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Is your personal trainer official?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Franklin Guerrero
  • 18th Force Support Squadron
Personal trainers are of growing interest at the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex, and often, we are asked what it takes to be one working in our facility.

According to Air Force Instruction 34-266, Air Force Fitness and Sports Program, a personal trainer must meet the following qualifications:
  • Possess a current United States nationally recognized personal training certification (e.g. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America [AFAA], National Academy of Sports Medicine, or the Cooper Institute). 
  • First Aid, BLS/AED (American Heart Society), or CPR/AED (American Red Cross) training
  • Verification of 100 hours of individual fitness program experience to include fitness assessments, cardiovascular and strength programs.
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Individual Service Contract with the Risner Fitness Center.
The bottom line is simple: no contract, no profit.

Therefore, according to the AFI, only contracted personal trainers under NAF individual service contracts are allowed to use the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex for training paid customers.

Additionally, certified personal trainers without contracts with the Air Force may still use the facility, but will not train or charge customers a fee-for-service.

The Risner complex property doesn't just include the main gym; it includes the Risner Fitness Center, O' Connor Gym, tennis courts, 4 Diamonds baseball and softball fields, McDonald Stadium track, all parking lots, fields, and spaces in between.

We understand that our location makes it challenging to obtain a personal training certification. However, each year around July, the Risner Fitness Center sponsors AFAA instructors to administer certain fitness certifications.

The instructors travel from the U.S. to teach and certify right here at the Risner Fitness Center. These certifications range from yoga, group exercise, Turbo Kick, indoor cycling (Spin), and personal training. Registration will open again next year.

In the meantime, you may always check us out at the Risner Fitness Center, visit our website, www.kadenafss.com or call DSN 634-5128 for more information. Our friendly staff welcomes all of your questions or comments.