What is NASM certification?

One of the most effective ways to turn out to be a private trainer is to turn out to be certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Founded in 1987, NASM offers certifications in quite a lot of fitness areas including personal training, bodybuilding and nutrition.

Here’s an in depth take a look at the advantages of NASM certification.

What does it mean to be NASM certified?

NASM has greater than 1.5 million certified fitness and wellness professionals, helping personal trainers, trainers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve their health goals. NASM certification means you may provide fitness advice and guidance to others.

“If you are NASM certified, it means you have put time and effort into developing the knowledge and skills necessary to help someone change their life and improve,” says Tony Ambler-Wright, product manager and Master Instructor for the Non-Profit Organization. “It also shows others that you have reached that level of competence.”

NASM offers quite a lot of fitness certifications. One is that this Personal Trainer Certification (CPT), which prepares you to design training and conditioning programs based on scientific and clinical evidence. The Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program is the second and teaches you the science of nutrition and the way you may promote higher health decisions through weight loss plan and behavior changes. Finally there may be this Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) program that shows you methods to achieve wellness through nutrition, exercise, coaching, and mental and emotional well-being.

Additional specializations include bodybuilding, corrective exercise, sports nutrition, group fitness, weight reduction and other fitness topics.

How much does NASM certification cost?

The cost of obtaining a NASM certification relies on this system. Purchasing multiple programs as a package can reduce costs, and NASM also offers reasonably priced and monthly payment options.

Get one Personal Trainer Certification could be a one-time payment of $899 or 11 monthly payments of $79 with a $25 down payment. You will receive one with out a discount Certified Nutrition Coach or Physique and bodybuilding trainer (PBC) certification can cost $899 or 11 monthly payments of $53 with a $25 down payment.

How long does it take to get NASM certification?

Because the courses are self-study, Ambler-Wright says the time required for every course relies on the person. The CPT certification, for instance, is a “pretty intensive” 23-chapter course that he says should take about 4 months for many. Some of the certifications will be accomplished in as little as 4 weeks.

Matt Boyer, owner of Move Bloomington personal training studio in Bloomington, Indiana, says his employees have taken anywhere from one to 6 months to finish their CPT training, depending on the time commitment and prior knowledge of the coursework.

Is it price getting NASM certification?

So, given the time and value involved, is it price it to get NASM certification?

Boyer believes so. With NASM certification, “you have all the tools at your disposal,” he says, to work with anyone from LeBron James to a 90-year-old retiree. When Boyer hires someone who doesn’t have NASM certification, he helps them pay for his or her training.

“It is my preferred certification at my facility,” Boyer explains. “That means you’re being trained by one of the best organizations there is.”

Ambler-Wright notes that NASM courses are created by industry experts based on scientific evidence and real-world experience and that the courses are updated frequently.

“In terms of credibility and authority, NASM is widely recognized and preferred by gym employers,” he says.

According to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe average salary of fitness instructors and trainers was $46,480 per yr in 2023.

Taking that away

When it involves pursuing a profession in fitness, a NASM certification shows that you’ve gotten the training needed to assist people achieve their fitness goals and that you’ve gotten earned a top certification in the sector.

“It gives people the confidence that they have the tools and the knowledge and the skills and abilities to help people achieve better health and fitness,” says Ambler-Wright. “It demonstrates that you have entry-level skills in all areas and areas related to a person’s health and fitness and ensures you have the knowledge and skills necessary to help someone safely.”

If you are curious and wish to learn more, Ambler-Wright recommends reaching out to current personal trainers to get their perspectives and trying out NASM’s website, blog, and podcasts. NASM also has educational advisors that aspiring fitness instructors can contact.

“If someone is on the fence and not sure which direction to go, they can consult with one of our team members to help them along the way,” he says.

When asked concerning the current demand for fitness professionals, Ambler-Wright said NASM consistently receives inquiries from gyms and fitness facilities searching for people to rent.

“It looks pretty promising,” he says of the profession prospects in the sector. “As there may be increasing give attention to wellness and fitness, this trend will proceed to grow as people want to take a position more in themselves.

“There’s no better time to pursue fitness as a career opportunity.”