personal trainer

Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course (2nd Edition): Over 750 Practice Questions To Help You Pass Your Personal Trainer Exam
$34.95
I don't recommend this book. It's not approved by ACE and does not follow the ACE Personal Trainer Manual. I found it impossible in most cases to validate the answers to questions against the ACE Personal Trainer Manual. A prior review on this book mentioned an online study course. There is none. The online version is only a replica of the 500 questions on this book with no additonal online study materials. I also found errors in the book. The answers to the nutrition questions relating to Nutrition Labels starting on page 105 are incorrect. The questions re: the sample label for Macaroni & Cheese are based on nutrition values per serving. The answers provided in the book are based on the entire contents of the box (which are 2 servings). I quit using the book since I'm not sure of it's accuracy or inaccuracy.

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Personal Training Business: With Companion CD-ROM
$39.95
I think this book covered every single aspect of starting a personal training business. I liked that its started off with what makes a successful personal trainer on an individual basis before jumping into how to start and operate a successful business. It even gave examples of dialogue between trainer and clients. I think anyone who reads this book will pick up a few tips on how to improve themselves as a trainer, making this a good book to read even if you don't end up running your own business.

Another thing that I like about this book is that it's a great resource for institutions where once can gain certification in a variety of fitness areas. I also liked that it gives realistic marketing ideas like creating published advertisements and even blogging.
If you are considering starting a personal training business, this book is a great place to start.

The Everything Guide To Being A Personal Trainer: All You Need to Get Started on a Career in Fitness (Everything: School and Careers)
$14.95
This book is a very good resource for someone who wants to begin a career as a personal trainer. It won't help you pass the accrediting exams, it is specifically intended to provide information on running a business. This guide clarifies the different ways in which a person can be employed as a personal trainer and provides tips and general information on handling finances, scheduling customers, and organizing the business. I think the most important thing this guide does is give a "newby" a very good indicator of what to expect and what information he/she will need to be a good personal trainer and an organized business person.

It's More Than Just Making Them Sweat: A Career Training Guide for Personal Fitness Trainers
$11.95
As a personal trainer, this has been one of the best books I have purchased. I wish I had read it when I first became a trainer 8 years ago. I have read this book twice and refer to it often. If you are thinking of becoming a personal trainer or if you are new to the industry, you need to read this book. Even veteran personal trainers could learn something from this book.

I have many clients that say they have had personal trainers in the past but were not successful at reaching their goals while working with them. I have also had clients that had trainers that were late, or didn't show up, talked on their cell phones while training, etc. This gives personal trainers a bad name. Personally training is so much more than sets and reps. Thornton goes into what it really means to be a professional fitness trainer that gets results for their clients.

In addition, you will learn other successful tips in marketing your business, keeping your clients long-term, and getting referrals. This book is a must read for any one serious about a career in the fitness industry.