The answer is YES!
For most fitness professionals, national fitness certification is the first step toward launching a successful career. Yet a simple web search will render dozens of certification programs with a broad range of credentials and requirements. Other important factors vary as well, including cost, investment of time, and recognition by potential employers.
But while all those things deserve consideration, the most important question you should ask yourself is, “Will this program prepare me to succeed in the long run?”
What it Takes to Succeed as a Fitness Professional
Most personal trainers and group fitness instructors start out as fitness enthusiasts who know what a difference a fit and healthy lifestyle can make. We want to share our love of fitness with others and transform lives while working in a field we love. Yet only a handful of newly certified fitness trainers will attain long-term professional success. This is where your certification program makes a difference.
In order to succeed in the fitness industry, you need a solid foundation. A good certification program will provide:
- In-depth knowledge of core scientific principles of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and nutrition
- A solid overview of key training principles and their applications
- Exposure to tools for health screening and assessment
- Knowledge of how to work with various populations
- Basic principles of goal setting and programming
- Hands-on practice to apply what you’ve learned
As you can imagine, learning and grasping foundational fitness skills takes more than just a weekend workshop.
More Than Just Exercise Programming
Some aspiring fitness professionals assume that working in fitness mostly entails prescribing and overseeing a variety of exercises. But training itself is only a small piece of the equation.
Whether your client is trying to lose weight, improve their health or train for competition, it all begins within. It is up to the fitness trainer to identify obstacles, strengths and shortcomings, and help clients overcome physical, mental and emotional barriers to success. This often means in-depth communication, program planning and revision, and motivating your client to stay the course.
Working as a fitness trainer also requires certain business and sales skills to maintain records, satisfy existing customers, and bring in new clients.
Traits of Top Fitness Professionals
In addition to hard skills and knowledge, fitness trainers need to possess certain personality traits;
- Love of learning and a desire to share your knowledge
- Empathy for the needs of your clients
- Ability to show “tough love” to help clients succeed
- Organization skills for programming and record keeping
- Commitment to helping your clients reach their goals
While certain traits can be cultivated, it takes a lot of work and dedication to meet the needs of your clients and help them reach their goals while managing your business.
To Be the Best, Choose the Best!
If you are serious about building a successful and sustainable fitness career, don’t cut corners on your certification. Get the support, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed with a fitness certification from W.I.T.S.
Advantages of a W.I.T.S. certification include:
- Fully NCCA accredited
- Recognized by employers nation-wide
- Available in colleges, universities and online
- Taught by qualified and experienced industry professionals
- Friendly customer service and support
- Online continuing education at your fingertips
Join the W.I.T.S. family of industry leaders, and build your fitness career on a solid foundation.