What does a Personal Trainer do?
A personal trainer is responsible for the fitness journey of clients from beginning to end. This includes listening to clients about their personal fitness goals and developing training programs to help clients achieve that goal. Demonstrations of technique and providing of tips will be a part of the job to help clients achieve their desired physical fitness state. Potential career advancements beyond the position of a personal trainer include specializing in particular fields of fitness such as strength and conditioning, corrective exercise and so on.
The minimum educational requirement to be a personal trainer is a high school diploma or equivalent followed by a personal trainer certification. The majority of companies express a preference for candidates who have first aid and CPR training together with proven experience working as a personal trainer. As this position requires one to one interaction, high standards of customer service and interpersonal skills are required.
- Work with clients on a one to one basis
- Listen to a clients personal fitness goals
- Create customized training programs for clients
- Demonstrate training techniques and movements
- Provide tips and advice on improving form and achieving their goal
- Ensure safe and effective use of training equipment
- Maintain training equipment hygiene and safety
- Develop a good rapport with clients
- Certified as a personal trainer
- First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training preferred
- Proven experience working as a personal trainer
- Excellent social, verbal and written communication skills
- Impeccable customer service and client focus
- Strong working knowledge of fitness training and exercises
- Enthusiastic and passionate about fitness and health
- Maintain physical fitness levels at all times
- Physical ability to perform exercises for long periods of time
How much does a Personal Trainer make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$69,395
/ yrPersonal Trainer Career Path
Learn how to become a Personal Trainer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Personal Trainer Insights
YMCA“My immediate boss was extraordinarily nice and truly cared about the progress and the wellbeing of our clients.”
9Round“Helping clients achieve their goals is great but sharing in their success is then best.”
9Round Fitness“Starting pay is quite low and I have my fingers crossed for commissions from new memberships.”
“It is hard to get all the way up to this magical place and the salary is not the best.”
Hertfordshire Sports Village“There are opportunities for self development and career progression as well as a good work/life balance.”
“Group classes sessions are going well + the choice of the best coachs in the city”
24 Hour Fitness“For any new trainers it is a good gym to start your personal training career in”
Equinox“The education you get here is top notch & puts you way above many other trainers in the field”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Personal Trainer
When working as a Personal Trainer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are CPR First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, External Defibrillator, Interpersonal and Communication, and Exercises.
- Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Sales Representative
- Sales Manager
The most common qualifications to become a Personal Trainer include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.