In the fast-changing world of fitness, specializing in a certain area can be key to success. One segment of the fitness industry gaining traction is pre and postnatal fitness. Though it might seem like a “niche” market, it offers far more than meets the eye. Whether you’re an experienced trainer or just starting out, here are 8 reasons why earning a pre & postnatal fitness certification can boost your career.
1. Tap into a Growing Market
Pre and postnatal fitness might seem niche, but it’s a far bigger market than most people think. In the U.S., about 4 million births occur annually (CDC, 2021). Beyond the size of this population, there is a growing demand for pre and postnatal fitness expertise. A 2021 report by the American College of Sports Medicine highlighted increased fitness programs catering to pre and postnatal clients (ACSM, 2021). This trend reflects the growing recognition of the need for specialized fitness solutions during the perinatal period.
Finally, this segment of fitness often extends far beyond the perinatal period that we think of. This is because many issues that can occur during pregnancy – like diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and muscle imbalances — can linger for years after birth if no recovery work is done. You may not even realize it, but many of your clients who had children several years (or decades) ago may still be dealing with “postpartum” issues that can be addressed with the skills and strategies that you will learn in a pre and postnatal fitness certification.
2. Command Premium Rates
Specializing typically allows you to charge higher rates, and pre and postnatal fitness is no exception. Clients seeking a trainer with specific expertise are often willing to pay a premium for it. Pregnant and postpartum clients, in particular, understand the need for safe and effective fitness guidance and are less likely to seek cheaper alternatives. As a certified pre and postnatal fitness trainer, you signal to clients that you’ve undergone advanced education and deeply understand their unique needs. This expertise sets you apart and justifies higher rates – making this certification a valuable investment in your career.
3. Stand Out from the Crowd
In today’s competitive fitness landscape, differentiating yourself is not just beneficial — it’s essential. When you specialize in a specific area, you demonstrate to that audience that you understand their unique needs and you have the specialized knowledge, education, and experience to be able to train them far more effectively than someone with a “general” fitness background. This is especially true when it comes to pregnant and postpartum clients, given the substantial changes their bodies are going through.
4. Increase Client Referrals
Specialization can also lead to far greater word-of-mouth referrals because word spreads much faster within communities. This is especially true for the pre and postnatal population, given the critical role that communities and support groups (both in-person and virtual) play during this time. Moreover, specializing allows you to consistently improve and refine your skills. The more clients you work with, the more experience you gain. This helps you become a more effective trainer, which leads to better client outcomes and, therefore, even more referrals.
Beyond client referrals, you can build a network of professionals in the pre and postnatal space. By establishing relationships with OB/GYNs, midwives, doulas, and other related professionals, you can benefit from professional referrals as well.
5. Increase Client Retention
Earning a pre and postnatal fitness certification not only helps you attract new clients but can also increase client loyalty. Working with clients during such a transformative time in their lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally — helps you build strong bonds that can lead to ongoing training relationships. If your clients have a positive experience with you during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, they’re likely to return for subsequent pregnancies and ongoing fitness needs.
6. Make Your Marketing Efforts Go Further
Let’s face it. When it comes to promoting your business – whether that be through social media, Meta or Google ads, signage in local establishments, etc. – marketing is a big investment (of your time, your money, and often both). Specializing can make your marketing efforts (and dollars) go MUCH further by allowing you to craft a clear, compelling message that resonates with your audience far more than a “general” fitness message ever would. It also allows you to improve the efficiency of your advertising spend by focusing your ad dollars on one particular target. All this contributes to a much greater return on your (time and financial) investment.
7. Reap the Benefits of a Comprehensive Education
The internet and social media are treasure troves of information, but they are also a minefield of misinformation — especially regarding pre and postnatal fitness. A certification goes beyond random tips and fragmented knowledge, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers anatomy, physiology, and the psychological aspects of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It also allows you to develop a far greater expertise in crafting safe & truly effective training programs because it goes beyond the surface-level “what to avoid” and helps you understand the keys to effectively preparing the body for the very unique challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Finally, even though a certification may take some time to complete, it will save you FAR more time in the future, as you’re able to avoid countless hours wasted going down the “rabbit hole” searching for answers online.
8. Impact the Lives of Multiple Generations
If you entered the health & fitness industry to make a positive impact on the lives of others, nowhere is that opportunity greater than with the pre and postnatal population. When you work with clients during pregnancy, you not only impact their physical and mental health, but you also help to improve the health of their growing baby – for years to come. Research has shown that exercise during pregnancy benefits the growing baby in the womb, during labor, and even into childhood and adult years. Literally, 9 months can have a lifetime impact.
Selecting the Right Pre and Postnatal Fitness Certification
Earning your pre and postnatal fitness certification is a big decision but one that offers a multitude of benefits that can transform your career as a fitness professional — and the lives of multiple generations.
When choosing a pre and postnatal fitness course, consider the following:
- Relevance to Your Job: Some courses are tailored for personal trainers, while others focus on group fitness, Pilates, yoga, or even physical therapy. Choose a course that aligns with your work.
- Continuing Education Credits: If you need CEUs, look for a course that provides the credits required by your certifying organization.
- Evidence-Based, Updated Curriculum: Ensure the course offers an evidence-based curriculum. This field evolves quickly, so choose a course that has been recently updated.
- Reviews and Referrals: Research online reviews, ask in forums, and speak to colleagues for recommendations.
- Money-Back Guarantees: If you’re unsure about a course, look for one that offers a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
Explore the 2024 edition of the ProNatal Fitness Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist Certification.
Regardless of the education provider you choose, earning this certification is a smart investment that is likely to yield high returns.
Sources:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Report (2021). Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Report (2021). National Vital Statistics Reports.
