NASM Certified Personal Trainer

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 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.

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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.

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


Introduction and Resistance Training
  • Physical activity guidelines as they relate to the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model
Human Movement Assessment & Fitness Testing/Evaluation
  • Major muscles and their functions; subjective, objective and performance assessments
Flexibility, Cardio and Core
  • Principles of human movement and flexibility; benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and Proper exercise techniques
Balance, Plyometrics, SAQ
  • Training concepts, including balance, plyometric (reactive) and speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ)
Designing Fitness Programs
  • Program design using the OPT model; acute training variables and exercise modalities
Using science to develop exercises
  • 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 Prep
  • Test-taking strategies, practice exam; review NASM’s standards of professional practice as a professional fitness trainer

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Certified Personal Trainer FAQs

 

What do personal trainers do?Personal trainers provide information, motivation and guidance for individuals and groups who want to maintain or improve their health. Is certification important?Yes. Earning a certification such as the NASM's CPT indicates to clients and prospective employers that a trainer meets standards of quality and reliability. Where do trainers work?While some work in clients' homes others are affiliated with gyms, health clubs or sports training facilities. Still others may work in hospitals or adult-living communities.