With 80% of our population obese and the stats continuing to
increase at an alarming rate, becoming a certified personal trainer (CPT) can
be a very sound and solid decision to make as a viable career option. After
all, we are all human and we all either need to get into better shape or begin
the path to getting started in the hopes of achieving better health. This is an
ongoing process, and no one is exempt; making this professional all the more
desirable. When I recently made the decision to become a CPT, up until this
point, I never dreamed that this could ever be a viable option or path for me to
take. But, as I began to get into it more and more and studied it at length, I
began to realize that I could belong and where I could fit in. Here are the
things that helped me decide:
A desire to help those in a similar situation like me
to succeed, become knowledgeable, and able to spread and repeat that knowledge
like the first time.
The need for the face of the CPT world to change
(diversity).
A love for teaching and coaching others to succeed (You
can learn over time but the passion to help and share with others is priceless).
Spreading awareness on health issues.
I was ready.
After a lot of research, I knew that I would be able to spend
the time, hours, patience, and energy it takes to become a CPT because at the
heart of it was my renewed passion and synergy in helping others at something important
that I had gotten skilled at.
Helping Others Succeed
Having a strong desire and drive to assist others in a similar
situation to help educate and empower them to succeed as well. I know as a CPT
I will be able to reach people needing guidance as a trained and knowledgeable
professional who has been there and done that too. After concluding my studies
and learning about specific topics of great importance, I have become confident
and determined more than ever that I can help others. I also now possess better
tools and resources to be more effective and efficient. And it is my greatest
desire to be the person that I needed there for me that I did not have with
kindness and compassion prior to 2019.
Diversity in the Fitness World
I don’t see a lot of people in the fitness industry that
look like me in their late 30s to early 40s with a similar story or background.
It is hard to step out of your comfort zone when you aren’t inspired to
challenge your own situation. It is very easy to see a fit person and make up
excuses as to why he/she has it easier than you to get healthier and lose
weight (she had help, she is naturally thin, she was a former athlete, she has
money, etc.) but when it is someone just like you and has succeeded it becomes
a real lightbulb moment. The idea that you can’t becomes invalid forcing the
person to start thinking about how they can do it and embrace accountability.
If more people once they succeeded turn around and become a mentor to others
still struggling with their fitness journey and/or studies, would this not have
a better impact on health and fitness issues and the fitness industry too? I
believe it would and it does and that is why I studied two different
certificate programs so that I could know the material at a certain level that
would better assist others around me in need of such help.
Spreading Awareness on Health Issues
With the percentage of health issues on the rise and the
damage done during the pandemic, more than ever people need a knowledgeable,
certified, and experienced professional to help point them in the right
direction and away from harmful fad diets and untrustworthy influencers trying
to make a quick sale. From my background in the educational system, I knew that
I would be comfortable with and well prepared to spread awareness and educate
others. Also, I can empathize a lot with others that are too busy and don’t
know where to begin with researching solid facts. It wasn’t until I studied for
the CPT that it all began to really make meaningful sense. However, the average
person does not have the time, means, patience, and support to enroll and study
in CPT program just to acquire knowledge even for their own health.
Transferable/Parallel Skill
When I concluded my studies, and it all began to make sense
to me, I confirmed a few things that I didn’t realize I had that would come in
handy. I had transferable/parallel skills that although I may not have
previously been a CPT, I carry these skills to the table all the same. When I
worked in the field of Human Resources providing my services at a University, I
was placed in a position where in I had to be able to empower, train, develop,
educate, motivate, encourage, etc. other employees on an ongoing basis. Even
though I was not a CPT, I was assisting others in a manner very similar to the
way a CPT would. And this is a very important aspect to helping a client
succeed. And it should be strongly noted that it is not just telling people
about adjusting their eating habits and showing them how to correctly perform
an exercise with proper form, it’s these interpersonal skills that will go a
long way with people that will make you a great CPT. And that is when I knew
that I was ready to become a CPT. It took a lot of time, thought, research, and
internal processing to arrive at this position but I am now here and solidly
moving forward with this as my new profession.
If you are considering becoming a CPT, I would suggest
knowing your whys and what it is that strongly resonates with you. Research job
description online of a CPT. Follow real CPTs online, not influencers. Visit
your local gyms and talk with a cross section of CPTs in your area. Begin the
process in that manner and keep these questions in mind: Is this really for me?
Does the information really dovetail well with my original whys? If so, start
doing the research into a certification program because you are close to being
ready even if you don’t realize that you already are.
FYI, the tutoring services that I provide are to help those
to learn not only how to pass a certified personal trainer (CPT) exam but to
also learn the fundamentals of being a knowledgeable, educated, and confident
CPT. I offer informative blog postings and videos on relevant subject matter
and topics, study guides and advice for free. For more hands on and one on one
tutoring services, please contact
me.
In the meantime, please feel free to check out my website
and other blogs articles. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me and let me know
what you think! I’m always here for you when you need me
to be!
Until next time… Keep Inspired &
Ignite the Spark Firestar!™
Nadia
Matheson
Catalystt Tutoring™
Each one, teach one!
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