How to Become a Personal Trainer: Career Guide

As a personal trainer, you'll coach clients through a routine and exercises to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. From newcomers just beginning their fitness journey to more experienced fitness enthusiasts in search of some structure and direction, you will likely interact with many types of clients. If you have fitness experience and knowledge or want to learn about it and enjoy helping others reach their goals, becoming a personal trainer may be worthwhile.

What is a personal trainer?

Personal trainers evaluate their clients’ fitness goals and current strengths and weaknesses to design a workout regimen that helps them reach their desired fitness level on an appropriate timeline.

In this role, you will often work one-on-one with clients to teach them the correct exercise form and weights. Trainers will also adjust the training volume to prevent injury.

What exactly does a personal trainer do?

Personal trainers assess their clients’ physical condition relative to their goals and construct a tailored plan to help them achieve them. They also evaluate a client's progress along the way and make appropriate changes. 

A personal trainer also demonstrates and explains exercises to clients in a way they can understand. They'll offer advice on lifestyle and diet habits that may help their clients reach their goals.

What qualifications do you need to be a personal trainer?

To get a job as a personal trainer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a secondary school diploma. Some employers may expect you to earn a college degree along with certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED). Then, the next step is to pursue a personal trainer certification. 

Certifications are often required and can help demonstrate your proficiency in specific areas of fitness or activities. Thankfully, you have various options and can choose one that aligns with your strengths and interests. The fastest route is to take an accredited self-study course online and receive a certification. However, you can also attend a vocational school or college for more in-depth learning. 

What skills do I need to be a successful personal trainer?

Fitness is a rapidly changing and growing industry; your knowledge and education should exceed what your certification helped you learn. Personal trainers should be well-versed in the current fitness and nutrition developments and have excellent personal and leadership skills. 

Your clients need help completing workouts or sticking to a diet plan, so you must remain patient and help them mentally reach their goals. A passion for health and fitness enables you to guide your clients.

How do I become a certified personal trainer?

Many large gyms require you to pass a certification course to become a certified personal trainer. You may complete several certification exams, including the Canadian Fitness Education Services (CFES), BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)  Personal Trainer Certification. 

Typically, these exams take about three to six months to prepare, with some can taking up to 12 months.

You’ll also want to hone the skills needed to be an effective trainer, including working on your fitness and stamina levels, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

How long does it take to become a personal trainer?

Depending on the type of personal training and the setting you wish to train in, you can become certified in as little as a couple of months. Several personal trainer certification programs take just eight to 12 weeks to complete.

However, it can also take two years or more if you choose to earn a diploma or degree in the field before starting your career.

Do personal trainers make good money?

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for personal trainers in Canada is $56,791 per year. This figure includes an average base salary of $51,430 and $5,362 in additional pay. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses [1].

As a personal trainer, you can work in many areas, including a gym, recreation centre, school, government facility, civic and social organizations, or your client's homes. It all depends on your training and interests. 

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank projects a solid job outlook for personal trainers, with a balance in jobs matching the national average in job growth from 2022 to 2031 [2]. 

Being a personal trainer can be demanding, requiring you to work a variable shift that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes, you may have to travel to various gyms to meet clients or train in a client’s home. Personal trainers can also have full-time jobs in other areas and only do training in their spare time for additional income.

How hard is it to become a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer requires much work and dedication while studying for the exams and gaining the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. However, it is viable for anyone passionate about health and fitness and willing to put in the required time and work.

Prepare for your personal training career on Coursera

A career as a personal trainer can be rewarding as you assist clients with achieving their health and fitness goals. On Coursera, you can find courses from top institutions worldwide to help you prepare for personal training certification. If you want to get a glimpse into exercise, nutrition, and its benefits, consider taking the Science of Exercise course from the University of Colorado Boulder. If the nutrition side of personal training interests you, the Stanford Introduction to Food and Health course from Stanford University can help you better understand nutrition labels and help clients make the right nutrition choices.