Fitness Trainer |
Who Are Fitness Trainers?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Fitness Trainers Do? Personal trainers teach clients one-on-one in a gym at home while fitness instructors work with groups of people at gyms or in offices. Fitness trainers lead, instruct, and motivate clients exercise activities like stretching, aerobics, muscle conditioning, cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching. Some fitness trainers specialize in multiple exercise techniques like weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, cardiovascular training, and karate. Personal fitness trainers maintain records of their client’s progress and make needed adjustments to exercise regimens. Fitness Instructor Training Fitness instructors and personal fitness trainers must complete formal training since they deal directly with people’s health, and most employers require instructors to have some type of fitness certification. Several vocational colleges, trade schools and allied health career schools offer a fitness instructor course for those seeking fitness instructor certification or personal fitness trainer certification. The education required for fitness certification depends on the type of fitness training the person will teach or lead. Those interested in group fitness training may attend a fitness instructor course to become specialized in Pilates or yoga. People seeking personal fitness trainer certification will train alongside an experienced trainer before being allowed to train clients alone. Fitness Trainer Certification There are many organizations that provide fitness instructor certification. Fitness certification by a top certification organization, like The American College of Sports Medicine or The American Council on Exercise, is increasing in importance with employers. To receive personal fitness trainer certification a candidate must know CPR and pass an exam that covers human physiology and proper exercise techniques. A fitness instructor course is an ideal way to prepare for the exam. Fitness trainer certification is good for two years then it must be renewed. Fitness Training Job Prospects Demand for qualified fitness trainers is high and is expected to keep growing. Most fitness trainers work for physical fitness facilities, health clubs, fitness centers, hospitals, country clubs, universities, dance studios or yoga and Pilates studios. Other fitness trainers choose to work for themselves and offer fitness classes in workplaces or in people’s homes. People pursuing a career as a fitness trainer should have an outgoing personality, good physical health, strong sales skills to attract new business and be an excellent communicator. Fitness Trainer Job Security and Salary The job market for fitness trainers and personal fitness instructors is expected to steadily increase because of rapid job growth in health clubs and fitness facilities. The Bureau of Labor expects this growth to increase 27% over the next few years. Because of the high demand, a qualified fitness trainer can expect to earn from $25,000 to $57,000 a year. As their experience grows personal trainers may advance to head trainer or management positions like fitness director or general manager. Some workers go into business for themselves and open their own fitness centers or build a private clientele. Some trainers take jobs at schools to a fitness instructor course. |