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what is the best degree to get if i would like to be a personal trainer ?

i would like to be a personal trainer when i am ready to have a job and take over my familys gym however i would still like to go to collage and for that i am coursius what the best major/degree is to work in that field

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Paul’s Answer

I agree with others in this category. The Bachelors degree in Physical Education is probably the best way to go.

It covers everything from sports, athletic injuries, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, training methods, and other subjects involving exercise science.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. kira
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Kira,

Best Degree to Become a Personal Trainer

If you’re planning to become a personal trainer and further your education, several degrees can help you in this career path. Here are some of the best degrees to consider:

Exercise Science

Exercise science is a popular degree choice for personal trainers. This major focuses on understanding the human body’s response to physical activity and how exercise impacts overall health and wellness. Coursework often includes anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise prescription. Graduates with an exercise science degree can work in various settings, including gyms, health clubs, and wellness centers.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is another degree that can benefit personal trainers. It is the study of human movement and how it relates to overall health and wellness. This major covers topics such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor learning. A kinesiology degree can lead to careers in personal training, coaching, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

Health and Wellness

A degree in health and wellness is an excellent choice for those interested in becoming personal trainers. This major focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle choices and preventing chronic diseases. Coursework may include topics such as nutrition, stress management, and health promotion. Graduates with a health and wellness degree can work in various settings, including gyms, wellness centers, and corporate health programs.

Nutrition Science

Nutrition science is a degree that can complement a career as a personal trainer. This major focuses on understanding the role of nutrition in overall health and wellness. Coursework may include topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary supplements. Graduates with a nutrition science degree can work in various settings, including gyms, health clubs, and wellness centers.

No matter which degree you choose, it’s essential to gain certification as a personal trainer through a reputable organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field and can help you stand out to potential employers.

Authoritative Reference Titles:

Exercise Science Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Guide by Maryville University
Kinesiology vs. Exercise Science: Which Degree is Right for You? by Baylor University
The Best Degrees for Personal Trainers by American Council on Exercise (ACE)

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Thank you comment icon thank you for the advice kira
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Kira,

Choosing the Right Degree for a Personal Trainer Career

If you're aiming to become a successful personal trainer and eventually manage your family's gym, there are several degree options that can equip you with the vital knowledge and skills needed in this field. While a specific degree isn't always a prerequisite for becoming a personal trainer, possessing a relevant educational background can significantly boost your credibility, expertise, and appeal in the fitness industry.

1. Exercise Science or Kinesiology: A degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology is a popular choice for those aiming to be personal trainers. These programs typically delve into subjects like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise prescription, and fitness assessment. Such a degree can give you a robust understanding of how the human body reacts to exercise and how to craft effective workout programs tailored to individual needs.

2. Sports Science: A Sports Science degree is another excellent choice for prospective personal trainers. This field concentrates on the scientific principles underpinning sports performance, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and sports nutrition. This degree can furnish you with the knowledge and skills required to work with athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals aiming to enhance their physical health and performance.

3. Physical Education: A Physical Education degree can also be advantageous for those keen on a personal trainer career. This program typically encompasses subjects related to physical fitness, sports coaching, motor development, and health education. A degree in Physical Education can offer you a comprehensive education in exercise science and pedagogy, which can prove invaluable when working with clients of all ages and fitness levels.

Besides earning a relevant degree, securing certifications from esteemed organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is crucial for becoming a certified personal trainer. These certifications attest to your proficiency and dedication to maintaining industry standards.

In the end, the best degree for becoming a personal trainer is one that matches your interests, career aspirations, and preferred specialization within the fitness industry. Consider seeking internship opportunities, acquiring practical experience through hands-on training, and keeping abreast of industry trends to boost your professional growth as a future personal trainer.

Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:

American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE is a prominent nonprofit organization that provides certifications for fitness professionals, including personal trainers. Their programs are well-recognized in the industry and offer comprehensive training on exercise science, program design, and client coaching.

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM is a respected organization that provides certification programs for personal trainers and fitness professionals. Their curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, corrective exercise techniques, and client-centric coaching strategies.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): NSCA is a revered organization that offers certifications for strength coaches and personal trainers. Their programs focus on strength training principles, sports performance enhancement, and injury prevention strategies rooted in scientific research.

May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Kira !

What a wonderful career plan you have !

The best majors for a career as a Personal Trainer would be Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, and/or Recreation and Fitness. The further you go with your course of study, Bachelors, Masters degree, the better you can pick a special focus as a trainer. I would advise either a Bachelors or Masters degree. Majoring in one of the mentioned majors would be great with a minor in any of the health related sciences. Also take some business management courses so you will have those skills at the gym you eventually manage.

The next thing that I advise is to become Certified. This will be great for consulting work you may want to do on the side since you anticipate taking over your family's gym business. Also, your clients may feel more at ease knowing they're being trained by a certified trainer. Look into this certification because I am not sure if it is required but still, you'd be better off professionally if you obtain it. It'll make things official.

I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best going forward !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

https://www.nasm.org/become-a-personal-trainer Personal Trainer Certification
https://www.forbes.com/health/fitness/best-personal-trainer-certification/
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Sunil’s Answer

Agree with the advice above. Kinesiology would be the obvious one in addition to certifications from NASM or Issa. Good luck to you Kira. You are going to help so many people!!
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Casey’s Answer

The best option is not to get a degree and go to a school focussed on career development like the National Personal Training Institute.
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L’s Answer

Hi! Great question and also great you already know what you want to do. I think the most traditional answer would be something like kinesiology. However, I will say that personal training is the type of thing where you can probably major in anything you want and then get more on the job training/experience in that specific field. What I am trying to say is it’s not a field that would require a specific degree like a dr or a dentist or lawyer. I always suggest majoring in whatever will open the most doors for you, even if one day you decide not to be a personal trainer and do something else. Maybe take some time to think through what degree will open the most doors for you depending on what your personal, career, and financial goals are in life.
Thank you comment icon ok maybe I will learn a new skill in collage kira
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Victor’s Answer

Definitely, studying kinesiology is a great way to deepen your knowledge about the human body. I would also suggest exploring related fields such as psychology or anthropology for a broader understanding. If your goal is to manage your family business in the future, gaining some business knowledge would be beneficial. This could include subjects like economics, accounting, and finance. But remember, the most important thing is to pursue what genuinely interests you, as this will help you develop and grow as an individual!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. kira
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