Wellness

Certified Personal Trainer Course

Prepare for NASM Personal Trainer Certificate Online

As individuals, employers, and health organizations become more aware of the role physical fitness plays in health and longevity, career opportunities for personal trainers are on the rise. Certifications such as those offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) can provide an efficient route to a personal trainer career. This 100% online course will provide you with the health, fitness, nutrition, and human movement knowledge needed to earn the NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential.

“When I became a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, I was able to create new training programs, add new clients, and even partner with Onelife Fitness as an Athletic Performance Coach.” — Timm C., NASM Certified Personal Trainer student

Job Outlook for Personal Trainers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists career opportunities for fitness trainers and instructors among its top choices between now and 2028. Jobs are expected to grow by 13%, over twice the expected growth rate for jobs overall.

According to Salary.com, personal trainers in the US earn on average $61,223 per year. The site notes that a personal trainer’s income can depend on a wide variety of factors, but expects the amount to range between $44,190 and $75,214.

The BLS analysis also anticipates improvements in fitness technology, fitness-related employment benefits, and changing demographics to enhance career opportunities for personal trainers.

Certified Personal Trainer FAQs

HOW DO PERSONAL TRAINERS HELP THEIR CLIENTS?
Personal trainers provide information, motivation, and guidance for individuals and groups who want to maintain or improve their health. Personal trainers may address diet and nutrition, exercise, and mental and emotional wellbeing as part of their regimes. Many personal trainers work with individual clients, while others affiliate with health-related organizations.

IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR A PERSONAL TRAINING CAREER?
Yes. Certification is extremely important due to the close working relationship with clients, their health, and their physical abilities. This requires domain-expert knowledge as well as discretion and trustworthiness. Earning a certification such as the NASM’s CPT indicates to clients, prospective employers, and partners that a personal trainer meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

WHERE DO PERSONAL TRAINERS WORK?
Personal trainers may work in private or public settings. Some work in clients’ homes or private offices. Others are affiliated with health clubs, clinics, or sports-related groups and facilities. Still, others may work in hospitals, retirement communities, or other group settings.

DO PERSONAL TRAINERS ENJOY THEIR WORK?
According to CareerExplorer.com, personal trainers’ job satisfaction rates in the top third of all professions. Along with golf pros, private detectives, and florists, personal trainers generally enjoy high levels of job satisfaction.

Course Objectives

• Prepare to take and pass the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam
• Master health and fitness topics, including nutrition, program design, human movement science, and fitness assessments
• Learn and practice teaching, customer service, and first aid skills
• Develop organizational and communication skills

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course.

Curriculum

Introduction & Resistance Training Concepts
Physical activity guidelines as they relate to the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model

Human Movement Assessments/Fitness Testing & Evaluation
Major muscles and their functions; subjective, objective, and performance assessments

Concepts of Integrated Training – Flexibility, Cardiorespiratory, and Core
Principles of human movement and flexibility; benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and Proper exercise techniques

Concepts of Integrated Training – Balance, Plyometric, and SAQ
Training concepts, including balance, plyometric (reactive) and speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ)

Design of Fitness Programs & Modalities 
Program design using the OPT model; acute training variables and exercise modalities

Human Movement Science/Exercise Modalities & Technique 
Structure and function of the human body; functions of anatomy and physiology during exercise

Special Populations, Nutrition, and Professional Development
Program design adaptations for individuals with health impairments or physical conditions

Certification Exam Preparation
Test-taking strategies, practice exam; review NASM’s standards of professional practice as a professional fitness trainer

Instructors

This is a self-paced course. However, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.

Registration & Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime. 

Enroll Now

COMING SOON:

• NASM Nutrition Coach

• NASM Corrective Exercise

• NASM Performance Enhancement

• Mindfulness/Meditation

• Intro to Hiking