Today I learned about a "Fitness Professionals Licensing Act" that has been proposed in New Jersey. I am all for improving the quality of people that call themselves trainers or fitness professionals having seen too many people that love working out so they think this means they have what it takes to teach other people how to safely and effectively workout.

Here are some of the points in the proposed bill, new trainers that don't have a degree in a related field would be required to do a 300 hour in class course, and do 50 hours of unpaid internship. Everyone will need to write a board certified exam and apply for a license that requires renewal ever 2 years. There will be minimum hours of practical experience and minimum hours of continuing education hours required every 2 years.

There are also provisions for existing trainers needing to complete a certification course and apply for a license within a certain time frame after the bill passes.

If you live in New Jersey you might want to check out the bill and see if it is going to affect your business. It might be a good thing by weeding out some of the non-professionals you might have new clients coming your way. Or it might be a bit of a red tape nightmare with governmental bodies creating new forms and requirements that you need to do fill in to maintain your standing in the community. Either way I wish you luck with your business!

Surge ahead!