Need for Personal Trainers Surging - Selkirk College Launches New Continuing Education Courses to Meet Demand

Candace received her formal certification from the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA) this summer and already she is very busy – testament to the boom in demand for one-on-one training.

But the process to become certified through the BCRPA is not straight forward. Budding personal trainers who have experienced it said it was confusing and complicated. Also, finding gyms to provide practicum training is very difficult locally.

This fall Selkirk College responds with a newly packaged program, streamlining the experience of becoming certified. Samantha Reid teaches the improved Personal Training Specialist Program now offered at Selkirk’s Castlegar campus. She likens it to one-stop shopping. “It’s a complete package. Students take theory courses, receive practical experience in-house at the college gym and write the BCRPA exams at Selkirk.” A business component shows students how to start their own businesses.

Samantha is a BCRPA registered personal trainer who has worked in the industry for 15 years. She loves her work. “As a personal trainer you make your own hours, you can be your own boss and it’s incredibly rewarding to help people achieve their fitness goals. The money you can earn is great too! I have my own business and I have all the work I can manage.”

Demand exploded about 10 years ago in large cities and now the trend is poised to take off in smaller communities. Gyms in BC will be hiring personal trainers because new industry regulations require that all staff be certified. In the next four years, the overall number of personal trainers is predicted to grow by almost 50 percent. The number one reason for this kind of growth is that the average person is increasingly aware of health and lifestyle issues.

“People want to stay healthier longer and are willing to invest in taking care of themselves,” explains Samantha. “So hiring someone to work with them and motivate them pays off. Busy people like personal training because it’s a time-effective workout."

As for Candace, she plans to continue working with individuals and hopes to expand her client base to athletes. She recommends Selkirk’s Personal Training Specialist Program through Continuing Education. “It was a lot of fun. The course gave me all the knowledge I need. The hands-on work has been the key to my success. I learned how to communicate with clients about their bodies and their health in a way that they can relate to.”

To find out more or to register, visit their Continuing Education Calendar, contact Selkirk College’s Castlegar campus at 1-888-953-1133 or email castlegarce@selkirk.ca.

First published on September 26, 2008