The PVCC Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate Program is based on the standards of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Therefore, you will be prepared to take the ACSM's Certified Personal Trainer exam upon your completion of the PVCC Certificate program. PVCC has chosen to use the ACSM Standards for the following reasons:

• ACSM has long been the "Gold Standard" for credentials in the fitness industry. Having an ACSM certification shows potential employers that you have a very strong background in fitness. Most, if not all, employers will accept the ACSM certification.
  
• Established in 1954, ACSM was one of the first certifying organizations created in the fitness field.
  
• ACSM has earned its impeccable reputation based on the extensive research they do in the field of exercise science. Many discoveries in the field can be accredited to the ACSM.
  
• ACSM prepares potential personal trainers to work with a wide range of clients. You will be qualified to work with healthy clients and people with disabilities or chronic diseases. Back to top.

Several classes (PED 130, 275 & 285) in the PVCC Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate Program are based on the standards and guidelines of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Therefore, you will be prepared to take the NASM's Certified Personal Trainer exam upon your completion of the PVCC Certificate program. PVCC has chosen to use the NASM Standards for the following reasons:

• NASM is a leading worldwide education provider to the fitness industry and has developed the Optimum Performance Training method, which provides a practical approach and evidenced-based science of exercise.
• NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs.

If you have a passion for health and fitness, becoming a personal trainer my be your ideal occupation for you! A personal trainer’s primary job is to:

• assess clients current fitness levels
• assess clients needs and establish realistic goals
• teach clients how to exercise safely
• create realistic exercise regiments for clients
• educate clients about proper nutrition and wellness.

As a trainer you will meet with your clients on a regular basis. You will guide them through their workouts (weights, aerobics, meditation / relaxation, and flexibility training) to help them reach their goals. You will monitor and record their progress through methods such as body fat testing, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, flexibility testing, and body measurements. You will provide your clients with advice about their lifestyle, health, nutrition requirements, and other topics regarding their health, fitness, and well-being.

Personal trainer have a wide range of employment options. Many personal trainers work in health clubs, resorts, cruise ships, spas, and colleges or universities. As a personal trainer, you may choose to be self-employed - thus providing a flexible schedule that will meet you and your families needs.

Personal training positions are available in every city and state. Many personal trainers begin their career working in a health club. Currently, personal trainers in the Phoenix are earn between $15 - $75 per hour (depending upon knowledge and experience). In order to reach your maximum earning potential, it is vital to posses a strong knowledge base.

Enroll in the PVCC Personal Training Certificate program today! Back to top.

Professional Applications of Fitness Principles

Basic principles of fitness for the prospective fitness professional. Planning and teaching in a fitness program. Topics include exercise risks and safety, weight control, components of fitness, fitness assessment, and exercise programming.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

Principles of exercise science applied to teaching fitness/aerobics. Major factors related to the function of the human body. Emphasis on anatomy/physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing , use of music, choreography development for high and low impact aerobics, cool down, and safety guidelines.
Prerequisites: EXS 128 or permission of instructor. Back to top.

Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing , use of music, choreography development for step aerobics and muscle conditioning, and safety guidelines.
Prerequisites: EXS 112 and EXS 125 or permission of instructor. Back to top.

Principles and techniques of strength training including strength physiology, performance factors, training recommendations, exercise techniques, and program design and management.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

Overview of the personal training business in the fitness industry. Skills for becoming a successful and effective personal training business owner.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center.
Prerequisites: Current CPR through the duration of the internship. Back to top.

Practical application of techniques for effective use of Internet search engines; critical evaluation of information on fitness-related web sites; development of web related education tools for clients; development of resource lists of fitness-related web sites.
Prerequisites: Personal Trainer Certification or Aerobics Instructor Certification or permission of the instructor, and experience with Internet Browsers. Back to top.

Fundamental methods of instructing and leading fitness activities including cardiorespiratory exercises and activities.
Prerequisites: None. Back to top.

Introduction to the general nature of research with specific application to accessing, reading, evaluating, and reporting research in health and exercise science. Introduce students to select, data-based literature in order to engender an appreciation for and ability to critically evaluate health/exercise science research.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or !)& or permission of instructor. Back to top.

Introductory Nutrition

Sports Nutrition and Supplements

Principles of Human Nutrition

Introduction to Therapeutic Diets

Healthful Living

Healthful Living