1. Introduction to the Field and Profession of Personal Training
PART I
Introduction to the Field and
Profession of Personal Training

2. Introduction to Personal Training
CHAPTER 1
Introduction to Personal Training

3. OBJECTIVES
Describe the current state of the fitness industry as it specifically applies to personal training.
Identify professional career environments and options for Personal Trainers.
Identify future trends that will affect the fitness industry and personal training.

4. INTRODUCTION
Personal training is one of the fastest growing professions in United States.
Employment opportunities are available in diverse settings.
There is no better profession to enhance quality of life in our growing, aging, and increasingly sedentary population.

5. INTRODUCTION (cont.)
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this profession is projected to “grow much faster than the average” for all occupations between 2006 and 2016.
More people spending time and money on fitness
Increase in # of businesses recognizing health benefits for employees
Baby boomers are 1st generation that grew up exercising
Now reaching retirement age

6. Employment opportunities for Personal Trainers are available in more diverse settings than ever before and include (but are not limited to) the following:
Commercial (for-profit) fitness centers
Community (not-for-profit) fitness centers
Corporate fitness/wellness centers
University wellness/adult fitness centers
Owner/operator (self-employed) studios, fitness centers, and in-home businesses
Medical fitness centers
Municipal/city recreation/public parks/family centers
Governmental/military fitness centers
Activity centers/retirement centers/assisted living communities for older adults
Worksite health promotion programs

7. THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE LANDSCAPE
The health club industry is growing.
Most people don’t belong to health clubs.
The United States has record levels of childhood obesity.
Schools are cutting back on physical education.
Healthcare costs are rising.
Food portion sizes in restaurants are increasing.

8. THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE LANDSCAPE (cont.)
29,636 Number of U.S. health clubs
41.5 million Number of U.S. health club members
$18.5 billion Total U.S. fitness industry revenues for 2007
266,000 Number of U.S. full-time fitness employees
1.0 million Number of U.S. part-time fitness employees

9. What does a personal trainer do?
Screen and interview potential clients to determine their readiness for exercise and physical activity
Perform fitness assessments on clients to determine their current level of fitness
Help clients set realistic goals, modify goals as needed, and provide motivation for adherence to the program
Develop exercise regimen and programs for clients to follow and modify programs as necessary, based on progression and goals

10. What does a personal trainer do?
Demonstrate and instruct specific techniques to clients for the safe and effective performance of various exercise movements.
Correct incorrect or dangerous exercise techniques or training programs
Supervise or “spot” clients when they are performing exercise movements
Maintain records of clients’ progress or lack thereof with respect to the exercise prescription

11. What does a personal trainer do?
Be a knowledgeable resource to accurately answer clients’ health and fitness questions. Educate clients about health and fitness with the ultimate goal to have the clients become independent exercisers.
Other responsibilities not involving a client may be assigned or performed as needed
Usually include administrative paperwork, maintenance of equipment, and cleaning of equipment and facilities as required

12. THE PROFESSION OF PERSONAL TRAINING
Personal Trainer opportunities are wide ranging.
Determine which certifications suit your goals.
Fitness facilities are diverse.
Personal Trainers must differentiate themselves from their competitors.

13. The Definition of a Personal Trainer
ACSM-certified Personal Trainer℠
Variety of other certifications available
Continuing education units (CEUs)
Continuing education credits (CECs)

14. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Works with healthy population or those with medical clearance.
Requirements:
A high school diploma or equivalent and
18 years of age and
Current CPR certification and that has a practical skills component (American Red Cross or American Heart Association

15. ACSM Health Fitness Specialist (HFS)
Works with healthy population and diseased that is medically controlled and cleared by a physician
Requirements:
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a health-related field from a regionally accredited college or university and
Current adult CPR certification

16. ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES)
Typically work in a CV/Pulm. Rehab center, physicians office or medical fitness center.
Works with diseased under care of physician
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in an allied health field and
Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program and
Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer

17. ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Clinical work with patients with CV, pulm., metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, immun., or blood diseases
Requirements:
Master’s degree in ex. science, movement science, ex phys or kinesiology and
Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer
One of following: CES or 600 hours of clinical experience.

18. ACSM/NCPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT)
CIFT is involved in developing and implementing an exercise program for a person who may have a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability and who is healthy or has medical clearance.
Requirement:
Any current ACSM Certification or other accredited health/fitness certification
Current adult CPR and AED certificaion

19. ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET)
Professionals working in the area of health and fitness, specifically to work with individuals who have been affected by cancer.
Requirement:
Any current ACSM or accredited certification and
Certification in adult CPR and AED and
Bachelor’s degree and 500 hours of training older adults or those with chronic conditions or
10,000 hours of experience of training older adults or individuals with chronic conditions

20. PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENTS For-Profit
Commercial clubs
Licensed gyms
Franchises

21. Not-for-Profit
Organizations with fitness centers—38% of total health club memberships
YMCA
JCC
Medical fitness centers
College/university recreation centers
Medical fitness centers (MFCs)
Growing by 15% annually
Services for both sick and healthy

22. Corporate Worksite health promotion (WHP) Assess health risks
Reduce health risk factors
Promote socially and environmentally healthy lifestyle

23. Identification of a Core Body of Knowledge
ACSM was the first to define the core body of knowledge for the profession.
ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription

24. Development and Continuous Revision of KSAs
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for each ACSM certification
Subject matter experts (SMEs) review KSAs
Job task analysis performed
Further revision
KSAs assigned to appropriate content area
Certification examination blueprint developed