The Best Personal Trainer Exam Preparation For You

58 million people in the United States are considered overweight, resulting in diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Physical movement is one of the best ways to reduce obesity and combat the associated risks. Using a personal trainer used to be a service that was reserved for the elite- those whose pocketbooks were heavier than their thighs. While this demographic group still makes use of the field, more average Americans are beginning to use personal trainers, making the growing field a good career choice. Most clients, however, want a personal trainer who knows what he is doing and is certified. There are several great resources that you can use to prepare for the personal trainer exam.

Take a Hands-On Approach

Because being a personal trainer is such a physical career choice, it’s not surprising that many people use a workshop or class to complete their personal trainer exam preparation. A hands-on program offers many advantages, including having the assistance of expert instructors right at-hand. The best choice for you will likely depend on what certification program you are using. If you are taking a specific test through a certain organization, such as the National Council on Strength and Fitness, you will probably want to select certification training material that matches that particular curriculum.

The main difference between a workshop and a class is the time commitment needed to complete the training course. A workshop usually spans a few days, often over a weekend. The class members spend most of each day studying the written test material and using the concepts in personal training practice sessions. Workshops are often more intense, but can be completed quicker. A class uses many of the same principles, but spreads it over a longer period of time. You may spend several weeks completing the same material, but only attend for one or two hours at a time. This is ideal for those that are easily overwhelmed and can’t commit an entire day to their certification preparation. In many instances, a certified tester administers the proctored exam at the end of the workshop or class, making this a convenient package deal.

Home Study

Not every personal trainer has access to a hands-on class or can take the time to adjust their schedule to what is available. Because of this, there are home study courses for personal trainer exam preparation. The material is often the same for a home study course and a hands-on class. In-person instruction may be swapped for a CD or DVD. In addition, practical application is extremely important to the training process, so you may need to complete some training sessions with a volunteer to meet those requirements. A home study course doesn’t include the exam, but many training programs will help you find a testing location in your area. Home study is best for those that are self-motivated and need a flexible training regimen.