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Fitness workers lead, instruct and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. They work in health clubs, country clubs, hospitals, universities, yoga and Pilates studios, resorts, and clients’ homes. Increasingly, fitness workers also are found in workplaces.
Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients. They help clients assess their level of physical fitness and set and reach fitness goals. Trainers also demonstrate various exercises and help clients improve their exercise techniques. They may keep records of their clients’ exercise sessions to monitor clients’ progress toward physical fitness. They may also advise their clients on how to modify their lifestyle outside of the gym to improve their fitness.
Group exercise instructors conduct group exercise sessions that usually include aerobic exercise, stretching and muscle conditioning. Cardiovascular conditioning classes are often set to music. Instructors choose and mix the music and choreograph a corresponding exercise sequence. Two increasingly popular conditioning methods taught in exercise classes are Pilates and yoga. In these classes, instructors demonstrate the different moves and positions of the particular method; they also observe students and correct those who are doing the exercises improperly. Group exercise instructors are responsible for ensuring that their classes are motivating, safe and challenging, yet not too difficult for the participants.
How long will it take?
Fitness workers usually do not receive much on-the-job training; they are expected to know how to do their jobs when they are hired. The education and training required depends on the specific type of fitness work: personal training, group fitness, or a specialization such as Pilates or yoga each need different preparation.
Personal trainers often start out by taking classes to become certified. Group fitness instructors often get started by participating in exercise classes until they are ready to successfully audition as instructors and begin teaching class. Most employers require group fitness instructors to be certified as well.
AC has programs for both certifications and you can train in just 64 semester hours!
How much can you earn?
Median annual earnings of trainers and instructors in 2006 were $25,910. Salaries vary widely, depending on the size of the gym or fitness center.
Where can you work?
Most trainers and instructors are hired by commercial gyms and fitness centers. Others work for hospitals and schools.
