What’s a NASM certified personal trainer? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

What’s a NASM certified personal trainer?

Do you want to know what it takes to become an NASM certified personal trainer? This article answers key questions so you can determine if NASM is the right fitness program for you.

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: May 4, 2021

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  • A NASM certified personal trainer has completed the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s certification program.
  • NASM offers four paths to becoming a certified professional trainer.
  • The certification courses are taught using the optimum performance training model.
  • NASM offers several certifications in addition to the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
  • It is possible to obtain a personal training certification from an organization other than the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

The National Academy of Sports Medicine has offered certifications and continued education in personal training for over 20 years. It is currently one of the most respected certification organizations in the fitness industry.

Because of this high level of respect, it’s understandable that aspiring personal trainers would want to learn more about this organization.

After you’re certified, request a demo of our all-in-one gym management software to learn how you can grow and manage your personal training business.

How Do I Get My Certified Personal Training (CPT) Certificate From NASM?

There are four personal trainer programs you can choose from to obtain your Certified Personal Training certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The cost is different for each program.

The first option is the self-study program, which is the most flexible program and allows you to study whenever you have the time without a set schedule. The premium self-study program offers a similar level of flexibility with additional educational content.

If you learn best on your own, the self-study programs are a good option for you.

With the guided study program, you get access to all of the same educational materials as you would with the premium self-study program. Additionally, you receive a coach and mentor who will answer your questions and advise you. It can be helpful to have this additional level of support when learning a new subject.

The all-inclusive program offers the most support but also costs the most. You will have access to all of the guided-study materials, as well as access to the CPT Development Program. The CPT Development Program offers onsite, hands-on experience. The program also guarantees that you will get your money back if you do not find a personal training job within 90 days of graduating from the program.

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What Will I Learn From NASM?

The National Academy of Sports Medicine uses the optimum performance training model. It is based on scientific evidence to help you and your clients achieve consistent and measurable results.

There are six components of the optimum performance training model: core, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, power, balance, and strength. The goal is to increase lean muscle, decrease fat, and improve overall health. The program will cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, the science of movement, kinesiology, and curriculum development.

Does NASM Offer Other Certificates?

Although the CPT is the only NCCA accredited certification, the National Academy of Sports Medicine offers several other certificates other than the certified personal trainer option. The Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification teaches you how to prevent injuries and develop a sustainable workout program.

NASM also offers age-based exercise certifications, such as the Youth Exercise Specialist and the Senior Fitness Specialist.

They offer activity-specific certifications too, like the Golf Fitness Specialist Certification and the Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist. Additional certifications offered by NASM include Performance Enhancement Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Behavior Change Specialist, Group Personal Training Specialist, Women’s Fitness Specialist, Weight Loss Specialist, and Master Trainer.

Can I Become a Certified Personal Trainer Another Way?

The National Academy of Sports Medicine is not the only organization that offers programs to become a certified personal trainer. Other certification organizations are as follows: the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT). Some of these organizations require you to sign up for a membership before taking the certification exam.

So, What Exactly Is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer?

A NASM certified personal trainer has obtained certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which means that they have taken a course and passed an exam on a broad range of personal training topics, including anatomy, physiology, and fitness basics.

Once you have your certification in hand and are ready to start your personal training business, request a demo of our all-in-one gym management software.

Learn more about Exercise.com Fitness Business Management Software.

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