Personal Trainer Certification

4-month part-time Program or 2-month full-time Intensive

What You’ll Learn

Our well-rounded curriculum includes the study of anatomy, exercise science, training technique, nutrition, and business fundamentals. Specific program planning and implementation are emphasized. Graduates are prepared for the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) certification exam.

The Profession

The field of personal training is one of the fastest growing professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in field of fitness training is expected to outpace growth in all professions for at least the next ten years. The career opportunities are diverse ranging from gyms and health clubs to in-home personal training.

Our Philosophy

The Providence Institute incorporates the latest scientific research combined with time-tested methods to give you the tools you need to help your clients reach their goals and develop a love of exercise. We strongly emphasize functional training. Functional training develops strength, flexibility, and balance that convert to increased proficiency in daily activities, enhanced athletic performance, and is the best method for preventing the injuries and conditions that can be encountered with aging. We believe that the best personal trainers are also educators. We equip all our graduates with the skills to not only develop effective exercise programs but to also be an ongoing resource for fitness knowledge.

Special Features

Certification

Our Personal Trainer Certification is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is based on top national standards. Graduates will be prepared for various national certifying exams, with specific preparation for the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) certification.

Health and Wellness Benefits for Students

As an enrolled student in our Personal Trainer Certificate Program, you will enjoy twenty in-gym personal training sessions, use of our fully equipped gym, unlimited yoga in our yoga studio and discounted massage in our Body Therapy Center.

Course Descriptions

Training Technique

Through hands-on experiential methods, a wide variety of functional exercises are mastered. Precision in teaching and demonstrating proper technique is gained through lecture and practice. Alignment principles, modifications, adaptations, spotting techniques, and program planning are included in this foundational course.

Anatomy

Functional anatomy as it relates to weight training and exercise. The study of muscle, tendon, and ligament response to resistance and aerobic training is emphasized. Common injuries and pathologies are presented.

Anatomy Lab

Concepts and information learned in anatomy class are applied in the gym. This class brings the knowledge of muscle location and action into the realm of movement as students identify and implement exercises that engage and develop specific muscles and muscle groups.

Physiology

Physiology as it relates to training and exercise is presented. Emphasis is placed on cardio-respiratory and muscular physiology. Physiologic adaptations, norms, pathology, and risk stratification models are taught and applied. Concepts include cardiac output, max oxygen consumption, blood pressure changes, and the body’s response to acute and chronic strength and aerobic training,

Program Planning

Skills in specific program design are acquired through lecture and case studies. Aerobic, strength, and flexibility program concepts are presented. Related testing and assessment protocols are taught and practiced, including step tests, strength tests, and periodization.

Marketing and Business

Proven strategies for building and maintaining a thriving and financially rewarding business are taught in this course. Students learn how to approach gyms to create a working relationship, how to attract new clients, and how to determine fee scales. Students create a business plan including a budget with goals and projections. Taxes and legal issues such as insurance, client forms, and contracts are also presented.

Motivational Strategies/Techniques

Techniques are learned and skills developed that will enable students to help their clients stay motivated and consistent. Recognizing that the relationship between client and trainer is of paramount importance, emphasis is placed on cultivating strong interpersonal and communication skills.