What Is a Fitness Trainer (and How Do I Become One)?

Fitness trainers coach individuals or groups in exercises and other fitness-related activities. This might include cardiovascular training, strength training, or stretching and mobility exercises. If you're self-directed and enjoy working with people, a career as a fitness trainer could be a good fit.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fitness trainer and instructor roles in the United States are projected to grow 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, a rate much faster than average [1]. Learn about this growing field and the required skills and experience to become a fitness trainer. 

What do fitness trainers do?

A fitness trainer leads and instructs individuals or groups on proper exercise techniques, form, and routines, monitoring progress and offering motivation and resources when needed. As a fitness trainer, you may demonstrate various movements and safe alternatives to minimize the risk of injury while helping people reach fitness and health goals. You may also teach group fitness classes, coordinate routines, and develop exercises. As a fitness trainer, you should be able to perform emergency first aid if needed.

How much does a fitness trainer earn? 

According to the BLS, fitness trainers in the United States made a median annual salary of $46,480  in 2023, which is equivalent to $22.35  per hour [1]. Trainers working at fitness and recreational sports centers tended to earn more than those working at government, educational, civic, or social organizations.

What skills do fitness trainers need?

The skills of fitness trainers center around achieving health and fitness goals and understanding the impact of exercise on the body. As a fitness trainer, you may offer nutrition and lifestyle guidance. You should also be able to provide clients with support, guidance, and advice to safely perform exercises that may include cardio, strength training, stretches, or other forms of movement. You might also offer online personal training, which would require some proficiency with the required technology.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a fitness trainer, consider focusing on the following key skills.

Knowledge of health and fitness

To be an effective fitness trainer, you’ll need to understand how exercise and nutrition work together. This will likely include knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. People will seek your expertise to help them reach goals that may include weight loss, muscle gain, or improving cardiovascular health. 

Leadership

As a fitness trainer, you might lead group exercise routines or classes. Leading a group may require an energetic presence, a positive and encouraging attitude, and empathy for others. Your goal in a group fitness setting involves creating a team mentality and supportive environment where people want to work hard but also enjoy the exercise.

Relationship management

As a fitness trainer, it’s important to have good communication skills and the ability to tailor workout routines or programs based on individual needs. It’s crucial to maintain an encouraging attitude and listen to client feedback.

Motivation

Creating an environment that helps people meet their goals plays a key role in fitness training. You should have the skills to inspire and motivate your clients, including creating targeted fitness programs that are engaging and fun. 

Business skills

Having essential business skills and an understanding of customer service can be very beneficial in this career. You might start your own business after building a loyal client base while working for a gym or fitness center. Or, you could begin building an online presence and grow your business from there. Some essential business skills include:

• Taxes for freelancers or business owners 

• Methods for managing and accepting payments

• Scheduling and time management 

• Creating legally binding contracts

• Marketing and brand building 

How to become a fitness trainer

If you're interested in a career in fitness, the following offers some steps you can take to begin:

Learn about the fitness industry.

As a fitness trainer, it’s important to be updated on the latest fitness trends to stay relevant in the industry and to grow as a professional.  It’s your job to stay on top of trends and learn ways to meet the needs and goals of your clients. 

Consider a specialization.

Many fitness trainers have a fitness specialization. Certified personal trainers, for example, sometimes choose a specialty when getting a certification. Specialties may include bodybuilding, youth fitness, senior fitness, weight loss, group fitness, or strength and conditioning. If you’re looking to become specialized in a specific fitness area, getting certified may be the most effective method for becoming an expert in a particular field. 

Get certified in CPR/AED.

Employers may require CPR/AED certification for fitness trainers. Even if you work independently, keeping your clients safe and healthy should be a top priority. 

Earn a certification.

You have many certification options in fitness training from different professional organizations. The certification and organization you choose should closely align with your passions and professional goals. Certification may enhance your resume, and some employers may require one.

Some certifying organizations to consider include the following:

• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

• The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)

• American Council on Exercise (ACE)

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Do I need a degree to become a fitness trainer?

A high school diploma is the most common entry-level requirement for fitness trainers in the United States, according to the BLS. Earning an associate or bachelor's degree in a field like exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or anatomy could make you a more competitive candidate [1].

Get started in fitness training or fitness coaching

As a fitness trainer or coach, you have the ability to help people improve their lives through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Explore whether fitness may be a good career path with a NASM Personal Fitness Trainer Professional Certificate. The program covers anatomy, nutrition, weight management, and more. Upon completion, gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.