Personal Trainer

Teaching and motivating groups and individuals to exercise is the work of fitness trainers. They are employed in cardiovascular exercises, stretching and strength training. Nonprofit health and commercial clubs, hospitals, country clubs, universities, pilates and yoga studios employ trainers. They specialize in weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises, kickboxing, yoga or pilates.

Personal training is given to individuals and other types of training are given to both large and small groups of people. Groups usually go for aerobics, pilates, kick boxing or muscle toning exercises.

In small facilities fitness trainers take care of more responsibilities than just providing fitness lessons. They take care of customer queries, gym tours and up gradation of training equipment.

Work Environment

Most of the work is done indoors within the training facility. Personal trainers have to go to the homes of individuals in some cases. Training institutes are open till late in the evening and remain open during weekends and holidays. Some trainers need to go to different training institutes in a day to complete a full working day.

Educational Requirements

A certificate is required by personal trainers. Group trainers do not necessarily require certification but employers usually prefer those who can plan and lead a group class. Often previous members of a group training class who become familiar with the training methods are employed as group trainers. Centers which are approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies should be the preferred choice if one wants to obtain a certificate.

A college degree can take the place of a certificate in some cases. Often a degree in kinesiology, physical education, exercise science or subjects related to health and fitness is required. Career diploma programs for fitness and nutrition are also available in order to obtain certification.

Job Prospects and Salary

There are ample opportunities for physical trainers and they are only going to grow as awareness towards personal health is more and more widespread. Most trainers are self employed and work under contracts for gyms, corporate establishments, hospitals and individuals. The salary ranges from as low as $14,530 annually and goes up as high as $55, 560 annually.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.