Fitness Trainer Job Description
Overview
The Fitness Trainer creates custom fitness and wellness plans for individuals and groups. Their role is to assign exercise routines based on their client's physical requirements and manage their progress. Their responsibilities are determining their client's exercise needs, assigning fitness activities and revising when needed, instructing and motivating clients, overseeing the completion of exercise routines, conducting individual and group fitness training sessions, supervising the use of fitness equipment to ensure clients exercise properly and safely, handling nutrition and health related questions, promoting fitness packages and plans, and following safety and hygiene guidelines.
Steps to take to start your career as a Fitness Trainer and other jobs like it
- Before instructing others, it's essential to have a solid foundation in fitness yourself. Spend time working out regularly, trying different types of exercises, and learning proper form and technique. Learn from other professionals or mentors.
- Start gaining experience by working at fitness centers, gyms, or community centers. They may not be ready to hire you for a Fitness Instructor type position but you will at least get exposure to that working environment and have a chance to learn hands on from people in the industry. Consider volunteering to lead group fitness classes or offering to train friends and family members to build your confidence and skills.
- Most fitness facilities and employers require instructors to have certification from a recognized organization. This typically includes topics such as exercise science, anatomy, physiology, program design, and client assessment. There are various certification options available, such as: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Choose a certification program that aligns with your interests and career goals. Upon passing, you'll officially become a certified fitness instructor.
- Consider specializing in specific areas of fitness, such as yoga, Pilates, group fitness, personal training, or specialty populations like seniors or athletes. Obtaining additional certifications or training in these areas can enhance your expertise and marketability.
- While not usually required, having a background in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is beneficial. Consider pursuing a degree or taking courses related to fitness, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
Why I Became a Fitness Instructor
When I was going to school for a business degree I started teaching classes on the side and teaching fitness classes and I absolutely loved it. I really got to express who I was and I got to have such an impact on other people's lives and I just thrived off of that kind of energy. Later on in my later 20s I was making a career change and I decided to get back into the fitness world which was so much more fulfilling for me because I loved that it gave me an opportunity to do teaching which I enjoyed, to have an impact on people which I enjoy, to bring positive energy. All these things were really really fulfilling for me and I just absolutely loved it.
Requirements to Become a Fitness Instructor
Technically the only requirement is to get a nationally recognized certification which teaches you about maybe 25% of the skills. The rest you kind of pick up as you go or have a good mentor and of course the University of Google.
My Fitness Journey
I got my certifications in group exercise instruction and teaching spin and then I got certified as a personal trainer. I worked for a company for a little while but within 18 months I decided to go out on my own and start my own company which was originally just private training but then turned more into outdoor fitness classes and that's kind of where we've been thriving for the last 15 years.
Career Tips
Just to be really open minded that you can turn this kind of career into anything that you want with a basis around fitness and helping people.
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Education you need to become a Fitness Trainer
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Fitness Trainer
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Kinesiology - Exercise Science
- Bachelor Degree in General Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (b.a.)
- Bachelor Degree in Mathematics - Physics
- Bachelor of Arts (b.a.) in Kinesiology - Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Psychology
Annual Pay Estimate for Fitness Trainer and Other Important Info
See how many years Fitness Trainer's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Fitness Trainer
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