A personal trainer is someone who has earned a certificate which shows that they have reached a certain level of competence for developing and delivering effective and safe exercise plans for people of different ages, those with physical disabilities and those without medical clearance to undertake such exercises. A personal trainer must have the appropriate knowledge and experience in order to develop fitness programs that will suit the needs of everyone involved, be they clients or employees.
They are also expected to know how to set goals, create realistic plans, motivate their clients to continue to exercise and keep them motivated. Some personal trainers specialize in only certain types of exercises such as weight loss, fitness for sports, aerobic conditioning and bodybuilding. Others have a general knowledge of exercise physiology and training principles.
There are many different organizations that provide personal training certification programs and other relevant information for personal trainers. These programs can help a personal trainer to prepare for state, national and local examinations, for example, in areas such as fitness, exercise physiology and anatomy. Many states require personal trainers to earn certification in order to work in this profession. Some of these requirements are very specific and strict, while others are more flexible and allow personal training to take place under the supervision of a physician or licensed health care provider, for example, in rehabilitation.
Personal trainers who are certified in nutrition have a responsibility to provide comprehensive and reliable information to their clients about nutrition and diet in order to promote general health. Most of these individuals are also involved in professional development courses, in order to ensure that they continually build up their skills and knowledge. Nutritionists work closely with dietitians and other nutrition professionals, including doctors and nurses, and provide them with information and assistance regarding health and fitness issues. Certified nutritionists and coaches must undergo a rigorous training program to obtain their certifications.