Standing Out in the Field

INTRODUCTIONSimilar to last year, the #15 fitness trend for 2026 is “Employing Certified Exercise Professionals.” This is excellent news for those who are currently certified. However, as the health and fitness industry continues to grow and expand, becoming a certified professional is only the first step in building a successful career. If you are a newly certified professional, you may ask yourself, “Now what?” While obtaining a certification from an accredited organization, like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), is important and demonstrates foundational competence, it is the knowledge and skills developed beyond the certification that help candidates distinguish themselves in a competitive job market. Certification alone gets your foot in the door, but employers are increasingly seeking well-rounded professionals with specialized skills, adaptability, and leadership potential (1). Whether pursuing a position in clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, personal training, or group fitness, acquiring additional expertise alongside your certification can enhance your professional appeal. So, what skills and topics should newly certified exercise professionals pursue to stand out? Below outlines critical areas that bridge foundational knowledge with actionable strategies to help you distinguish yourself from other certified exercise professionals. COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE SKILLS In fitness and clinical settings, technical knowledge (such as client assessment, proper exercise technique, program design, etc.) is meaningless without the ability to effectively communicate with clients and patients and facilitate lasting behavior change. Motivational interviewing (MI) and other client-centered coaching strategies have become essential tools for exercise professionals (2). MI encourages clients to explore their own motivations for change rather than being told what to do. Research shows that MI enhances adherence to physical activity and lifestyle modification programs (2). A certified exercise professional with experience in using MI will be able to better foster behavior change in their clients and patients. Action Steps: Seek out a shadowing opportunity from a mentor or someone in your professional network who has experience using MI. Pursue formal training in motivational interviewing techniques. Enhance active listening and empathy skills in every interaction. Practice! Utilize mock consultations to practice these skills. Why it Matters: Employers value candidates who demonstrate not only technical skills but also interpersonal skills to build rapport and retain clients. EXPERTISE WORKING WITH SPECIAL POPULATIONS The population of clients with chronic diseases or special health considerations is rapidly increasing (3). By 2030, more than half of U.S. adults are expected to be living with at least one chronic disease (4). Certified exercise professionals who have experience or credentials in working with these populations are and will continue to be in high demand. Gaining practical experience and further education in exercise for special populations, such as older adults (#3 Fitness Trend of 2026) and individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or orthopedic conditions, to name a few, broadens a fitness professional’s marketability. Action Steps: Pursue certifications such as ACSM’s Certified Exercise Physiologist or ACSM’s Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/). In addition to having a core certification, such as ACSM’s Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Physiologist, or Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, complete one of ACSM’s specialty certificate programs such as the Exercise is Medicine® credential, Autism Exercise Specialist, ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist, or the ACSM/NCHPAD Inclusive Fitness Specialist. These certificate programs are stackable credentials that allow the certified professional to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skill, and expertise with the particular population. For more information about these specialty certificates, see Sidebar (5–7). Volunteer or obtain an internship in clinical or community-based programs serving special populations. Why it Matters: Certified exercise professionals who can modify and adapt programs for clients with health challenges show a level of skill that employers and healthcare professionals recognize and value. TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL HEALTH COMPETENCE Since the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health has transformed the industry. In fact, we see this within the top fitness trends for 2026, with wearable technology (#1), mobile exercise apps (#4), and data-driven technology (#8) all within the top 10. Virtual personal training, telehealth integration, and wearable technology have become standard offerings in many fitness settings. Additionally, clients increasingly expect hybrid or fully remote options for fitness coaching (8). Certified exercise professionals who can confidently use fitness technology platforms, create virtual programs, and interpret data from wearables (like heart rate monitors, smartwatches, and fitness apps) have a considerable advantage. Action Steps: Familiarize yourself with virtual fitness platforms and wearable technologies. Gain proficiency in delivering high-quality virtual training sessions. Understand basic data analysis from wearable technologies to personalize programming (8). Why it Matters: Demonstrating competence in digital health technology sets you apart as a forward-thinking professional capable of meeting clients wherever they are — physically or virtually.Sidebar 1. ACSM Specialty Certificate Programs (5, 6, 7) American College of Sports Medicine. Specialty Certificate Programs. [cited 2025 July 9]. Available from: https://acsm.org/certification/specialized/. Mendola N. Level up your impact: complete the ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist Course. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2024;28(6):44–6. [cited 2025 July 9]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/fulltext/2024/11000/level_up_your_impact__complete_the_acsm_acs_cancer.11.aspx. Mendola N. Empowering every athlete: the role of the ACSM Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2025;29(4):54–6. [cited 2025 July 9]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/fulltext/2025/07000/empowering_every_athlete__the_ role_of_the_acsm.12.asp. PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Soft skills, including time management, professionalism, and leadership potential, often separate applicants with similar technical credentials. Employers notice applicants who demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and the ability to take initiative beyond assigned responsibilities. Leadership development, even early in a career, can signal to employers that a candidate is serious about growing within the organization or company. This might include mentoring peers, participating in meetings, or contributing to staff education initiatives. Action Steps: Join professional organizations such as ACSM and attend regional chapter events or national conferences. Take on leadership roles in volunteer programs, school clubs, or fitness communities. Seek mentorship or leadership training through online courses or local opportunities. Why it Matters: Employers need team players who can grow into leadership positions. Showing leadership early suggests long-term commitment and investment in the profession. UNDERSTANDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Fitness facilities, healthcare systems, and community programs are increasingly prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion* (DEI) (9). Fitness professionals must be prepared to serve clients from diverse backgrounds with respect, cultural competency, and accessibility in mind. Studies show that cultural competence training improves health outcomes and client satisfaction, particularly among marginalized groups (10). Exercise professionals who actively engage in DEI education position themselves as inclusive leaders in their field. Action Steps: Attend workshops or online courses focused on cultural competence in healthcare and fitness. Learn about accessible fitness program design for individuals with disabilities. Engage with diverse communities through volunteering. Why it Matters: Certified exercise professionals committed to inclusivity are vital in closing gaps in health disparities. Demonstrating cultural competency enhances employability in community health, clinical fitness, and commercial wellness programs. *Keep an eye out for a feature article on this topic, set to publish in the May/June 2026 issue! CONTINUING EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING MINDSET The most successful exercise professionals embrace the idea of being lifelong learners. Employers recognize and value individuals who pursue ongoing education — not just to maintain certification, but to stay informed about the latest exercise science research, trends, and innovations. Additionally, professionals who engage with the latest evidence-based practices are better equipped to debunk myths in the industry and provide science-backed guidance to their clients. Action Steps: Stay current with ACSM’s journals, such as ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®. Pursue additional certifications or certificates that align with your career goals. Participate in research projects, internships, or professional writing opportunities to expand knowledge and resume content. Why it Matters: An exercise professional who commits to ongoing development is more adaptable to industry shifts, more confident in their recommendations, and more credible in the eyes of employers and clients alike. CONCLUSION Certification establishes a solid foundation — but it is the skills, experience, and specialized expertise beyond certification that help candidates rise above the rest in the applicant pool. Communication, special populations, technology, leadership, DEI awareness, and lifelong learning form a comprehensive portfolio of attributes that employers in the health and fitness industry seek. Newly certified exercise professionals should treat certification as a launchpad, not the destination. By embracing continuous growth and actively seeking out opportunities that expand both technical and interpersonal skills, certified exercise professionals can create fulfilling, impactful, and sustainable careers.