Which personal training certifications does the YMCA accept?
Question:
Which personal training certifications does the YMCA accept?
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Answer:
While a personal training certification is not required to work as a personal trainer assistant at the YMCA, any certified personal trainer positions will typically require such a certification. However, a Bachelor of Science in a physical education field is permissible as a replacement for personal training certification. Other required certifications include CPR/AED, HIPAA training, and a high school diploma or GED.
For a YMCA to accept a personal training certification, it must be nationally accredited. Examples of nationally accredited training certifications include those from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Interactive Fitness Trainers of America (IFTA), and the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA).
The YMCA also has its own personal trainer certification course, offered as a part of its Fitness Instructor Training program. The YMCA Personal Trainer Certification Course is 34 hours and teaches coaching and business fundamentals, as well as many different exercises and conditioning activities. To become certified, one must pass both the written and practical components of the course. For those interested in taking the entire Fitness Instructor Training program, there are five steps. The first step is Basic Theory (30 hours), the second is the Personal Trainer Certification Course (34 hours), the third is a five-hour internship, the fourth is a CPR/AED certification, and the fifth is a practical exam. After completing all five of these steps and passing the exam, one will be a YMCA Fitness Instructor and have a YMCA Personal Training Certification.
For more information on becoming a certified personal trainer, check out this article: Personal Trainer Classes and Courses Overview
