The career path of a personal trainer inherently presents a certain amount of instability and unpredictability, but this does not have to last. There is no reason that personal trainers cannot make great money, afford health insurance, save for retirement, and create more freedom in their lives.

The purpose of this article is to provide fitness professionals with best practices on creating a program that uses red light therapy to aid in weight loss and weight management.

Brandi Binkley speaks at the 2014 National Conference on The Future of Personal Training. In this first video of the series, Brandi touches on the personal trainer market, stability/longevity, helping trainers find their niche, and client retention.

This Personal Training Quarterly article reviews the farmer’s walk exercise and how to incorporate it safely into a client’s exercise program. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness news and exercise research.

This article explains how having the right systems in place (such as accounting, training, and marketing) can help a personal trainer take his or her business to the next level.

Learn how NSCA’s renewed sport partnership with the Professional Hockey Performance Organization (PHPO) supports shared standards, education, and collaboration.

The private sector is growing, and so is the competition. With low barriers to entry and clients cycling in and out of programs, you need a strong business strategy to stand out and build staying power. Gini Grimsley draws on her experience across commercial fitness and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) leadership to address top questions coaches are asking: Where is the smartest place to start? How do you set your rates? How do you grow a client base in a new community? Grimsley distinguishes between being certified and being qualified, noting credentials open the door while applied experience takes you further. She introduces a framework for “periodizing your paycheck,” reverse-engineering income goals into a viable revenue model. Grimsley also outlines how to integrate into established communities and balance hybrid in-person and online coaching. If you are exploring the private sector or refining your approach, gain practical strategies to find your niche and achieve career flexibility. Reach out to Gini on Instagram: @gdotgperiod, LinkedIn: @gini-grimsley-ms-cscs, or by email: trainwithgini@gmail.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Make sure your voice is represented in the profession. Join an NSCA Professional Development Group (PDG) to influence the resources and decisions that impact your segment of the field

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of its 2025 Elections, as selected by NSCA Members

NSCA-certified? Learn how to keep your certification, share your credentials, earn CEUs, grow your skills, and build a rewarding strength & conditioning career.

This article is the second part of a two-part series that considers the potential role strength and conditioning coaches have in developing student-athlete leadership.