Becoming a Personal Trainer in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the fitness craze is still in full swing. The residents of South Carolina love taking part in a vast array of year ‘round outdoor activities. As many of these activities require staying in shape, personal trainers are sought for their advice and expertise and enjoy being in-demand all year. Whether clients need a boost getting ready for snowboarding or summer activities at Myrtle Beach, personal trainers are the hub of statewide fitness.

South Carolina is more than just outdoor sports! Roller Derby leagues have been springing up all over the state since the turn of the century which has kept personal trainers very busy working with clients on developing strength and rehabbing injuries.

Penn Foster Career School's Online Personal Trainer Programs

Take the first step towards preparing for your career in the fields of personal fitness and nutrition through Penn Foster Career School's online programs:

Personal Trainer Career Diploma

In South Carolina, personal trainers are an integral part of the state’s sports and fitness culture. Your clients will look to you for your expertise in helping them develop realistic workout plans and then helping them safely achieve their fitness goals.

Clients choose personal trainers over solo workouts for the following reasons:

• Preventing Injury – As a personal trainer, you will take responsibility for showing your clients the proper way to exercise and use equipment. Knowing proper techniques can prevent many injuries.

• Learning New Fitness Trends – Helping your clients navigate new fitness trends and training techniques safely helps challenge your clients to push their body farther in pursuit of achieving their fitness goals.

• Accountability – You keep your clients accountable for maintaining their fitness routine and working toward their goals.

Depending on what fitness center you work at, you may be earning a flat rate salary or a base plus commission salary. Commission is generally based on recruit and maintain a client roster.

Becoming a Personal Trainer in South Carolina

In order to work in many of South Carolina’s better gyms and fitness centers as a personal trainer, you will need to pursue and obtain the qualifications to qualify for the best jobs. A degree in a relevant major along with a national certification is generally the best way to do this,

Formal Training and Education

Throughout South Carolina, you will find a wide selection of schools that offer degree programs related to the personal fitness industry. These programs will give you a working knowledge of kinesiology, physiology and anatomy. The base of knowledge in subjects like these, and others you will study, will allow you to assess client’s needs, design workout programs, and safely and effectively provide motivation to your clients:

• Dietetics and Nutrition

• Exercise Science

• Kinesiology

• Exercise Physiology

• Personal Training

• Sports Medicine

Though these majors place emphasis on different areas relevant to health and fitness promotion, most will cover key concepts in:

• Functional Anatomy

• Exercise Physiology

• Physical Activity & Health Promotion

• Nutrition

• Screening, Evaluation and Professional Practice

• Training Instruction

• Weight Management

• Exercise Prescription and Programming Considerations

• Considerations for Special Populations

National Certification Options

Most South Carolina fitness and health clubs have a set of minimum requirements that their personal trainers must meet. Minimum qualifications to acquire certification includes having a high school diploma or equivalent, being 18 years of age or older and being CPR/AED certified.

Examples of reputable institutes that offer personal training certification include the following:

• National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)

• International Sports & Fitness Trainers Association (ISFTA)

• International Sports Science Association (ISSA)

• American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA)

• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)

• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA)

• American Council of Exercise (ACE)

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

In addition to basic personal training certification, there are also options to specialize in a specific training area. Specialty areas include but are not limited to the following:

• Aqua Fitness Specialist

• Senior Fitness Specialist

• Youth Athletic Fitness Specialist

• Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist

• BOSU Balance Specialist

• Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Working as a Personal Trainer in South Carolina

Wherever you choose to work, you will be expected to fulfill certain duties as a personal trainer in South Carolina:

• Basic nutrition and exercise knowledge

• Knowledge of human anatomy

• Ability to design and execute personal fitness programs that are safe and effective

• Desire to help clients achieve their fitness goals

• Dedication to maintaining your own fitness level

• Ability to attract and retain clients

• Ability to motivate others to improve their health

The future outlook for employment for personal trainers in South Carolina is excellent. From small studios to large chains, growth is projected in the industry for years to come. Cross-Fit and training boutiques are also becoming increasingly popular as well creating more employment opportunities.

A unique way to connect and train clients is being an online trainer. Some personal trainers use skype or a similar network to connect with clients and train them in the comfort of their home or office.

Just a few of the places looking for personal trainers in April 2015 included:

• St. Andrews Parks & Playground, Charleston

• Empower Performance Physical Training, Conway

• Fitness Edge, Myrtle Beach

• D1 Greenville, Greenville

• East Shore Athletic Club, North Charleston

• Anytime Fitness, Goose Creek

• Personally Fit, Columbia

• Got Muscle Personal Training, North Charleston

• Irontribe Fitness, Columbia

Looking at job requirements from actual job postings is a great way to gain an understanding of what employers are looking for:

Fitness Edge in Myrtle Beach was named the #1 fitness center in the Myrtle Beach area in the 2014 Best of the Grand Strand Results. Personal trainers at Fitness Edge are required to have a bachelor’s degree, national certification and the ability to sell training packages to clients. Its trainers receive both an hourly and commission salary.

St. Andrews Parks & Playground in Charleston requires CPR/AED/First Aid certification as well as a personal trainer certificate. Personal trainers are expected to be able to perform 30, 60 and 90-minute quality training sessions and work flexible schedules with evening hours required.

Enjoy being in a great career with flexible hours, doing something you love. Seek information on becoming a personal trainer in South Carolina today.