This blog was written by Penny Pohlmann. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.
Have you ever thought about hiring a personal trainer? When choosing a personal trainer to work with, you should feel confident that the person you're hiring is not only qualified but is someone who will listen to you and your specific goals when it comes to exercising and improving your health.
You may be surprised to know that some certifying organizations do not require a formal education in the field of health and fitness to sit for their personal training exam. Now, this is not true of all certifications. But there are so many certifying bodies out there; how do you know which ones are reputable?
Recognized Fitness Organizations
Here is a list of organizations that are recognized by the NCCA, a group that evaluates and measures organizations' professional competence, as certifying organizations that meet its Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs.
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- International Fitness Professionals Association
- The Cooper Institute
Making Sure Your Corporate Fitness Manager Is Qualified
Want to ensure your employee health and fitness program is staffed with qualified personnel? When interviewing a trainer to hire, he or she should maintain at least one certification from one of the organizations listed above. Additionally, he or she should also be able to produce a current copy of his or her CPR/AED certifications. These guidelines should help you determine who and what is the best fit for you and your fitness needs.