Office of Continuing Education

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists career opportunities for fitness trainers and instructors among its top choices between now and 2028. Jobs are expected to grow by 13%, over twice the expected growth rate for jobs overall.

According to Salary.com, personal trainers in the US earn on average $61,223 per year. The site notes that a personal trainer's income can depend on a wide variety of factors, but expects the amount to range between $44,190 and $75,214.

The BLS analysis also anticipates improvements in fitness technology, fitness-related employment benefits, and changing demographics to enhance career opportunities for personal trainers.

HOW DO PERSONAL TRAINERS HELP THEIR CLIENTS?

Personal trainers provide information, motivation and guidance for individuals and groups who want to maintain or improve their health. Personal trainers may address diet and nutrition, exercise and mental and emotional wellbeing as part of their regimes. Many personal trainers work with individual clients, while others affiliate with health-related organizations.

IS CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT FOR A PERSONAL TRAINING CAREER?

Yes. Certification is extremely important due to the close working relationship with clients, their health and their physical abilities. This requires domain-expert knowledge as well as discretion and trustworthiness. Earning a certification such as the NASM's CPT indicates to clients, prospective employers, and partners that a personal trainer meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

WHERE DO PERSONAL TRAINERS WORK?

Personal trainers may work in private or public settings. Some work in clients' homes or private offices. Others are affiliated with health clubs, clinics or sports-related groups and facilities. Still others may work in hospitals, retirement communities, or other group settings.

DO PERSONAL TRAINERS ENJOY THEIR WORK?

According to CareerExplorer.com, personal trainers' job satisfaction rates in the top third of all professions. Along with golf pros, private detectives and florists, personal trainers generally enjoy high levels of job satisfaction.

Prepare to take and pass the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam

Master health and fitness topics, including nutrition, program design, human movement science, and fitness assessments

Learn and practice teaching, customer service, and first aid skills

Develop organizational and communication skills

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course.

INTRODUCTION AND RESISTANCE TRAINING CONCEPTS

Physical activity guidelines as they relate to the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model

HUMAN MOVEMENT ASSESSMENTS/FITNESS TESTING AND EVALUATION

Major muscles and their functions; subjective, objective and performance assessments

CONCEPTS OF INTEGRATED TRAINING - FLEXIBILITY, CARDIORESPIRATORY AND CORE

Principles of human movement and flexibility; benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and Proper exercise techniques

CONCEPTS OF INTEGRATED TRAINING - BALANCE, PLYOMETRIC AND SAQ

Training concepts, including balance, plyometric (reactive) and speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ)

DESIGN OF FITNESS PROGRAMS AND MODALITIES

Program design using the OPT model; acute training variables and exercise modalities

HUMAN MOVEMENT SCIENCE/EXERCISE MODALITIES AND TECHNIQUE

Structure and function of the human body; functions of anatomy and physiology during exercise

SPECIAL POPULATIONS, NUTRITION, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Program design adaptations for individuals with health impairments or physical conditions

CERTIFICATION EXAM PREPARATION

Test taking strategies, practice exam; review NASM's standards of professional practice as a professional fitness trainer

This is a self-paced course. However, support will be provided through email, online forms and phone.