A job as a fitness trainer can be a good fit for you if you like being physically active and assisting others in leading the best lifestyles possible. Study up on this expanding field.
A client is shown by a fitness instructor wearing a pink blouse how to use dumbbells correctly for an exercise.
Fitness trainers provide one-on-one or group instruction in exercises and other activities linked to fitness. This could involve workouts for flexibility and mobility, weight training, or cardiovascular training. A career as a fitness trainer can be a good fit for you if you’re self-directed and enjoy dealing with people.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for fitness instructors and trainers would increase by 19% in the country between 2021 and 2031, which is significantly faster than average [1]. Find more about this expanding industry and the qualifications needed to work as a fitness trainer.
What is the role of a fitness trainer?
A fitness trainer monitors progress, provides resources and motivation as needed, and leads and instructs individuals or groups in proper exercise techniques, form, and routines. In order to reduce the danger of damage and assist clients in achieving their fitness and health objectives, fitness instructors offer a variety of exercises and safe substitutes. Fitness instructors can also create workouts, plan routines, and instruct group fitness sessions. If necessary, you should be able to administer emergency first aid as a fitness trainer.
Salary for fitness instructors
Fitness trainers in the US earned a median yearly pay of $40,700 in 2021, or $19.57 per hour, according to the BLS [1]. Fitness and recreational sports center trainers typically made more money than their counterparts in the public sector, private sector, or civic associations.
What abilities are required of fitness trainers?
Fitness trainers specialize in helping people reach their health and fitness objectives and comprehend how exercise affects the body. Fitness instructors may provide advice on diet and lifestyle. Fitness instructors should be able to offer their clients encouragement, direction, and advice so they may engage in activities like cardio, weight training, stretches, and other types of movement in a safe manner.
In case you’re considering a profession as a fitness trainer, the following are essential abilities you should prioritize:
Understanding fitness and health
You must comprehend the relationship between diet and exercise in order to perform as a fitness trainer. Anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology will probably be covered in this. Individuals will look to you for advice on how to accomplish objectives like gaining muscle, decreasing body fat, or strengthening their heart.
Headship
Fitness instructors frequently instruct or lead group exercise programs. Empathy for others, an upbeat and supportive attitude, and an animated appearance can all be necessary for group leadership. In a group fitness situation, you want to foster a supportive environment and team mindset so that participants are motivated to work hard and have fun while exercising.
Relationship supervision
It’s critical to have effective communication skills and the ability to modify exercise regimens or programs to suit the needs of certain clients. It’s critical to keep a positive outlook and pay attention to client input.
Inspiration
establishing an atmosphere that aids in goal achievement. In addition to designing entertaining and engaging exercise programs for their clients, fitness trainers should possess the ability to inspire and motivate their clients.
Business acumen
In this line of work, having a solid grasp of customer service and basic business abilities can be quite helpful. Some personal trainers launch their own companies after gaining a following of devoted customers while employed by training facilities or gyms. Establishing an internet presence is the first step for several trainers as they expand their businesses. Among the crucial business competencies are:
How to work as a fitness instructor
Here are some initial things to consider if a career in fitness is something you’re interested in:
Study up on the fitness sector.
It’s critical for fitness trainers to stay current with fitness trends in order to advance their careers and remain relevant in the field. It’s your responsibility to keep up with trends and discover new solutions to satisfy your clients’ wants and objectives.
Think about a niche.
A lot of personal trainers specialize on fitness. For example, certified personal trainers may select a specialty throughout the certification process. Bodybuilding, youth fitness, elderly fitness, weight loss, group fitness, and strength and conditioning are a few examples of specializations. Getting certified could be the best way to become an expert in a given profession if you want to specialize in a particular area of fitness.
Become CPR/AED certified.
Fitness instructors may be required by their employers to hold a CPR/AED certification. Maintaining the health and safety of your clients should come first, even if you work alone.
Obtain a certification.
There are numerous certification possibilities available to fitness trainers from various professional associations. Your passions and career objectives should be tightly matched with the certification and organization you select. A certification could improve your CV and be necessary for some positions.
To work as a fitness trainer, do I need a degree?
According to the BLS, the most typical entry-level prerequisite for fitness trainers in the US is a high school degree. Having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an area such as anatomy, kinesiology, physical education, exercise science, or physical education may increase your competitiveness as a candidate.
Start now
You have the power to change people’s lives by encouraging exercise and a healthy lifestyle as a fitness trainer. Take a course like Case Western Reserve University’s “Designing Your Personal Weight Loss Plan” or McMaster University’s “Hacking Exercise for Health: The Surprising New Science of Fitness” to find out if a career in fitness is right for you.
