There are hundreds of different reasons why people decide to pursue a career as a personal trainer. While some are driven by a desire to help others change the way they live, others have been inspired by a life experience that instilled the value of fitness. If you’re thinking about starting a career in the fitness industry, here’s what you need to know about this exciting and rewarding profession.

Am I a Good Fit for the Job?

Take this True or False quiz to determine if your interests and hobbies align with those of a personal trainer:

• You have a strong desire to help others achieve their goals and better themselves?
• You read a number of fitness blogs and magazines, and follow a variety of fitness experts on social media?
• You enjoy scheduling and planning your workout routines?
• Your friends and family regularly ask you for fitness advice?
• Your bathroom is always filled with exercise clothes hanging up to dry?
• Your closet is filled with the latest fitness gear?
• You are mindful of the types of food you eat?
• You meet many of your friends at the gym or in fitness classes?
• You enjoy pushing your body to new limits?
• You’ve always been interested in a job that doesn’t require you to work at a desk from 9 to 5?
• You have thought about one day opening your own business?
• You’re extremely personable and have been told you’re a good communicator and leader?

Did you answer “True” to most (or all) of the statements above? If so, it may be time to think about changing professions to start a career in the fitness industry.

What Does This Job Entail?

Many people have the misperception that being a personal trainer means hanging out in a gym acting like a drill sergeant, but this is the furthest thing from the truth. Being a successful personal trainer actually requires knowledge in a number of diverse subjects, including anatomy and physiology, psychology and business. Designing an exercise program requires knowing which exercises can help a client achieve his or her individual goals, as well as having the ability to help your clients establish healthy habits to adhere to their programs.

Whether you are working in a health club or plan on visiting clients in their homes, it takes time and effort to establish a regular clientele. Once you start working with a regular schedule of clients, however, you will have a career that is both personally and financially rewarding. Starting a career in fitness might seem like a challenging process, but once it happens you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner.

Why Should I Become a Personal Trainer?

If you've been thinking about becoming a personal trainer, then 2014 is the time to stop thinking and start doing. Here are eight reasons why you should considering becoming a personal trainer.

1. You can make a living by helping others change and improve their lives.
2. You get to see tangible results of your work when clients reach their goals.
3. CNN Money magazine identified personal training as one of the top 20 professions in the country due to low stress and positive impact on others.
4. You develop skill in a profession projected to be one of the fastest growing careers in the next 20 years.
5. Unlike other industries in the American economy, personal trainers are not at risk of losing their jobs to overseas labor markets.
6. Becoming ACE-certified means that you have the largest non-profit fitness
   education organization supporting you in your career path.
7. Once you establish your fitness business, you have flexibility in creating your own work schedule.
8. You get to wear workout clothes all day long. And who doesn’t love that?

If you have a strong desire to help others achieve their health and fitness goals and teach them how to love and appreciate fitness as much as you do, it’s time to give this career some serious consideration. As one of the most respected fitness organizations in the industry, ACE offers a number of options to help you prepare for and earn your certification and get started on your new, exciting journey.

For more information on how you can join the team of ACE-certified Fitness Professionals, please visit acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/default.aspx or contact us at 888-825-3636.