1. Personal Training Business Concepts:
An Introduction
© 2018 NPTI Colorado | Revision 8 (11/14/18) DM

2. Lecture Objectives Students should be able to:
Understand how the content of this module will fit into the big picture of personal training
Understand expectations for this module
Understand the roles and responsibilities of personal trainers of today, yesterday, and in the future
Explain why there is an increasing need for certified personal trainers.

3. Module Overview
In order to successfully complete a module, students must:
Achieve at least a 70% overall grade for that module
Pass the module’s written exams (70%) (If a student scores lower than a 60%, he/she may be required to repeat the module)
Pass the module’s practical test-out (70%)
Complete / submit ALL assignments for that module

4. Meet Attendance Requirement
TOTAL HOURS THAT CAN BE MISSED PER MODULE (without exceeding the combined total of 60 hours lecture / 30 hours practical)
Lecture: *15 hours
Practical: *8 hours
If a student misses more than the hours mentioned above and without making up any time, that student will have to repeat that module.

5. Module Overview Syllabus & Assignments Overview Lectures Practical
Assignments and Due Dates
Testing Dates
Feedback surveys
Questions?
REMINDER: Consult your syllabus or instructor for materials that are required during this module

6. The Fitness Industry Projected to be a high-growth career track
Numerous career pathways
Wide variety of training settings
Play an important role in the health of the country

7. History of the Fitness Industry
1950s and 1960s:
Conditions linked to a sedentary lifestyle identified
Primarily males using fitness facilities
Primarily athletic goals versus weight Loss (bodybuilders, power lifters, Olympic lifters, athletes)
Presidents Council on Physical Fitness addresses children and adults for the first time

8. History of the Fitness Industry

9. History of the Fitness Industry
Socially acceptable
Structured way to socialize and get healthy
Training did not require high levels of skill
Used to augment existing activity levels
Perceived as a way to directly alter appearance

10. History of the Fitness Industry
1970s gym membership:
Number of gym members increased significantly
Large number of uneducated exercisers
Became an outlet for anyone to exercise (alternative to team sports)
New members offered money for guidance

11. History of the Fitness Industry
Fitness Professionals of the 1970s:
Trained the longest
Appeared to be the most fit
Strongest
Assessments not standard
Training programs rarely individualized to client

12. History of the Fitness Industry
From the mid-1980s to the present:
Technology and automation start to take a toll on public health
Obesity is named an epidemic in 1985
Americans are living longer
Daily activity levels continue to decline
P.E. classes and after-school programs being cut

13. History of the Fitness Industry

14. History of the Fitness Industry
From the mid-1980s to the present:
Formation of various fitness organizations (ACE/NSCA)
Formal educational opportunities (certifications/degree)
More responsibility required of fitness professionals
More expectations of fitness professionals by clients

15. History of the Fitness Industry
Evolution of the Fitness Professional:
Gaining more respect and prominence
Numerous responsibilities:
Personal Training Services
Coaching and Counseling
Customer Services
Marketing
Sales
Facility duties (clean – maintenance)

16. Current State of Personal Training
Fitness professionals are noticing a decrease in client physical functionality and are beginning to address it
Common Concerns for Current/Future Personal Trainers:
Sedentary lifestyle
Overuse injuries (work and recreation)
Musculoskeletal injuries (postural distortions)
Soft tissue injuries (ankle, knee, hip, back, shoulder, elbow)
Chronic diseases in adult and youth populations

17. Current State of Personal Training
The new mindset in fitness:
Safety
Functional capacity
Integrated approach
Individuality
Enjoyment
Long term success
Note that there is A LOT of opportunity for success in the fitness industry…

18. Future of Personal Training
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs in personal training and fitness instruction will increase by 24% between 2010 and 2020, faster than the average 14% expansion for all occupations 
Note that there is A LOT of opportunity for success in the fitness industry…

19. Economics of Personal Training
US adults aged 18 to 65 spend $155 per month on their health and fitness
That’s $112,000 in a lifetime, $13,000 more than a public 4-year college education which averages about $98,440.
87% of Americans say paying for the gym or fitness classes are high priority, and some are paying much more than the monthly average.
Note that there is A LOT of opportunity for success in the fitness industry…

20. Economics of Personal Training
Note that there is A LOT of opportunity for success in the fitness industry…

21. Fitness Industry Regulation
Because of the lack of oversight, some allied health care professionals (doctors, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors) have a less than favorable opinion of personal trainers.
It is the responsibility of EVERY trainer to:
Get educated
Earn a respected certification
Maintain education and credentials
Do what is best for the client

22. Fitness Industry Regulation
Certification is the current industry standard.
A degree may be required for some advanced positions in the fitness industry:
Exercise Physiologist
Strength & Conditioning Coach (semi-professional / professional)
Corporate Wellness
Teacher / Professor

23. Fitness Industry Regulation
United States Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS) is a national registry of highly qualified exercise professionals. Consumers can seek verification of a fitness professional’s credentials.
NCCA-Accredited Certifications
Eligibility criteria
Registry of verified professionals
See Personal Training Regulation article

24. Conclusion
Becoming certified is only the first step. To develop a successful long-term career, first understand why so many trainers leave the industry within the first year
Compensation
Lack of sales and marketing experience
Unrealistic expectations
Competition
This module focuses on helping you to begin and sustain a fulfilling personal training career on your own terms

25. Any questions?