Make a New Year’s resolution that ultimately helps other people keep theirs by becoming a personal trainer at Lone Star College-Montgomery.
 
Beginning January 28, LSC-Montgomery will offer the classes needed to prepare for the personal trainer certification exam given by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). During just two courses (Exercise Science and Personal Training) taken over 12 weeks, students will be taught basic anatomy and physiology, fitness program development, marketing, and how to work one-on-one with clients.
 
After completing the program in the April of 2013 Cody Kirkendall, from The Woodlands, passed the NASM certification exam on his first try. He is now a fitness attendant at the YMCA.
 
“I chose to pursue this career because I have a strong desire to obtain and maintain optimal health and to assist other people who would like optimal health,” said Kirkendall. “The course taught me what I needed to focus on to pass the certification test through hands-on learning. We went to the gym to interact and get to know members and learned how to use equipment, proper technique and form. It was a great experience, and I recommend this course for the personal and hands on interaction.”
 
Personal trainers lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. Most find jobs in health and fitness clubs, and many eventually build their own business. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other fitness facilities will increase the need for workers in these areas.”
 
“This program is for people who enjoy a healthy lifestyle, working out, and want to help others do the same,” said Candance Martin, a personal trainer instructor for LSC-Montgomery and certified personal trainer. “If you’ve worked hard and met your fitness goals, then consider a career in helping others reach theirs.”
 
The personal training program at LSC-Montgomery consists of two continuing education classes—Exercise Science and Personal Training, which are taken back to back beginning January 28 through May 1. The class meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The cost of the program is less than $900 and prepares students to take the nationally recognized NASM exam for certification. The NASM exam is an additional cost, but LSC-Montgomery students receive a discount.
 
For more information or to register for the personal training program, contact the office of continuing education at (936) 273-7446, or visit the continuing education office in the Administration Building (Building E), Room 205.
 
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
 
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.