In the fitness field, a certification by the American College of Sports Medicine is an important step if you want to be a personal trainer. This professional training certifies that you have the knowledge and the skills necessary to assist others in their fitness and health care needs.

The ACSM has been in business since 1954 and has over 20,000 members around the world. The ACSM is the leading organization devoted to sports medicine and exercise science with the goal to promote healthier lifestyles for everyone around the world.  Their members are leaders in the diagnosis and prevention of sports related injuries as well as the continued effort to advance exercise for a healthier lifestyle.

The minimum requirements to be an ACSM fitness trainer is a high school diploma and they must be at least 18 years or older. You must also have an adult CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or another similar agency with a practical skills component.

Although the classes are sometimes held in a one week time frame, it is best to spread out the classes so that you have plenty of time to properly learn and memorize all that you will need to know for the examination. Workshops can help but be prepared as this actual test will probably take most of one whole day. There is a practical part of the exam as well as a written part so you know you will be exhausted by the end of the test.

The ACSM certification is a requirement for anyone who wants to work with individuals in a fitness center or other business. An ACSM trainer is certified to be knowledge and proficient in making appropriate exercise recommendations and demonstrating a safe and effective way to achieve the individual’s goals. The trainer is fluent in the fundamental principles of the science of exercise and is able to motivate individuals to start on a healthy road to better behaviors.

An ACSM trainer is the ideal person to help an individual with their personal goals to attain weight loss, maintain a certain weight or set up and maintain a regular exercise program. They are experts on being able to come up with recommendations for individuals to reduce risk of chronic illnesses and can assist with exercises that will help those who have been injured.

The ACSM certification guarantees that the individual that is your personal trainer has been taught to understand the science behind the personal training so they know what the proper techniques are – and also understand what the improper ones are as well! Some populations require more specialized handling such as disabled or injured people who may not have the ability to do what a “normal” person can do. An ACSM trainer knows what will work and what will not work.

Whether you work for a gym or have your own business, it is important to have liability insurance or Personal Trainer Insurance so that you are covered. Your local insurance agent should be able to help you with this.

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American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer Exam (ACSM) Study Guides

The American College of Sports Medicine offers a number of different levels and certifications.

All Study Guides include a Test Engine which you can run offline to simulate the actual exam scenario, including a timer and consolidated score.

Comprehensive ACSM Study Guide