Personal trainer

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A personal trainer is a professional who educates people about physical fitness.

Personal trainer assessing a client's goals and needs as they write a fitness programme
Personal trainer assessing a client's goals and needs as they write a fitness programme
Personal trainer showing a client how to exercise the right way using a Bosu ball and educating them along the way
Personal trainer showing a client how to exercise the right way using a Bosu ball and educating them along the way
Personal trainer monitoring a client's movement during a fitball exercise
Personal trainer monitoring a client's movement during a fitball exercise
Personal trainer assisting and correcting a client during a fitball stretching exercise
Personal trainer assisting and correcting a client during a fitball stretching exercise

[edit] Fees in the United States

The average hourly rate for a trainer is $60-100/hour, with the lowest rates around $25/hour. The health mindset and average income of the demographic affects the area's rates. Some celebrity personal trainers may charge $250-$800 per session depending on geographical location and their experience.[1].

Certification review is key with pricing. For high end trainers the certifications should be accompanied by an education in a related field or a vast amount of experience. There are many "weekend" certifications on the internet and out on the market that can be completed in hours time and at minimal cost, so a review of qualifications is essential.

In its March, 2007 article about this topic, IHRSA announced that it will recognize accreditation agencies that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and/or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA recognizes educational standards by awarding an accreditation.[2]

The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recently released a study showing that personal training at the client's home is as effective as personal training at a commercial health club. This was the first time that a random double blind trial provided strong data supporting this idea. [3]

In addition to personal training for humans, some companies in California have begun personal training services for people's pets. Over 60% of pets in America are obese, and this sets them up for the same kinds of diseases that humans suffer from - diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, joint problems, etc.[4]

Nationally Accredited Certifications (by NOCA) are available through:

  • N.S.C.A. National Strength and Conditioning Association [5]
  • A.C.S.M. American College of Sports Medicine [6]
  • I.F.P.A The International Fitness Professional Association [7]
  • C.I. The Cooper Institute [8]
  • A.C.E. The American Council on Exercise [9]
  • N.A.S.M The National Academy of Sports Medicine [10]
  • Personal Trainers Organization [11]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cost of a Personal Trainer - Get Prices and Information - CostHelper.com
  2. ^ NCCA Accreditation
  3. ^ ACSM Study on Personal Training at Client's Home
  4. ^ Personal Training for pets in California
  5. ^ National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
  6. ^ www.acsm.org
  7. ^ www.ifpa-fitness.com
  8. ^ http://www.cooperinstitute.org
  9. ^ About ACE - American Council on Exercise Fitness Certifications
  10. ^ NASM Accreditation - Personal Training Certifications, NASM Personal Training
  11. ^ Personal Trainers Organization