While Sin City undoubtedly makes up a large part of Nevada’s commerce and population, cities like Reno and Henderson are home to residents from all walks of life. This makes Nevada a place where working as a personal trainer means having a great variety of options in terms of the kinds of clients you could work with.
Nevada’s natural diversity, from its scorching deserts to its snowy mountains, is mirrored by the diversity of the fitness buffs that live here. The fitness goals of a dancer from Las Vegas may seem worlds apart from those of a whitewater rafter from Boulder City, but what they have in common is a need for expert personal training services. The wide range of potential clients you could work with in Nevada will allow you to find the personal training niche that is perfect for you.
Steps to Becoming a Personal Trainer in Nevada
If you’re near Las Vegas or Reno, one day you might find yourself working with a boxer looking to develop explosive strength and speed through plyometrics, while the next day you may be working with a performer looking to maintain rock-hard abs. In areas near Carson City, you may help skiers prepare for the fast trails of Heavenly Mountain Resort by teaching them full body exercises such as burpees and bear crawls. In all cases, having the right education and credentials will earn you the respect you deserve as a fitness professional.
Degree Options for Personal Trainers
A college-level degree in a field related to personal fitness gives you a level of credibility you will not find anywhere else. While many personal trainers only earn certification, a degree will give you the extra edge in attracting potential clients and the knowledge to be uber-effective in helping clients achieve their goals.
Degree options for aspiring personal trainers include, but are not limited to:
Associate’s Degree Programs in:
- Physical Education
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Personal Training
- Fitness and Health
- Exercise Science
- Dietetics
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in:
- Athletic Studies
- Exercise Program Design
- Kinesiology
- Physical Education
- Sport Psychology
- Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Biology
- Sports Medicine
Personal Trainer Certification Options
Nearly every respected personal trainer goes through a national certification process. For clients seeking personal trainers, knowing that you are backed by a large organization is an invaluable portion of your resume. Many of the U.S.’s most well-known and respected certifying bodies offer certification exams in select cities in Nevada.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), with tests offered in:
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- Sparks
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), with tests offered in:
- Round Mountain
- Reno
- Sparks
- Las Vegas
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), with tests offered in:
- Round Mountain
- Reno
- Sparks
- Las Vegas
Personal Training Careers in Nevada
At an extremely high employment rate of 1.52 per 1000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nevada is a hub for personal trainers. You might land your first job through networking with the many other personal trainers in your area, or through standing out from the pack by developing your own unique routines.
The variety of entertainers in Las Vegas and Reno create a constant demand for one-on-one personal training sessions. You could find yourself working with clients such as mixed martial arts fighters who must stay in top shape year round to fight on a week’s notice. Or you may end up teaching a local model the importance of timed caloric intake to achieve peak physical perfection.
Outside of Nevada’s urban areas, you could privately work with active outdoor enthusiasts. For example, Henderson’s 37 miles of scenic trails attract walkers and joggers who you could assist in developing stronger slow-twitch muscle fibers.
Whether your goal is to work for a gym or to work with clients independently, your networking skills will be crucial in starting your career path.
Be active with the personal training communities within your area. Reach out to other personal trainers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and discuss your interests in health and fitness. By showing off your knowledge, you may land a referral to work at a gym or with an individual client.
There are a lot of personal trainers in Nevada, so be patient and persistent. You may want to take a job as a receptionist at a gym to establish your work ethic until a training job becomes available. Or, you could offer free sessions for your own personal training business to attract individual clients.