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Occupation Description

Job Description

Fitness trainers and instructors work with individual clients or prepare or choreograph their own group classes. They may do a variety of tasks in addition to their fitness duties, such as managing the front desk, signing up new members, giving tours of the facility, or supervising the weight-training and cardiovascular equipment areas. Fitness trainers and instructors also may promote their facilities and instruction through social media, by writing newsletters or blog posts, or by creating posters and flyers. Exercise trainers, also known as personal fitness trainers, work with individual clients or small groups. They may train in a gym or in clients’ homes. They evaluate their clients’ current fitness level, personal goals, and skills. Then, they develop personalized training programs for their clients to follow and monitor the clients’ progress. In gyms or other fitness facilities, these workers often sell training sessions to members. Group fitness instructors organize and lead group exercise classes, which may include cardiovascular exercises, muscle strengthening, or stretching. Some instructors create a routine or select exercises for participants to follow, and they then choose music that is appropriate to the movement. Others teach pre-choreographed routines that were created by fitness companies or organizations. They may lead classes that use specific exercise equipment, such as stationary bicycles; teach a specific conditioning method, such as yoga; or instruct specific age groups, such as seniors or youths.

Employment Characteristics

As an integral part of the health and wellness team, Personal Fitness Trainers can work with Exercise Science Professionals and Exercise Physiologists in a number of different settings, such as corporate, clinical, community, and commercial fitness and wellness centers. Personal Fitness Training involves working with the apparently healthy population, leading and demonstrating these clients in safe and effective methods of exercise.

Education Programs

Length: Personal Fitness Training programs can be completed in a one-year certificate program or in a two-year Associate’s degree level program. Prerequisites: Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the specific institutional entrance requirements. Curriculum: Personal Fitness Training programs will include a comprehensive academic curriculum and at least one culminating internship experience.

Certification/Registration Organization(s)

ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine 401 W. Michigan St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 Phone: 317-637-9200 Website: www.acsm.org ACE - American Council on Exercise 4851 Paramount Drive San Diego, CA 92123 Phone: 858-576-6554 Website: http://www.ACEfitness.org NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine 26632 Agoura Road Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 800-460-6276 Website: www.nasm.org NCSF-National Council on Strength and Fitness 5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Site 60 Coral Gables, FL 33146 Phone: 800-772-6273 Website: www.csf.org

Careers/Curriculum

Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: AAHPERD - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 1900 Association Dr Reston, VA 20191-1598 Phone: 800-213-7193 Website: www.aahperd.org AACVPR - American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 401 North Michigan Ave. Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 312-321-5146 Website: www.aacvpr.org MFA – Medical Fitness Association P.O. Box 73103 Richmond, VA 23235-8026 Phone: 804-327-0330 Website: www.medicalfitness.org AKTA – American Kinesiotherapy Association CCB-KT P.O.Box 1390 Hines, IL 60141-1390 Phone: 800-296-2582 Website: www.akta.org