Fitness instructors guide and inspire people to exercise individually or in groups.
[Featured photo] In a fitness studio, a fitness teacher helps a client during a group yoga session.
You may help people of all abilities and fitness levels believe in themselves, develop confidence, and achieve greater wellbeing by becoming a fitness instructor.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1] projects that demand for fitness instructors will rise at a pace of 14%, significantly faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations. Particularly yoga and pilates are becoming more and more well-liked as senior citizens search for low-impact ways to remain active.
What distinguishes a personal trainer from a fitness instructor?
Personal trainers typically assist clients in reaching their individual fitness and health objectives one-on-one. Classes taught by fitness instructors are usually in groups.
How to train to be a personal trainer
Similar to our physical forms, exercise regimens are diverse. This implies that there are various routes you can take to launch or grow your profession. Here are some pointers to get you started if you wish to use physical fitness to improve people’s lives.
- Conduct research.
The first step to becoming a fitness instructor is choosing the kind of instructor you want to work with. Which type of teacher would you prefer—a personal trainer, a hybrid instructor, or a group fitness instructor overseeing small group workout sessions? Do you envision yourself working as a virtual fitness instructor from home or at a gym, leisure center, or small studio? You can create a clear roadmap for your career by having a clear vision of what you want it to look like.
Check out The Science of Training Young Athletes from the University of Florida if you’re interested in motivating and guiding young athletes.
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Your skill set will include:
Programs for Planning, Coaching, and Training
- Think about a degree.
Although most companies prefer individuals with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology, fitness instructors normally have at least a high school degree. Studying biology, anatomy, nutrition, and exercise methods throughout your coursework might help you acquire the abilities and information you’ll need to support customers.
- Work on your interpersonal abilities.
As a fitness instructor, you will interact with individuals on a daily basis in any type of workplace. Gaining these abilities will enable you to assist people more successfully:
- Obtain your certification in AED and CPR.
Current certifications in automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are prerequisites for several professional certifications in the fitness industry. You’ll be prepared to provide first aid in an emergency if you have these abilities.
- Select a specialty in fitness.
A fitness center’s class schedule probably offers a wide variety of specialty programs, including weight lifting, yoga, spin, pilates, HIIT, dance, and kettlebell. Selecting a specialty could help you focus while looking for clients for personal training or help you limit down the kinds of establishments you might wish to work at.
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Time on average: 22 hours
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Your skill set will include:
- Become certified in nutrition, exercise, health, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory systems.
Getting certified gives prospective employers and clients confidence in your talents and abilities. The majority of fitness experts begin their careers with a general qualification. Group fitness instructors are usually required by gyms to get a certification, and most of the time, personal trainers must hold a certification before working one-on-one with customers.
Certifications as a general fitness instructor are offered by numerous organizations. The American Council on Exercise (ACE), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) are a few of the industry-recognized certifying bodies.
It’s common to obtain certification in specific fitness methods as well. Among other things, you can get certified in yoga, pilates, indoor cycling, and Olympic weightlifting.
- Take a part-time job.
Fitness instructors frequently work a flexible schedule, which includes nights and weekends so that people with office jobs can work out. This implies that you can begin by working a part-time job while you continue your school or pursue another career. Working part-time is frequently an excellent way to get started in the fitness industry, gain expertise, and start accumulating clients before stepping into full-time employment. Take to social media.
Can I work as a fitness instructor from home?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of gyms temporarily shuttered, so fitness enthusiasts started searching for ways to work out from home. One-on-one training and virtual group fitness sessions have increased as a result of this. It’s difficult to predict how long this trend will endure, but group instruction and one-on-one client training can be done virtually.
- Join social media.
It might be beneficial for you to be active on social media if you work as a freelance personal trainer or fitness instructor. Posting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms enables you to promote your services and highlight your areas of expertise.
See also: Your 2024 Guide: How to Become an Influencer in 11 Easy Steps
- Take into account liability coverage.
The National Safety Council [2] reports that in 2020 there were 377,939 injuries in the US that were connected to exercise and exercise equipment. Make sure you investigate your requirement for liability insurance before starting to instruct fitness courses or deal with individual clients. It is a good idea to consult a legal expert if you are unclear.
- Never stop learning.
The fitness sector will change as long as we discover more about the human body. You may teach using the most recent findings in exercise science if you make a commitment to being a lifelong learner. To maintain their validity, many credentials need continuing education credits, or CECs. Take advantage of this excellent chance to brush up on a technique or pick up a new talent.
Begin your career as a fitness instructor.
Are you prepared to work as a personal trainer? The University of Colorado Boulder’s Science of Exercise course is a great place to start if you want to become a fitness instructor. You’ll discover how exercise affects the body’s physiological reactions and how nutrition affects both training and wellness.