Across Australia, thousands of new professionals are joining the fitness industry each year. If you have a passion for fitness and would like to share your knowledge with others, becoming a personal trainer can be a great option. There are a few steps you need to take before you can jump into this career path.
If you're wondering "how do I become a personal trainer?" then read on, we'll go through what it takes to get there!
Qualifications For Becoming A Personal Trainer
Becoming a personal trainer is relatively easy as long as you meet the training requirements stipulated by the Australian government. There are two main courses that are required for many personal training positions — Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness. Both of these courses are available through a list of approved RTOs (Registered Training Organisations).
Certificate III in Fitness is a basic level course that qualifies people to work as a gym instructor or group training instructor. The coursework covers topics such as how to instruct fitness programs, maintain equipment, and provide information on healthy eating. In addition to the core coursework, students can also further specialize in aquatic exercise, group exercise, or gym instruction. For most people, this course takes three to six months to complete (but you are given up to 12 months).
Certificate IV in Fitness covers more advanced topics in fitness including long-term exercise programs, working with medical and health professionals in a fitness context, and tailoring exercise routines based on body composition goals. In addition, the certificate has business electives to provide the education needed to start a personal training business, manage the business finances, and recruit a team. This course also takes about three to six months to complete.
Most employers don’t require any university degree beyond the certificates mentioned above. However, having a two-year degree in a fitness-related topic (like kinesiology or sports nutrition) will open the door for more opportunities.
Other Steps To Becoming A Personal Trainer
In addition to the certifications, there are some other items that will make you more marketable in the fitness industry:
- First Aid and CPR Training - Dealing with people in physically demanding situations can result in an occasional medical emergency. Having first aid and CPR training will help prepare you for these types of scenarios.
- Registration with a Fitness Body - While not usually required, registering with a reputable fitness body (like Fitness Australia) can help clients feel more confident in you as a trainer.
- Nutrition Training - Personal trainers who are interested in providing dietary advice can complete a nutrition class like the Diploma of Nutrition offered by the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers.
Finding Work In The Industry
Once you meet the requirements of becoming a personal trainer, you will need to find work in the industry. Many trainers start their careers working for a gym or other training centre. This is a great introduction to the job without having to manage the business itself.
However, qualified personal trainers can also start their own businesses and offer services directly to their own clients.
Covering Your Personal Training Business With The Right Insurance
If you do choose to start your own business as a personal trainer be sure to check out upcover's instant quote generator where you can get an estimate on market-leading insurance for personal trainers in seconds. Simply enter your occupation as a personal trainer and your expected revenue to get started.
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