A National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification can open doors to a variety of career paths in the fitness industry. Whether you are interested in personal training, sports performance, or group fitness, NASM offers several certifications to help you achieve your career goals.
This article will explore three different career paths you can pursue with a NASM certification.
1. Personal Trainer
Personal training is among the most popular career paths for individuals with a NASM certification. Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. This may include weight loss, muscle gain, or overall improvement in fitness level. You will create individualized fitness plans for each client and provide coaching and motivation to help them stay on track.
To become NASM certified, you must complete the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program. This program covers anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise program design, and implementation. You’ll also get the lowdown on how to handle clients of all ages and fitness levels, and how to customize your coaching to fit their unique needs.
As a NASM CPT, you can work at fitness centers, health clubs, or private studios. Or, if you’re feeling independent, you can do your own thing and offer your services as a contractor, whether that’s in clients’ homes or at other locations. Fitness trainers and instructors had a median annual wage of $40,510 as of May 2020. Still, remember this can change based on factors like your experience, where you’re located, and the type of clients you work with.
Plus, being a personal trainer isn’t just about one-on-one sessions. You might even have the chance to specialize in certain areas, like pumping up muscles, shedding pounds, or getting folks ready for sports. Plus, there’s the option to work with specific groups, like seniors or people with disabilities. It’s all about finding your niche!
With the right skills and experience, personal trainers can advance their careers by becoming gym managers and fitness directors or even starting their own personal training businesses. A NASM certification can provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling career as a successful personal trainer.
2. Sports Performance Coach
If you want to work with athletes, a NASM certification can help you become a sports performance coach. As a sports performance coach, you will work with athletes of all ages and skill levels to help them improve their performance on the field or court. You will create training programs focusing on strength, speed, agility, and endurance and provide coaching and support to help athletes reach their goals.
To become a NASM-certified sports performance coach, you must complete the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) program. This program covers topics such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, and nutrition, as well as sports-specific training techniques.
Sports performance coaches can be employed by all sorts of organizations, including sports teams, training facilities, and private studios. The median annual wage for coaches and scouts was $34,840 in May 2020. However, it’s an expansive field with lots of room for growth.
3. Group Fitness Instructor
If you enjoy teaching fitness classes and working with groups of people, a NASM certification can help you become a group fitness instructor. As a group fitness instructor, you will lead classes in plenty of formats, including cardio, strength, and yoga. You will create challenging and engaging workouts, provide coaching, and motivate participants to reach their fitness goals.
To become a group fitness instructor with a NASM certification, you will need to complete the Group Personal Training Specialist (GPTS) program. This program covers topics such as exercise science, program design, coaching techniques, and how to work with groups of different sizes and fitness levels. You will also learn how to create and lead effective group workouts that are safe and enjoyable for participants.
As a group fitness instructor, you can work in settings like fitness centers, health clubs, and community centers. Additionally, many group fitness instructors work part-time, creating flexibility in their schedules.
An Exciting New Job Opportunity
A NASM certification can lead to a variety of rewarding career paths in the fitness industry. Whether you become a personal trainer, sports performance coach, or group fitness instructor, a NASM certification can help you acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your chosen field. By pursuing a career in the fitness industry with a NASM certification, you can help others achieve their fitness goals while also fulfilling your own passion for health and wellness.