Becoming a Personal Trainer in Delaware
Working as a certified personal trainer allows you to put your athletic abilities to even more productive use by helping others achieve their own fitness goals. Certified personal trainers in Delaware use their knowledge of nutrition and exercise to lead small groups or work one-on-one with individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to their technical knowledge, certified personal trainers should be good communicators and energetic motivators to help their clients understand how to complete exercises and help them maintain their hard work when the going gets tough.
How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Delaware
You should be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED before becoming a certified personal trainer. Some employers also require trainers to have CPR and AED certification, which can be obtained through the Red Cross at various community facilities.
While no other formal qualifications are necessary to work as a personal trainer, certified trainers typically receive higher salaries and have more job opportunities.
National Certification for Personal Trainers in Delaware
Passing a national certification exam shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to be an effective personal trainer. This can help you obtain higher-paying jobs and advance your career. Popular nationwide programs include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE). Note that each of these programs has different prerequisites, so spend some time considering the best fit for you.
Degree Programs for Delaware Personal Trainers
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in physical education, health sciences or a related field can give you specialized knowledge that expands your training offerings for clients. The following programs are available in and around Delaware:
- University of Delaware. The University of Delaware’s bachelor’s degree program in Health and Physical Education combines classroom instruction and fieldwork to teach students principles of fitness training and physical health. It is one of the few programs to include material on both exercise and health for future trainers.
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In nearby Maryland, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in health fitness. Coursework includes biology, anatomy, sports medicine and health-fitness management.
Personal Training Careers in Delaware
Certified personal fitness trainers and those in related professions make an average annual salary of $38,440 in Delaware, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who charge hourly rates typically make an average of $18.48 per hour.
The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that jobs in this field will increase by 10 percent nationwide in the 10 years to 2026, with Delaware experiencing a similar increase of 10.2 percent during the same time period.
Working as a Certified Personal Trainer in Delaware
After receiving your personal trainer certification, you can work in a variety of settings. Trainers work in schools, gyms, fitness centers, rehabilitation centers and more. If you’re interested in working for an established company, larger cities like Wilmington will have the most jobs. Others prefer to start their own businesses or work on a freelance basis. Whichever you choose, you’ll be entering a rewarding field that combines your commitment to athletics with the ability to help others reach their goals.