What Is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer?
Here’s what it means to be an ACSM certified personal trainer – and why it matters
There are quite a few certification programs available for aspiring personal trainers, but one of the most popular is run by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). But what exactly does it mean to be an ACSM certified personal trainer?
Here’s what you should know about the ACSM certification and how it impacts you as a personal training client.
Becoming an ACSM certified personal trainer
The ACSM is one of the most well-regarded certifications in the fitness industry. It’s recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is the most well-known accrediting organization for personal trainer certifications.
For a trainer to receive their ACSM certification, they must meet certain qualifications and pass an exam. For starters, they need to be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma (or equivalent). They should also have a valid CPR/AED certification.
Students have many ways to prepare for the ACSM exam, including enrolling in a preparation course, participating in study groups, and taking a practice test. Then, they can take the official exam, which covers topics such as:
- Consulting with and assessing a personal training client
- Developing a customized personal training program
- Leading and communicating with clients
- Preventing injuries and dealing with emergencies
- Legal responsibilities as a personal trainer
Once they’ve passed the exam, trainers must renew their ACSM certification every three years. They can do this by signing up for continuing education courses, which refresh their knowledge of the above topics and inform them about any new developments in the world of health and fitness.
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Why certification is important for personal training clients
As a client, you put a lot of trust in your personal trainer. Not only do you look to them for guidance about exercise, diet, and lifestyle, but you also talk to them about your goals and visions for yourself – which is often very personal.
By working with a certified personal trainer, you can feel comfortable knowing that they’re well-qualified fitness professionals. You know that they’ve studied a variety of health and fitness topics, and they’ve passed an independent exam that demonstrates their expertise.
Find your personal trainer at CA
At Columbia Association (CA), our fitness professionals are certified by some of the industry’s leading accreditation programs, including the ACSM, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Each of our trainers brings a wealth of experience and a solid educational background to CA’s three fitness clubs. And since they specialize in various areas of physical fitness, it’s easy to find a trainer who’s a great match for your health goals, experience level, and physical abilities.
If you’re interested in personal training at CA, we’d love to have you join us. Both CA members and non-members can sign up for training at our gyms, and you’ll even get a discount if you have a current CA membership.
To learn more, submit your information through our online form or call us today. The friendly team at CA is always happy to help and answer your questions about our fitness training options, personal trainers, or facilities.