How to Become a Fitness Expert

Fitness experts can be found at health clubs.

A fitness expert instructs people in exercise activities. He may also demonstrate proper technique, observe participants at a health club to correct their form and improve their skill and work closely with athletes to prevent injuries during training or treat injuries at a rehabilitation center. A fitness expert may also be known as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, aerobics instructor or one of a number of other titles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics, a fitness trainer and aerobics instructor earned a national average salary of $34,310. If you are a sports fan with patience, compassion and an interest in the mechanics of the body, then consider a career as a fitness expert.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Transportation

Instructions

1. Get a high school diploma. According to the BLS, most certifying organizations involving physical fitness require that candidates have a high school diploma, be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pass an exam.

2. Decide what type of fitness expert you would like to become. Fitness workers specialize in a few areas of expertise. According to the BLS, various types of fitness workers exist, including personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and fitness directors. Also, decide which environment you would like to work in. You can find fitness experts in health clubs, hospitals, country clubs, resorts, universities, yoga and Pilates studios, the workplace and clients' homes.

3. Receive training and certification. According to the BLS, education and training depend on the specific kind of fitness work. Most athletic organizations require their fitness experts to be certified over a period of time. Getting certified is important, especially for personal trainers. Personal trainers may take classes with the objective of becoming certified by a reputable organization that is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. A personal trainer may be required to work alongside an experienced trainer before training clients alone. Group fitness instructors begin by participating in exercise classes until they audition as instructors. Some group fitness instructors may receive training and certification in a formal program, such as Pilates and yoga instructors. Training programs may range from a few days to two years. Requirements vary from employer to employer.

4. Get a degree. According to the BLS, an increasing number of workplaces are requiring that fitness workers have a bachelor's degree in a health or fitness field, such as exercise science, physical education or athletic training. A bachelor's degree can also help with advancement into a management position at a recreational facility, such as a fitness director.

5. Gain experience. To become a fitness expert, experience is necessary. According to research mentioned in an August 2006 "Scientific American" article, "The Expert Mind," it takes approximately 10 years of focused experience to become an expert. Reaching a certain level of expertise also depends on the definition of "expert" provided by the employer or what the employee expects from himself.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Fitness Workers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008: Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
• CollegeBoard.com: Athletic Trainers
• "Scientific American"; The Expert Mind; Philip E. Ross; August 2006

Resources

• NSCA Certification
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• American College of Sports Medicine
• American Council on Exercise
• National Academy of Sports Medicine