More About Personal Fitness Trainers

Thinking of becoming a personal fitness trainer? Find out more about what the job entails, and how to pump up your career.

What does a personal fitness trainer do?
A personal fitness trainer is responsible for working closely with clients to establish some sort of workout routine and regimen toward living a healthy life. Personal fitness trainers are important for teaching clients new exercises so that proper workout techniques are used to prevent injury. They monitor the progress of their clients so that they know what they need to continue improving.

Personal fitness trainers work with clients on a one-to-one basis either in a fitness center, gym, or even at a client’s home.  After carefully discussing fitness goals and assessing the client’s physical strengths and limitations, the personal fitness trainer will design a customized training program. From there, it’s about getting “pumped up,” as the trainer teaches and motivates the client to effectively work out and develop strong exercise techniques.

During each personal fitness training session, the trainer will discuss the client’s progress, and modify goals as they become more comfortable and get better at the exercises. Sometimes a personal fitness trainer will go a step further and encourage their clients to develop a good nutritional program and other habits for overall wellness.

How much do personal fitness trainers get paid and what kinds of personal fitness trainers jobs can I get?
When it comes to earnings for personal fitness trainers, the numbers can greatly vary depending on the size of the facility one works for, and whether or not they work with clients on a freelance basis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2006, the median annual earnings of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors were $25,910, with the top 10 percent earning $56,750 or more. Remember, though, these figures are for employed, salaried workers. If you take on high profile clients as a self-employed personal fitness trainer, the sky is the limit.

Personal fitness trainers have a great job outlook due to the increase in individuals seeking gym memberships and professional assistance with their fitness goals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will be one of the fastest growing by the year 2016, with a projected increase of 27 percent.

Personal fitness trainers work in fitness centers and health clubs where there are a variety of different individuals. Personal fitness trainers usually work in a one-on-one type of setting. They may also have a client whose house they may travel to. A lot of celebrities and professional athletes have personal fitness trainers, and these jobs are more likely to be available in big cities. In addition, personal fitness trainers can work in country clubs, resorts, hospitals, universities, and other places that offer fitness facilities.

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