At the same time, he also learned that college and working a full-time job got in the way of his health goals. After a brief break from college, he found his passion again by enrolling in NVC’s Personal Fitness Trainer program.
“I love the way I felt [when working out] because I was in the best shape of my life,” said Zepeda, who already has one associate degree from NVC. “I want to share that feeling with my friends, family and the community.”
Since joining the Personal Fitness Trainer program, Zepeda said the experience has opened his eyes to the science of fitness and nutrition. Prior to the program, he thought just working would get him fit, but he has learned that 80 percent of getting healthy is nutrition and matching nutrition to a person’s fitness goals.
NVC’s Personal Fitness Trainer program leads to an Associate of Applied Science or a 36-credit hour certificate that prepares students for technical careers in the fitness industry. NVC students in both the associate and certificate programs are required to take human anatomy and physiology, exercise science, and fitness and exercise testing.
After students go through either the associate or certificate program, they have the option to take the National Academy of Sports Medicine certification exam, which is a certification most trainers must have to work in the fitness industry. Northwest Vista College is one of the Alamo Colleges, which also encompasses San Antonio, Northeast Lakeview, Palo Alto and St. Philip’s colleges.
“I liked the independence and the option to make your own schedule…I love to workout and the way it makes me feel. I wanted to share that with other people.” -Former NVC student Heather McCarthy
Teri G. Dimas, NVC program coordinator for Personal Fitness Trainer, said she also has students complete a practicum under a NASM-certified instructor, and students work with local fitness facilities to ensure job placement in the industry.
The fitness industry is one business that’s not letting up. According to a study conducted by The International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), 54.1 million Americans belonged to at least one of the 34,460 health clubs or fitness studios nationwide. And since 2008, membership has grown by more than 18 percent.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that while the job outlook for fitness trainers and instructors is only 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, “businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees.” The bureau also added that incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors.
Even though Zepeda is quickly reaching completion with the NVC program, his goals are to get a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and to open a fitness studio with a next-door restaurant that gives diners healthy options and meal-prep services.
Former NVC student Heather McCarthy, who had a bachelor’s degree in criminology, said she also took classes in the NVC Personal Fitness Trainer program because she liked the flexibility a fitness career could give her as a busy mom.
“I liked the independence and the option to make your own schedule,” McCarthy said about working as a personal trainer. “I love to workout and the way it makes me feel. I wanted to share that with other people.”
While McCarthy’s initial goal was to get a CrossFit certification, instead of the traditional NASM certification, a recent divorce changed her career path.
Both Zepeda and McCarthy said the main benefits of the NVC program are that students get face-to-face instruction and the classes are small.
“With a small class you have that one-on- one interaction with the instructor and can learn more,” Zepeda added.
For more information about NVC’s Personal Fitness Trainer program visit http://alamo.edu/nvc/personal-fitness.
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