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Personal training is one of the fastest growing segments of the fitness industry, and for many it seems like a dream job; spending the entire day getting paid to work out . But while it might seem like a good idea in theory, obvious questions arise. What kind of education is necessary to become a personal trainer? How much money will I make? How long does it take to become successful? Three trainers from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas sat down to answer these basic questions.

Rod Raymond (M.Ed., ACSM) has been training clients and educating new personal trainers for over 15 years. He is the wellness director at the University of Minnesota, Duluth and owns a number of businesses including Evolve Personal Training. Raymond also provides primary certification training and continuing education classes for the American Council On Exercise, a national certifying agency. Curt Sahli is a recent graduate of one of Raymond's program and while relatively new to personal training has built a substantial clientele over the past six months. Kyle Norman, B.S. has been training in Minneapolis for over three years. In addition to his academic training, Norman is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist.

Over the next three days you'll find the trainers' answers to the three basic questions about becoming a personal trainer. Today's article is about educational requirements. Check back tomorrow to find out how much personal trainers earn and on Wednesday to find out how long it takes to build a successful personal training business.

What kind of education is required to become a trainer?

As Rod Raymond says, "Anyone can hang a shingle outside their door and become a trainer." Most health clubs, however, require a four year degree in a related field such as Exercise Physiology, or a national certification. Agencies which certify trainers include the American Council on Exercise and American College of Sports Medicine among others. Preparation classes for the ACE exam require two 8 hour days through Raymond's program and an additional 16-30 hours of studying. Raymond is quick to point out, however, that certification is not a substitute for the requisite personal experience of living a fit and healthy life, or understanding the discipline of a particular sport. "In Duluth", he says, "some of our best trainers right now are coaches who carry no certification."

All three trainers agreed that certification is only the first step on the path to becoming a successful trainer. Kyle Norman says " Getting a job as a personal trainer isn't the hard part, its building up your clientele that most trainers struggle with." Sahli and Raymond note that having enthusiastic energy and a keen ability to connect with clients is what makes or breaks success in their industry. Raymond also points out that it is important to have 'the look'. "It's not about having big boobs or a square butt that really matters, it's about having the look of optimism, health and happiness."

Check back tomorrow to find out how much money personal trainers earn.