Home » The KIPS Podcast » Personal Trainer Career Fundamentals: CEUs, Accreditation, and Networking for Success

The career of personal training is evolving as those in the fitness industry learn more about what makes a successful professional. There’s no single answer, but the existing model doesn’t set new personal trainers up for success. According to American Spa (2019), the fitness industry has a turnover rate of roughly 80%, which may be even higher among current gym owners across the United States.

A significant issue with personal trainer education is that it doesn’t emphasize two of the most critical components that new personal trainers face right away: sales and interpersonal skills.

In this episode of the KIPS Podcast, guest Nick Clayton, MBA, MS, discusses the fundamentals of being a personal trainer, including gaining continuing education and certification accreditation, and how networking can help you grow your career and client list. Nick has worked for some of the most recognized brands within the fitness industry (IDEA, Dr. John Rusin, NSCA) and shares advice for new fitness professionals.

What are CEUs and Why Do They Matter?

Continuing education units (CEUs) are among the most essential aspects of maintaining your primary certification. Depending on the organization that certified you, these may be referred to as continuing education units or continuing education credits (CECs). Regardless, they represent the same concept and serve the same purpose: enhancing your knowledge as a fitness professional and enabling you to provide a more distinguished service.

As Nick points out, CEUs are essential because they help you expand your knowledge as a personal trainer, improve your value proposition, and increase your rate. A takeaway from this episode is that your CPT has basic knowledge of the personal training career and that learning is essential to growth. Learning can be experienced on the job through new certifications, CEUs, or even as part of a mentorship program.

The Reality of CPT Accreditation

Accreditation is a topic central to personal training education that is commonly mistakenly described. As regulations and public interest in personal trainer accreditation have decreased, options for personal trainer education have increased.

National accreditation in the fitness industry typically pertains to the development of the exam. The structure and individuals involved in the exam’s development are analyzed and compared with the outcomes of becoming an entry-level personal trainer.

A common myth about accreditation is that fitness education companies and personal trainer programs are accredited. The exam is the actual item accredited, and the programs are not part of the approval process.

In a previous role, Nick was the Personal Trainer Program Manager for NSCA, one of the top fitness education companies in the United States. Nick believes that accreditation helps set the standard for personal trainers. Still, he thinks there is value in unaccredited personal trainer programs and certificate programs.

Strategic Networking as a Personal Trainer

Growing your client list as a personal trainer is essential to sustaining a career in the fitness industry. If you’re unable to make a living wage, you’re often forced to find work elsewhere. Networking is frequently mentioned as a viable option to grow an audience and add sales funnels. But where do you start?

Nick mentions two paths to networking: one for career development and the other to build your client list.

• Career Development Networking: An often-undervalued form of learning for personal trainers is attending conferences. Emailing a conference organization to offer to volunteer can be an excellent way to meet other fitness professionals who want to network and also earn your continuing education units (often for free).
• Client Acquisition Networking: Networking within your community can be a powerful way to grow your client list. Offering a free weekend workout to a friend or family member who invites their friends and donating any proceeds to a local non-profit can open up free organic marketing opportunities and get your name into the community.

Summary
This episode with Nick offers actionable steps to advance your career as a new or established personal trainer. It’s essential to recognize that your entry-level CPT is merely the starting point of your journey in the fitness industry. Expanding your knowledge as a personal trainer will significantly enhance your chances of building a successful career.

Strategic Networking Pathways

Nick Clayton owns NJC Fitness Solutions, which offers customized online fitness programming and consulting services. He previously served as the Director of Partnerships and Business Development at IDEA Health & Fitness Association, focusing on providing high-quality content and education to fitness professionals. His previous roles include Chief Operations Officer at Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification, where he worked to expand the certification business, and Program Manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), where he contributed to revamping educational events and growing membership. Nick’s experience also involves developing sports performance programs as the Director of Performance at TMI Sports Medicine, along with earlier positions at the University of Florida and Gainesville Health & Fitness. His academic background includes an MBA and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Promotion and Fitness Management from Rowan University.