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Personal Trainer Job Description

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Overview

personal trainer
489
The number of occurrences in our database.
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A Personal Trainer instructs clients who are interested in increasing their fitness levels, losing weight, and entering competitions. Their role is to demonstrate exercises or maneuvers, and help clients reach their goals. Their responsibilities are to motivate clients, lead group fitness classes, collect weekly payments, talk to members of the gym about their goals and introduce them to training packages, and provide clients with safe, reasonable exercises that they can perform in the gym as well as at home.

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Steps to take to start your career as a Personal 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.
Hear from someone who’s had the job or one like it
"Do you enjoy helping others and are looking for an industry where your personality and personal fitness can thrive?"
Career Video Transcript
Examples of Current Open Personal Trainer Positions
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indeedImg
Avg Pay: $55K
Jobs: 12,689
glassdoor
Avg Pay: $72K
Jobs: 2,929

Education you need to become a Personal Trainer

These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Personal 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
    The number of occurrences matches with Personal Trainer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$28,709Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor Degree in Psychology
    The number of occurrences matches with Personal Trainer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$31,580Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Arts (b.a.) in Psychology
    The number of occurrences matches with Personal Trainer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$31,580Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology - Exercise Science
    The number of occurrences matches with Personal Trainer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$28,709Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
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Annual Pay Estimate for Personal Trainer and Other Important Info

See how many years Personal 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.

5.4 years
$64K
The average years of experience in the workforce prior to having this role
2.73 years
Experienced
The average number of roles it took our users to get to this one
3
1039 out of 4016

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Career Paths for Personal Trainer

Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead

Jobs to start your career in becoming a Personal Trainer

These are the most common roles Jobtrees users had to start their career that eventually lead them to Personal Trainer. If you’re looking to get into this career these are jobs to consider to get your start. We’ve included below some current open job postings that match those roles. Click to search for more.