Fitness Trainer Career Overview
Fitness workers lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching. Fitness trainers are responsible for demonstrating techniques and methods of exercise that enhance the physical fitness of their clients. They observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary in order to improve their skills.
Fitness trainers work in commercial and nonprofit health clubs, country clubs, hospitals, universities, yoga and Pilates studios, resorts, and in clients’ homes. Increasingly, fitness workers are also found in workplaces, where they organize and direct health and fitness programs for employees.
People planning fitness careers should be outgoing, good at motivating people, and sensitive to the needs of others. Excellent health and physical fitness are important due to the physical nature of the job. Those who wish to be personal trainers in a large commercial fitness center should also have strong sales skills in order to encourage the growth of their clientele base.
Fitness Trainer Training & Education
Fitness workers usually do not receive much on-the-job training because they are expected to know how to do their jobs when they are hired. As a result, personal trainers must obtain certification in the fitness field in order to gain employment.
An increasing number of employers require fitness workers to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to health or fitness, such as exercise science or physical education. Some employers allow workers to substitute a college degree for certification, but most employers who require a bachelor’s degree require both a degree and certification.
In order to advance to a management position in a health center or fitness club candidates must typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and in some cases a master’s degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or a related area, along with significant work experience. As in many fields, managerial skills are needed to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. College courses in management, business administration, accounting, and personnel management may be helpful for advancement to supervisory or managerial positions.
Fitness Training Career & Salary Outlook
Almost all personal trainers and group exercise instructors work in physical fitness facilities, health clubs, and fitness centers. Some fitness trainersare self employed, many of whom are personal trainers. Many fitness jobs are part time, and many workers hold multiple jobs, teaching and/or doing personal training at several different fitness centers as well as at clients’ homes.
Opportunities are expected to be good for fitness workers because of rapid growth in the fitness industry. Due to the fact that an increasing number of people spend more time and money on fitness, and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs and other services such as wellness programs for their employees, the amount of job opportunities in the field of fitness training are projected to grow significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50 percent of fitness trainers earned between $17,380 and $40,030 annually.
Career Fields/Specializations
Personal Trainer Career
Personal trainers must have certification in the fitness field to gain employment as well as a good understanding of the best ways for clients to get into shape. It is important for personal trainers to have proficiency in teaching so as to best communicate exercises to their clients. Poor instruction can not only be a hindrance to the physical progress of the client, but can also be detrimental to his or her health. This is why it is so important for personal trainers to be certified and educated in the field of fitness training.
Personal trainers can build upon their knowledge of fitness in order to customize conditioning programs for each individual client’s needs. Personal trainers should have excellent people skills and serve as a source of motivation for their clients. They must be understanding yet require certain standards of effort and improvement from their patrons.
Fitness Instructor Career
The most important characteristic that an employer looks for in a new group fitness instructor is the ability to plan and lead a class that is motivating and safe. Group fitness instructors often get started by participating in exercise classes and through taking training courses or attending fitness conventions. Most organizations encourage their group instructors to become certified, and many require it. This is to ensure that fitness instructors are teaching the correct fitness methods for each class.
Instructors must be able to plan classes according to the skills of the participants and monitor their well-being. Typically fitness instructors lead their classes through demonstration so it is necessary for them to exercise regularly to maintain their fitness level. Instructors must prepare routines for each of their classes and must also be excellent communicators in order to teach the material effectively.
Pilates Instructor Career
Most Pilates instructors must undergo rigorous, standardized requirements for teacher training. This is due to a number of injuries reported by students of inexperienced teachers. Pilates instructors usually do not need group exercise certifications but must have specialized training in Pilates. Training options typically entail year-long programs, requiring at least 200 hours of training, but can last up to two years. However, some Pilates teachers are certified group exercise instructors who go through Pilates workshops that are shorter in duration. Pilates instructors should be motivational and have a detailed knowledge of human physiology. They should have an expert understanding of Pilates and be able to effectively teach their students.
Yoga Instructor Career
Training requirements for yoga teachers are similar to those for Pilates teachers. Training programs range from a few days to more than two years. Many people get their start by taking yoga courses and learning the physical requirements along with effective teaching methods. Those who wish to pursue teaching more seriously usually seek formal yoga instructor training. Currently, there are many training programs through the yoga community as well as programs through the fitness industry. Yoga instructors typically must complete at least 200 training hours, with a specified number of hours in areas including techniques, teaching methodology, anatomy, physiology, and philosophy.
Weight Trainer Career
Weight trainers typically hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as a physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic trainer. The application of fundamental weight training methodologies are revolutionizing the way in which strength trainers, personal trainers, coaches and athletes practice weight training. Weight trainers help their students learn safe and effective lifting methods in order to gain muscle mass or to tone and strengthen existing muscles. As a result, weight trainers must learn about human anatomy and physiology. They must also communicate effectively to teach students proper techniques and motivate them to perform and improve to the best of their abilities.
Aerobics Instructor Career
Aerobics Instructors are expected to lead patrons in basic aerobic and fitness session. Much like Pilates and yoga instructors, aerobics instructors are required to be well-versed in proper aerobic techniques in order to ensure patron safety. They need to have an expert knowledge of physical fitness, so typically, aerobics instructors must be certified and have undergone significant training.
Aerobics instructors must be able to gage the needs of the participants in their classes to create challenging exercises that will not be harmful to the patrons. Due to the extremely physical nature of the position, aerobics instructors are expected to be fit and energetic. Just as all other fitness professionals, aerobics instructors must have excellent communication skills in order to best teach their students.
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