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A
personal trainer or fitness trainer is involved with leading,
motivating, and instructing people towards meeting their fitness
goals. Many are found working in health clubs or gyms, while others
may choose to open their own fitness training studios. Personal
training certification is required by many organizations to ensure
all safety and health standards are met. A personal trainer career
can be very rewarding and fitness training school provides the
foundation for ongoing work in the health, exercise, and nutrition
field.
Job Description
and Responsibilities of a Personal Trainer or Fitness Trainer
After becoming a
certified personal trainer, an individual may work with both
individuals and groups. A fitness trainer is primarily responsible
for working with group exercise activities and classes, while a
personal trainer works one-on-one with various clients. Group
instruction is another option for both types of works. Primary
responsibilities for exercise instruction include:
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Assessing the
level of physical fitness for an individual
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Helping to
structure fitness goals
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Demonstrating
exercise techniques
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Keeping
records of all client sessions
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Using music
and choreography to develop exercise routines
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Motivating
exercise class students and participants
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Developing
programs to obtain members to a health club
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Front desk and
administrative functions
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Ensuring all
health and safety guidelines are followed
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Following
health club or gym policies
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Targeting
specific muscle groups for effective alignment
Career Options
for a Certified Personal Trainer or Fitness Trainer
After pursuing
personal training certification, students of a fitness training
school or personal trainer school may choose to work in:
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Public
gyms
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Health
clubs
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Fitness
center
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Country
clubs
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Yoga or
Pilates studios
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Resorts
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Universities
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Clients'
homes
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Workplace gyms
Personal trainer
career opportunities and positions available include:
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Head Trainer
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Group Exercise
Director
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Exercise Coordinator
or Supervisor
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General Manager of a
fitness center or health club
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Independent business
owner
Personal Trainer Certification and Programs
Personal trainer
certification is mandatory for all individuals interested in
becoming a personal trainer. Group fitness instructors do not
require personal training certification, but some choose to pursue
it in order to advance in their career. A personal trainer must have
a high school diploma in order to obtain personal trainer
certification, in addition to completing certification in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Personal training certification
is comprised of both a written and practical component. Although
there is no formal training available for personal trainer
certification, a personal trainer course offered by a technical
college or trade school can provide the foundation for preparation.
Certifying
organizations for a personal trainer career can provide the
materials and curriculum needed to pass the examination. This may
include CD-ROMs, DVDs, and reading materials as part of a personal
trainer course program. A personal trainer school is usually a part
of a larger educational program. Some colleges and universities also
offer an associate or bachelor's degree program in an
exercise-related subject where the individual can then pursue
personal trainer training as an extension of their studies. These
courses of study are most attractive for those interested in
training athletes or people who are injured, and are considered a
specialization for a personal trainer career.
Fitness training
school focuses on training students in motivational leadership,
nutrition studies, and learning specific exercise techniques.
Fitness training school is a common choice for those interested in
becoming a group exercise or fitness instructor. Many employers
require fitness workers to have a bachelor's degree in a fitness or
health-related field, and will not employ those without personal
trainer certification.
A certified
personal trainer must apply for recertification every two years, and
can do this by registering for a personal trainer course at a local
community college or trade school. Training requirements for Pilates
and yoga instructors does not require formal training, but due to
the high risk of injuries in this area, it is becoming more common
for yoga studios and fitness centers to require personal trainer
certification.
Personal trainer certification programs can help prepare students
for the examination, and also provide valuable information for
running their own business. Common courses in these structured
personal trainer training programs include:
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Identifying clients' goals
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Making use of fitness testing and assessment
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Marketing the business and retaining clients
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Effective decision making
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Overcoming common difficulties during a personal trainer career
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Tax advantages of a personal training business
Personal Trainer
Career Potential and Employment Prospects
Job opportunities are expected to grow faster than average for those
who pursue a personal trainer career. A personal trainer or fitness
trainer both have many opportunities to become a part of a health
organization, fitness center, health club, or wellness program. Many
choose to open their own health or fitness center during their
career. Since the demand for skilled workers in this field is
growing, job opportunities look promising. More health clubs and
independent clients are hiring educated and well-trained personal
trainers. Health clubs are looking for new ways to attract
customers, and offering personal training is a valuable asset.
The median annual salary for a certified personal trainer or fitness
trainer was $25,470 in 2004. Related occupations include:
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Athletic coach
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Umpire
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Fitness consultant
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Weight loss consultant
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Exercise coordinator
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Health consultant
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