Demand for personal training is expected to rise nearly 30 percent from 2008 to 2018 as an increasing number of people are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs. With this growth comes increasing demand for experienced certified trainers, therefore, for individuals seeking personal training career paths, it is evermore important that they distinguish themselves with the right education, appropriate certifications and qualifications.
“At NASM, we believe the graduates of this program will be highly sought after and marketable, setting themselves up with a variety of excellent career opportunities.”
To better address the needs of those providing and receiving personal training Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM), the Healthy Way of Life Company, has partnered with the globally recognized National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to launch Life Time Academy. Aimed at providing a blended learning environment for personal training continuing education, Life Time Academy will consist of 500-plus hours of online learning and live experience, and over 210 hours of hands-on work, which includes instructor-led labs, in addition to hands-on practicum. The result is innovative programming that leverages advanced methods of instruction to give both established and new personal trainers access to the latest information and proactive application in fitness, sports performance, corrective exercise, nutrition and leadership.
"The demand for personal trainers with the right skill set and hands-on training experience is large and growing daily," said Dr. Michael Clark, chief executive officer of NASM, DPT, MS, CES, PES. "At NASM, we believe the graduates of this program will be highly sought after and marketable, setting themselves up with a variety of excellent career opportunities."
"As the Healthy Way of Life Company, Life Time Academy fits our commitment to lead the nation toward a healthier future," said Mark Thom, Senior Vice President, Life Time Fitness and Nutrition Services. "Our collaboration with NASM will allow for enriched programming that uniquely addresses the gap in the personal training industry where you can become a personal trainer by reading material and taking an online exam. We have the expertise and resources available to launch this important certification program, and our goal is to meet the needs of the discriminating fitness consumer who demands quality and expertise in their trainer."
Based out of Life Time Target Center, Life Time Academy will feature two comprehensive training programs, with additional continuing education and advanced specialty classes to be added in the future:
Professional Fitness Trainer Diploma - To earn a diploma, participants will attend approximately 22 weeks of curriculum, which will include earning the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) certification designations.
Advanced Professional Fitness Trainer Diploma - Participants will attend approximately 30 weeks of curriculum to earn a diploma, which includes the NASM CPT, CES and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification designations.
Optimize postprandial glycemic control with tailored exercise prescriptions