How to Become a Fitness Professional

So, as our fitness education programs are well-known in the DC area, we get numerous inquiries about how to start a career in fitness. Here are a few tips - but check out our web site for more info on our education courses at www.cityfitnessgym.com.

1. Make a plan - Fitness can be a part time or very full time endeavor and it is important to start out with parameters so you can have fun, make a living, but not burn out.
2. Get CPR/AED Certified - We offer courses at least twice a year, but you can also go to the Red Cross or Heart Association among others. You must have a CPR certification to take any fitness certification exams, and you must maintain a current CPR certification to work in the fitness field.
3. Choose a Certification Organization - we recommend starting with ACE or AFAA which are nationally recognized as good starting certifications. Want to step up later? Go for ACSM, NASM, or NSCA.
4. Study and Test Prep - We offer great test preparation courses (our students have a 92% passing rate). But you also have to study and practice what you learn as you go!
5. Hands-On & Mentoring - After passing the certification exams, you should get some hands-on practice. We offer courses for fitness instructors and personal trainers; even with the courses it is a good idea to mentor under a teacher or trainer for a while to get more practice and to develop a comfort zone.
6. Keep Learning! No one knows everything....ever. Keep studying; look for fitness niches that are of interest; collect continuing education credits so you can renew your certification; and keep an open mind. New trends pop up all the time!