Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 13th September 2021

Deciding on a new career can be difficult, especially if you aren't quite sure what you want to do. It may even seem more overwhelming when you know exactly what you'd like to do, but have no clue how to get started or where to go from there. If becoming a professional fitness instructor is something that deeply interests you, but you aren't quite sure where to start, then this article may be just what you need. In this article we will discuss some of the steps to take to become a professional fitness instructor, as well as some of the things you may need to know about the field before training to become a certified trainer.

1. Set Your Goals 

Creating short-term and long-term fitness goals is the first step to take toward becoming a professional fitness instructor. Knowing where you want to be in both the near and distant future will help you stay on track with your journey. It's important to be realistic with your goals. For instance, if you're just starting out, then spending the next six months to a year focusing on personal training may be a bigger bite than you can chew. Instead, choose a goal that seems reasonable for your schedule and experience level. However, that doesn't mean you should give up on the idea of working with clients — it simply means having patience.

2. Get Certified 

Becoming certified by your local recreation department or national certification organisation is essential for becoming a professional fitness instructor. Not all certificates carry the same weight, so before you choose which certification to go for, it's important to do your homework. A good starting point would be to look up the CSCS certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This certification is widely respected in the fitness industry and can help you to land a job. In some cases, you may be required to have a few years of experience before becoming certified. It's a good idea to check with your state's requirements for a fitness trainer license or certification. 

3. Gain Experience 

Gaining real-world experience is one of the most important steps toward becoming a professional fitness instructor. If you're just starting out, there are several ways to gain hands-on experience without quitting your day job. One way is to contact local gyms and personal training studios that offer internships or volunteer positions to see if they have any openings. Another way to get experience is to shadow a professional fitness instructor. If you can't find one locally, some gyms offer video tutorials that you may be able to view online. This is a great opportunity to learn about the industry first-hand. You'll be able to see what a day in life is like for a fitness instructor and be able to ask any questions that may come up along the way.

4. Promote Your Business 

Once you've become certified and gained some experience, it's time to promote yourself as a professional fitness trainer and start making money doing what you love. One way to go about this is by starting your own website where you can outline your services, certifications, and other qualifications — you may even want to post photos of some of your past clients. Another way to promote your business is by networking with other fitness professionals, such as taking advantage of online forums, social media outlets (such as Facebook and Instagram), and even at local events where you can talk to potential clients face-to-face about what you do. Aspiring fitness instructors may find that owning their own business is a great way to reach their goals. 

5. Be Knowledgeable 

One of the most important steps toward becoming a professional fitness instructor is being knowledgeable in all aspects of health and wellness. In addition to knowing about training, it's also crucial to be educated about nutrition and preventative medicine. These skills will come in handy when working with clients. In order to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest advancements in health and fitness, you can continue your education. There are a lot of courses available online that can help you expand your horizons. Many colleges even offer flexible class schedules for those who have full-time jobs. The more you know about training, nutrition, and preventative medicine, the easier it will be to help clients reach their goals. It can also help set you apart from the competition.

Once you've completed all of these steps above you'll be well on your way to becoming a professional fitness instructor. This is not the quickest career path, but if you're dedicated and passionate about health and wellness, it can definitely be rewarding! The benefits of being a professional fitness instructor are both physical and emotional, as getting paid to stay fit can allow you to make a difference in people's lives—no matter how big or small. And since you're always working out, you'll be staying fit and happy, too.

Set Your Goals, Get Certified, Gain Experience, Promote Your Business, and Be Knowledgeable are some of the tips we provide for those who Want to Become a Professional Fitness Instructor.