Personal Trainer Job Description Information

According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 261,000 fitness workers in the United States in 2008 and their numbers are growing. The professional freedom afforded to these individuals may be one reason the field attracts so many eager job applicants. Personal trainers and other fitness workers get to select the kinds of people they train, where they work, their specialty and the specific certification program they wish to pursue.

 

Duties

• Certified personal trainers help people meet their physical fitness goals. This includes accessing clients' current fitness levels, motivating trainees, teaching proper stretching techniques and promoting correct use of exercise equipment. Some trainers work with large groups of people at a time. Others work with clients on a one-on-one basis. Personal trainers can specialize in a variety of fitness disciplines. Possible areas of expertise include Yoga, Pilates, weight lifting, cardio exercise and karate.

Possible Employers

• Before picking an employer aspiring trainers must decide if they want to work with groups or individuals and what skill levels they wish to cater to. According to BLS reports fitness workers such as certified personal trainers are employed in a variety of industries. Workers can find positions at hospitals, fitness centers, schools and governmental agencies or freelance. Because there are so many employment opportunities for personal trainers it isl not be difficult to focus on positions that match your preferences.

Training and Education

• Specific training requirements vary by type of work and specialty. For example training programs for yoga teachers and Pilates teachers can take a little as a few days or as long as two years to complete. Formal education requirements vary as well however according to the BLS an increasing number of employers are requiring trainers to have a bachelor's degree in a health or fitness field. Certification also plays a major role in hiring decisions.

General Certification Guidelines

• Several organizations offer certification. BLS experts recommend aspiring physical trainers consult the National Commission for Certifying Agencies when researching these organizations. Most recognized certification programs require candidates to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. In most cases candidates must pass a comprehensive exam including written and practical components as well.
• A high school diploma is often the only education prerequisite for traditional certification programs. However requirements for physical therapists that wish to train athletes may be more stringent. Advanced degrees in physical therapy or a related field may be required for this type of certification.

Salary

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for fitness trainers and aerobic instructors was $29,210 in 2008. Half of all reported salaries fell between $19,610 and $44,420. In additional to their regular salaries, many fitness trainers are able to use their employer's facilities and equipment free of charge.

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Personal Trainer Salary Information

As a rule, being a personal trainer is not considered a very lucrative job. Personal trainer salary ranges generally fall between $26,000 and $50,000 a year. Some private personal trainers make more. In general, the more education the trainer has, including bachelor's and master's in health care or sport exercise fields, the higher the pay. Pay also varies according to where personal trainers work.

 

Schools Universities, Franchise Health Clubs

• Pay Scale, the career and earnings website cites schools, universities and franchise health clubs as among the lowest paying jobs for personal trainers. With an average hourly rate of about $13, a 40-hour work week would net about $26,000 a year for personal trainers in these venues.

Federal and State Governments

• Personal trainers employed by federal and state governments make roughly $20 an hour, with federal governments paying more than state and local governments. That comes out to about $40,000 a year. This might include working for prisons or working for parks and recreation departments.

Private Company, Team

• Pay Scale cites the average hourly rate of personal trainers who work for private companies in their fitness areas or for specific sports teams at about $25 an hour or $50,000 a year, if they put in a 40-hour week. Personal trainers for teams would make about $17 to $35 an hour, while those for private practices would make about $12 to $32 an hour.

Private Trainers

• Private trainers receive the highest pay of around $50 an hour. However, private trainers must also find their own clients and be able to run their own businesses.

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How to Become a Personal Trainer

Personal training can be a wonderful opportunity to work with people, help them achieve their health and fitness goals, and earn a living at the same time. With the right mix of education and experience, you can create a rewarding career.

1. Take classes or read books on anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and motivational techniques.
2. Enroll in a CPR and first aid training class. Most certifications require CPR.
3. Seek certification by at least one nationally recognized organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), or the National Strength and Conditioning Council (NSCC).
4. Obtain personal liability insurance. Most trainers are required to carry insurance to protect their clients and themselves against personal injury and property loss.
5. Offer your services to friends or family members to gain experience and possibly referrals.
6. Decide how much to charge per hour. Trainers can charge anywhere from $25 to $200 an hour, depending on professional background, clientele and services.
7. Interview at local gyms to find out about opportunities, or consider starting your own business. 

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