Personal Training Schools in New York - NY

Steps to Becoming a Personal Trainer in New York

1. If you opt for a college education, enroll in a Bachelor's Degree program in exercise science or similar course of study. Though this is not a general requirement, some health and fitness clubs prefer that their candidates have a degree in the field to obtain employment. In the longer term, this can mean higher and more rapid career advancement with higher earning potential.  However, in New York, personal training courses through certificate-level programs are sufficient for employment.
2. Apply for Personal Fitness Trainer positions. The best places to start are health and fitness clubs or gyms. Not surprising, the greatest number of opportunities for employment are in or around the “Big Apple.” Crunch LLC, Equinox Fitness Clubs, New York Health & Racquet Club, Bally Total Fitness and Lucille Roberts Fitness for Women are some popular ones. Other employment options include resorts, spas, hotels and cruises. Some PFT’s choose to work for themselves, establishing and building their own businesses, client list and services.
3. Market yourself. This is especially important if you're self-employed. Even if you are working in a health and fitness club, it's essential to build a solid client base. Create business cards, printed flyers and a business or personal website. Use the internet to get your name listed on local personal trainer directories. Don’t forget about on-line social networking (facebook.com, twitter.com, myspace.com) and professional connections (linked-in.com). Ask your satisfied clients, friends and family members to spread the word. Remember, word-of-mouth advertising is extremely effective.
4. Continue to learn by attending workshops and seminars. The same organizations that offer certification also offer continuing education courses to keep you current with new trends and technology. You might choose to specialize in a field like weight management, clinical exercise, post-rehabilitation conditioning or senior fitness.

Personal Trainer Continuing Education in New York

Your PFT certification will need to be renewed annually or, in some cases, every two or three years, depending on the agency. Certification renewal often requires completing continuing education courses for credit – these are known as Continuing Education Units (or CEU’s). Consult the specific certifying agency for information about its continuing education courses.

Some PFT’s pursue advanced certifications such as Certified Health Fitness Specialist (HFS).
Advanced certifications may not be required, but having at least one may open the door for career advancement and higher salaries. Consult your certifying agency for advanced options.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Personal Trainers in New York, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Syracuse, New York may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Presbyterian Hospital, Bellevue Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Brookdale Hospital.