Fitness Trainer Definition
A fitness trainer maintains health and fitness for a client or company. A fitness trainer either works as an independent contractor in a personal trainer capacity, or leads groups of people in places, such as wellness centers, recreation centers or hospitals. A fitness trainer institutes exercise plans and diet strategies, each designed to teach students and patients the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Basics
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The fitness trainer is employed by a wide array of industries and works with an assortment of age groups. A trainer often trains clients or groups of people who are overweight or ill, along with those who are just aiming to improve their health. Sometimes, an exercise physiologist will work with athletes who are looking to take their training to another level. But regardless of client, a fitness trainer must have a thorough understanding of the benefits of a variety of diet plans, as well as the advantages of different forms of exercise. A fitness trainer has to be an authority in both strength and cardiovascular training.
Skills
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A fitness trainer should possess the type of strong communication skills that not only allow him to perform certain types of exercises, but monitor students who are attempting to perform them. He also needs to communicate important information about diet plans to students, as well as follow up and check the progress of client. In the event a fitness trainer is self-employed as a personal trainer, he will also need to have a firm grasp of marketing, as well as serviceable math and bookkeeping skills. On top of those things, a fitness trainer should be a strong motivator.
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Background
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Many companies and clients prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees when hiring a fitness trainer. Areas of study typically include exercise kinesiology, physical education, physiology and nutrition. Those who work independently may also take courses in marketing, business, accounting and communications. Along with a formal education, many fitness trainers receive a certification, which vary by industry. Occasionally, fitness trainers can be hired without a degree, provided they have obtained a certificate.
Prospects
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness trainers are part of the country's fastest growing industry, with jobs expected to increase 29 percent from 2008 to 2018. That is considerably faster than all other occupations.
Earnings
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A fitness trainer can make a nice living depending on experience and title. According to PayScale.com, fitness workers earned anywhere from $24,000 to more than $49,000 per year in April 2010. Those numbers included salaries for personal trainers, as well as clinical exercise specialists.
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References
- Photo Credit fitness and workout woman. image by Kurhan from Fotolia.com
