Personal trainers are people dedicated to helping clients reach their individual goals and realize their potential through coaching and managing their physical training programmes.
Personal trainers take on a range of clients, from beginners to top athletes. They supervise their clients' physical programmes and educate, motivate and inspire them to achieve optimum fitness and to meet their individual goals.
They screen and test prospective clients, then design safe, effective and enjoyable exercise programmes for them. They instruct clients on the correct techniques to avoid injury. They draw up training logs and monitor training programmes, and record the development and achievements of their clients. They advise clients on exercise options, goal setting, nutrition and lifestyle; they answer fitness-related questions, and then refer problems to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping clients to progress in their fitness training programmes and seeing the results
- keeping fit while enjoying yourself
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work after hours or over weekends
- frustration with individuals who do not respond to encouragement
Requirements
A personal fitness trainer should:
- have a fit and healthy appearance;
- inspire confidence;
- communicate well;
- have a likeable personality;
- have empathy and patience;
- be professional;
- have enthusiasm and the ability to motivate people.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate or Grade 10 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Diploma: CPUT, CUT, DUT, TUT, VUT, Boland and Northlink FETs, Exercise Trainers Academy (ETA).
Note: since entry requirements differ from one course to another, the requirements of the courses that interest you should be checked.
Employer
- Universities and universities of technology
- Health clubs
- Community organisations
- Trade unions
- Gymnasiums
- SAP
- SANDF
- Correctional Services
- Self-employment, personal trainers may establish their own client bases and become self-employed
Contact
Sports Science Institute
Private Bag X5
Newlands, 7725
Tel: (021) 659-5600 Fax: (021) 659-5601
www.ssisa.com