as a personal trainer after passing the exam. I decided to spend some time at a gym to familiarize myself with the environment, equipment, and workout routines. (Well, I ended up getting a job right after joining the gym, but I’ll talk about that later in this blog!)
I wish I had known about these NASM programs sooner. After passing the exam, you might want to explore these two options:
- Job Guarantee: Secure your first fitness job within 90 days or get a refund. This is for those who are eager to get a job right away but haven’t been able to. You may want to consider this option and discuss the refund details with NASM.
- Gymternship: Gain practical experience with 80 hours of on-site training. This is similar to an unpaid internship, allowing you to receive training and gain practical experience as a personal trainer. This could be a good option if you’re new to the fitness industry and feel anxious about starting a job immediately.
Before selecting your plan, you should check if these features are included in your chosen plan. Depending on your goals and circumstances, you may not need all of them, so consider your specific needs carefully.
Recertification
Although it may seem early, it’s wise to start thinking about recertification now. Time flies, and before you know it, it’ll be time to renew your certification.
Your personal trainer certification must be renewed every two years. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to meet specific requirements.
1. Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
- Accumulate CEUs: You’ll need to earn a specific number of CEUs within a certain timeframe.
- Approved Providers: The CEUs must be obtained from approved providers or through specific activities recognized by your certification organization.
- Variety of Topics: CEUs can be earned through workshops, conferences, online courses, or by publishing articles or books related to fitness and health.
To earn CEUs, you may need to pay for workshops, online courses, or webinars. However, some gyms offer free CEU opportunities, so consider this when choosing a workplace.
2. CPR and First Aid Certification:
- Maintain Current Certification: You’ll need to keep your CPR and First Aid certifications up-to-date.
- Regular Renewal: In general you have to renew your CPR and first aid certification every year.
3. Recertification Fee:
- Payment: You’ll likely need to pay a fee to recertify your credential.
Specific requirements may vary depending on your certification organization. For example, NASM requires 2.0 CEUs every two years, including 0.1 CEUs from CPR/AED certification.
Remember to check with your specific certification organization for precise details and deadlines. By staying updated on the latest industry trends and continuing your education, you can ensure that your certification remains valid and your skills are current.
Where to work
As I mentioned earlier, I got a job right after joining a gym. Here’s my story: I was trying to work out at the gym to familiarize myself with the equipment and workout plans, but one day the gym owner (it was a local gym) said to me, “I see you’re working out hard, but you’re doing it wrong! You shouldn’t do it like that (copying what I was doing), you could hurt yourself. You need a personal trainer.” I was so embarrassed!
I was quite embarrassed by the incident at the gym, but it also ignited a fire within me. I was determined to become a skilled personal trainer. To achieve this goal, I started applying to various gyms, including franchise gyms, local gyms, and a corporate gym. Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience, even though it was embarrassing at the time. It motivated me to pursue a career in personal training, and I’ve made a commitment to treat my clients with respect and understanding.
I had interviews with both a local gym and a corporate gym. While I really liked the atmosphere of the local gym, the commute was a major factor. As I planned to work during school hours, I needed a more convenient location. The corporate gym was very different from the local gym, but it was actually the perfect opportunity for me. That’s where I got a job and worked for two and a half years. I only have good things to say about my experience there, and I’m excited to share it with you!
- Extensive training opportunities: A wide range of training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. There was also mandatory company trainings which was required to take.
- Guaranteed client base: In some gyms, there can be intense competition for clients. However, in my experience, the gym I worked at focused on matching clients with trainers based on their specific needs and preferences. This collaborative approach allowed me to build a strong client base and benefit from the support of my colleagues.
- Abundant resources and free CEUs: There are so many resources I can learn from. There are many topics to choose from, and I was able to earn many free CEUs through these resources. It’s amazing how you can learn and earn credits for free!
- Employee benefits: The biggest perk for me was the free food! I usually try to pack a lunch for myself and my family, but mornings can be hectic, and I sometimes forget to bring lunch. It was great to be able to enjoy meals at the company cafeteria.
- Flexibility: I worked at the gym between 10 AM and 1 PM, while my younger child was at preschool. Since my schedule was very limited, I really appreciated the flexibility. The gym was also closed on weekends, which was great because other gyms tend to be much busier and require you to work on weekends.
Being a personal trainer is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I have the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives by helping them achieve their fitness goals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness clients transform their bodies and minds, and knowing that I played a role in their journey is truly gratifying.
There are countless opportunities for personal trainers, and I’ve loved my experience working at a corporate gym. I’m excited to explore more possibilities in the future. I hope this blog post inspires you in some ways!
