Fitness trainers and instructors essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $31,720
- 2010 number of jobs: 251,400
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 24 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Fitness trainers and instructors; what they do:
While many of us want to get fit and stay fit, we don’t know the best way to go about it, thus we turn to fitness trainers and fitness instructors to guide us toward better health.
People who choose a fitness trainer career or fitness instructor career walk the talk, teaching average clients the things they’ve learned from their own fitness efforts.
Working on their own or for other businesses, fitness trainers and fitness instructors lead, teach and motivate individuals and groups in exercise; activities to improve their cardiovascular system and stretching and strength training. Their own fitness training enables a fitness trainer or fitness instructor to demonstrate techniques and forms and explain to students of any age how to improve their skills.
Fitness trainers and instructors duties:
- Planning routines, choosing music with an appropriate tempo and picking movements for each set of muscle workouts
- Observing students and guiding them in better form and technique
- Teaching proper breathing for physical exertion
- Administering first aid or referring injured students to other professionals
- Offering alternatives to suit varied fitness levels
- Teaching participants to maintain exertion levels to maximize the benefits of exercise routines
- Explaining and enforcing safety precautions
- Monitoring progress and adapting programs as needed
- Providing information and resources about nutrition, weight control and lifestyle issues
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Fitness trainers and instructors job titles:
- Fitness technician
- Personal trainer
- Private trainer
- Aerobics instructor
- Group exercise instructor
- Fitness director
- Group fitness instructor
- Fitness coordinator
- Personal fitness trainer
- Certified fitness trainer
- Private personal trainer
Fitness Trainers and Instructors Education, Certification and License Requirements
Educational requirements for those who choose a fitness trainer career or fitness instructor career depend on the specialty involved. Many employers prefer to hire certified fitness trainers. Personal fitness trainer, group fitness instructor and specialized fitness instructor require different skills.
Some employers seek applicants with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, physical fitness or exercise science.
People seeking a personal trainer career often need certification to work with clients or members of gyms or health clubs. Most fitness trainers or fitness instructors need CPR certification before getting their physical fitness certification. Basic certification requires no specific training or education; however fitness trainers and fitness instructors can take exams, workshops and seminars.
Fitness trainer and instructor programs cover subjects such as:
- Sports safety
- First aid
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Nutrition
- Exercise physiology
- Kinesiology
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Career Advancement Opportunities
Fitness trainers and fitness instructors who earn advanced degrees can qualify to own their own facilities.
Fitness Trainers and Instructors Job Outlook
Forecast: 24 percent employment growth for fitness trainers and fitness instructors from 2010 to 2020. Demand for personal trainers and group trainers grows as businesses and insurance companies continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs. The aging of America also contributes to job growth in the fitness trainer field as baby boomers remain active.
Fitness Trainers and Instructors Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $31,720
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $47,250
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $20,310
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Fitness Trainers and Instructors Major Employers
- Amusement and recreation industries
- Civic and social organizations
- Local government agencies
- Schools
- Personal services sector
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