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Snapshot

Snapshot

Career Cluster: Sport & Athletics; Hospitality & Tourism; Personal Services

Interests: Exercise, being active, motivating others

Earnings (Yearly Average): $36,900

Employment & Outlook: Average Growth Expected


Profile

Profile

Working Conditions: Work both Indoors and Outdoors

Physical Strength: Medium Work

Education Needs: High School Diploma, Technical/Community College, Bachelor's Degree

Licensure/Certification: Recommended

Physical Abilities Not Required: No Heavy Labor

Opportunities For Experience: Internship, Volunteer Work

Holland Interest Score*: ESR

[1] * See Appendix A


Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Developing fitness programs for individuals or groups

  • Conducting fitness training either one-on-one or before a group

  • Making dietary and nutritional suggestions

  • Recommending and purchasing equipment

  • Monitoring exercise programs and making changes as necessary

  • Hiring additional staff members


Relevant Skills and Abilities

Relevant Skills and Abilities

Communication Skills

  • Speaking effectively

Interpersonal/Social Skills

  • Being sensitive to others

  • Cooperating with others

  • Motivating others

  • Providing support to others

  • Working as a member of a team

Organization & Management Skills

  • Coordinating tasks

  • Managing people/groups

  • Organizing information or materials

Technical Skills

  • Working with your hands

Other Skills

  • Being physically active


Famous First

Famous First

The first sport and fitness trainer to work full-time at an athletic facility was Bob Rogers of the New York Athletic Club, starting in 1883. Rogers had previously been a trainer with the London Athletic Club. Both organizations were exclusive “gentlemen's clubs” specializing in such activities as fencing, rowing, platform tennis, squash, and water polo. Eventually they diversified, in terms of both their sports programs and their clientele. New York Athletic Club members have won over 230 Olympic medals, more than 120 of which have been gold.


Careers in Human Services

Fitness Trainer & Instructor

by Briana Nadeau

Overview

Sphere of Work

Fitness trainers and instructors design, organize, and lead exercise and sports programs that allow individuals to improve their health through cardiovascular activity, strength training, and stretching exercises. They usually offer private lessons as well as group instruction. They teach the fundamentals of fitness by presenting clients with various techniques, helping them set individually tailored fitness goals, and motivating them physically and mentally to reach those goals. Fitness trainers and instructors often focus on one or more areas of fitness, such as aerobics, weight lifting, yoga, or Pilates.

Work Environment

Fitness trainers and instructors work in a variety of settings, from health clubs and exercise studios to resorts and universities. Some travel to clients' homes to provide regular instruction, while others organize fitness programs for large businesses. The majority of fitness trainers and instructors work indoors in cool climates; however, some offer instruction in pleasant outdoor environments. Most fitness trainers and instructors work full time with irregular hours, as they must cater to the schedules of their clients. They often work early in the morning, at night, on weekends, and during holidays. Fitness trainers and instructors spend most of their time standing, walking, and participating in physical activities.

Occupation Interest

Those looking to become fitness trainers and instructors must be in excellent physical condition and have natural athletic ability. They should have a passion for instructing and motivating individuals. Sometimes clients are reluctant or unwilling to participate in specified activities, so fitness trainers and instructors should be firm, persuasive, and encouraging. Creativity and patience are also valuable traits. Fitness trainers and instructors must have strong customer service skills in order to find and maintain their clientele.

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities

Fitness trainers and instructors spend most of their day working with clients to achieve and build upon specified fitness goals. They begin by evaluating the physical strengths and weaknesses of each individual and providing corrective feedback for improvement. Fitness trainers and instructors design appropriate exercise programs based on the skill level, strength, and endurance of each client. They keep detailed records of clients' progress and advancement, noting accomplishments as well as areas that need improvement. Many fitness trainers and instructors have a background in nutrition and often advise clients on suitable diets, weight control techniques, and lifestyle modifications. They are responsible for informing clients of safety procedures and regulations related to sports and aerobic activities, as well as the proper use of exercise machines and other equipment.

When instructing large groups of people, fitness trainers and instructors plan lessons and routines, select music, and create innovative exercise programs. They must keep lessons and classes exciting, challenging, and safe for all participants. Because the skill levels of participants vary greatly, fitness trainers and instructors must offer alternative fitness regimens to accommodate all individuals within the group. They usually demonstrate a particular exercise method or sequence, observe participants in action, and correct any mistakes in order to prevent injury. Fitness trainers and instructors must also treat minor injuries, administer first aid, and refer clients to specialty physicians as needed.

Occupation Specialties

Group Fitness Instructors

Group Fitness Instructors organize and lead group exercise sessions, which can include aerobic exercise, stretching, muscle conditioning, or meditation. Some classes are set to music. In these classes, instructors may select the music and choreograph an exercise sequence.

Personal Fitness Instructors

Personal Fitness Instructors work with a single client or a small group. They may train in a gym or in the clients' homes. Personal fitness trainers assess the clients' level of physical fitness and help them set and reach their fitness goals.

Specialized Fitness Instructors

Specialized Fitness Instructors teach popular conditioning methods such as Pilates or yoga. In these classes, instructors show the different moves and positions of the particular method. They also watch students and correct those who are doing the exercises improperly.

Fitness Directors

Fitness Directors oversee the fitness-related aspects of a gym or other type of health club. They often handle administrative duties, such as scheduling personal training sessions for clients or creating workout incentive programs. They often select and order fitness equipment for their facility.

Work Environment

Physical Environment

Most fitness trainers and instructors work indoors at fitness centers, health clubs, and exercise studios. Others work in hospitals, country clubs, resorts, and clients' homes. Gym environments are generally cool, clean, and well ventilated. Fitness trainers and instructors who lead outdoor fitness classes tend to work in warm weather conditions.

Human Environment

Fitness trainers and instructors mostly interact with their clients, regularly seeing individuals at least once a week and often more. Many are self-employed; however, those who work in fitness or health clubs typically report to fitness directors or gym managers.

Technological Environment

Fitness trainers and instructors commonly use balance boards and discs, exercise balls, fitness weights, pedometers, and first aid kits in their daily activities. In order to track sessions and schedule clientele, they may use accounting, calendar, and project management software.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary

High school students who are interested in becoming fitness trainers and instructors can prepare by taking courses not only in physical education but also in sciences such as biology, physiology, and chemistry. They should study business, English, nutrition, psychology, and basic math. Interested students can join school sports teams, participate in local sports leagues, or take individual lessons to learn the fundamentals of physical activity. Aspiring fitness trainers and instructors can gain experience by volunteering or working part time for a private gym, resort, or health club, or the gym of a local hospital, country club, or university.

Suggested High School Subjects

  • Applied Math

  • Biology

  • Business

  • Chemistry

  • English

  • First Aid Training

  • Foods & Nutrition

  • Health Science Technology

  • Physics

  • Physiology

  • Psychology

Postsecondary

After high school, prospective fitness trainers and instructors may pursue various modes of training for their area of desired specialization. They often enroll in classes that will qualify them for professional certification. Once certified, many fitness trainers and instructors work with or shadow an experienced trainer to better understand the practical applications of fitness instruction. After a period of time, new fitness trainers and instructors begin to establish their own clientele. Instructors looking to teach group classes must usually audition to teach at a particular gym or club. Those specializing in a certain method of exercise may need additional training or specialty certification.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, health, or exercise science is sometimes beneficial for new fitness trainers and instructors. In some cases, employers allow fitness trainers and instructors to substitute a postsecondary degree for professional licensure. Those looking to advance to management positions at health clubs or fitness centers should study exercise science, kinesiology, business administration, and accounting.

Related College Majors

  • Exercise Science/Physiology/Movement Studies

  • Health & Physical Education

  • Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies

  • Physical Education Teaching & Coaching

  • Sport & Fitness Administration/Management

  • Sports Medicine & Athletic Training

Adult Job Seekers

Fitness trainers and instructors entering the job market should begin by contacting local health centers and other potential employers to determine their various needs. They are expected to be able to fulfill all of the job functions at the time of employment, without the need for on-the-job training. Many fitness trainers and instructors participate in part-time internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities with experienced instructors at local health and fitness centers to gain necessary skills before beginning full-time work.

Professional Certification and Licensure

Certification in the fitness field is not always required; however, many employers prefer to hire fitness trainers and instructors who are certified. Candidates must have a high school diploma, maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and successfully complete an exam comprising both written and practical components related to physiology and exercise programs. Fitness trainers and instructors must be recertified every two years. Because there are many certifying organizations within the fitness field, candidates should first verify an organization's validity with the National Association for Certifying Agencies.

Additional Requirements

Employers in the fitness industry look for outgoing, dynamic, and confident staff. Communication is one of the most important aspects of the job, so fitness trainers and instructors should be comfortable addressing, leading, and motivating individuals and larger groups. They should also be sensitive to the needs and concerns of their clients while inspiring them to challenge themselves and improve their physical health.

Earnings and Advancement

Individuals can advance by locating jobs in more prestigious settings and by obtaining jobs with more responsibilities. Those who continually improve their skills by attending workshops, seminars, training sessions and classes will advance more quickly.

Mean annual earnings of fitness trainers and instructors were $36,900 in 2012. The lowest ten percent earned less than $18,094, and the highest ten percent earned more than $67,204. Persons in charge of large fitness programs and those who work in business environments earned the most.

Fitness trainers and instructors may receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick days; life and health insurance; and retirement benefits. These are usually paid by the employer.

Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment Level in this Occupation

Metropolitan area Employment Employment per thousand jobs Hourly mean wage Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL 11,900 3.27 $15.21 New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ 9,510 1.84 $31.64 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA 5,790 1.49 $22.84 Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA 5,630 3.29 $21.92 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 5,540 2.36 $19.85 Philadelphia, PA 4,490 2.46 $14.26 Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA 3,950 2.80 $21.03 Baltimore-Towson, MD 3,550 2.82 $15.77

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment and Outlook

Fitness trainers and instructors held about 235,000 jobs nationally in 2012. About ten percent were self-employed, mostly as personal trainers. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2022, which means employment is projected to increase 12 percent to 22 percent. An increasing number of people spend more time and money on fitness to remain active, lose weight and have healthy lifestyles. This trend is seen in young people, baby boomers and the elderly alike. In addition, more businesses are recognizing the benefits of recreation and fitness programs and other services, such as wellness programs, for their employees.

Employment Trend, Projected 2012–22

Personal Care and Service Occupations: 21%

Fitness Trainers & Instructors: 13%

All Bus Drivers: 11%

Note: “All Occupations” includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections Program

Related Occupations

  • Health & Fitness Center Manager

  • Recreation Program Director

Selected Schools

Although training beyond high school is not necessarily expected of beginning fitness trainers and instructors, interested parties may obtain training in fitness and exercise science at selected technical/community colleges or at privately run programs designed to prepare students for certification. Selected four-year college programs, too, offer degrees in this field.

More Information

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

1900 Association Drive

Reston, VA 20192-1598

800.213.7193

www.aahperd.org

American Council on Exercise

4851 Paramount Drive

San Diego, CA 92123

888.825.3636

www.acefitness.org

American Fitness Professionals and Associates

1601 Long Beach Boulevard

P.O. Box 214

Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

800.494.7782

www.afpafitness.com

International Fitness Professionals Association

14509 University Point Place

Tampa, FL 33613

www.ifpa-fitness.com

International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association

70 Fargo Street

Boston, MA 02210

617.951.0055

www.ihrsa.org

National Board of Fitness Examiners

1650 Margaret Street

Suite 302-342

Jacksonville, FL 32204

www.nbfe.org

National Gym Association

P.O. Box 970579

Coconut Creek, FL 33097

954.344.8410

www.nationalgym.com

National Strength and Conditioning Association

1885 Bob Johnson Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

800.815.6826

www.nsca.com

Society of State Directors of Health, Physical Educ. & Recreation

1900 Association Drive, Suite 100

Reston, VA 20191-1599

703.390.4599

www.thesociety.org

1500 E. Broward Boulevard

Suite 250

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

888.484.8771

unitedstatespilatesassociation.com

Yoga Alliance

1701 Clarendon Boulevard

Suite 100

Arlington, VA 22209

571.482.3355

www.yogaalliance.org

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Nadeau, Briana. "Fitness Trainer & Instructor." Careers in Human Services, edited by Michael Shally-Jensen, Salem Press, 2015. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CIHS_0011.
APA 7th
Nadeau, B. (2015). Fitness Trainer & Instructor. In M. Shally-Jensen (Ed.), Careers in Human Services. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Nadeau, Briana. "Fitness Trainer & Instructor." Edited by Michael Shally-Jensen. Careers in Human Services. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2015. Accessed July 05, 2025. online.salempress.com.