Fitness Trainer

In this career guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about marketing as a career, from roles and responsibilities, to work environment and roadmap to becoming a Fitness Trainer.

Who's a Fitness Trainer?

Today, fitness is not just about avoiding ailments; it has become a way of life. So, if you’re someone who is constantly working out, you can turn this passion into a career, by helping people get fit like you!

As a Fitness Trainer, you will train, instruct and motivate people to practise effective exercise programs. For this, you will typically work in gyms and health clubs and aim to help people achieve their health and fitness goals.

If you’re interested in turning your passion for fitness into a career, this could be a great career option for you.

Responsibilities

What will you do?

Acting as a positive role model.

As a Fitness Trainer, you will lead, instruct and motivate your clients to reach their fitness goals. You will be skilled and efficient and your passion to reach your own fitness goals will inspire your clients to do the same.

Example: You must be optimistic and patient to train your clients. Even if they don’t believe in themselves at times, your positive attitude should encourage them to achieve their goals.

Monitoring your client’s progress.

You will monitor your client’s progress and observe them do exercises. You will also ensure they are practising the proper technique and equipment to avoid injuries.

Example: You will observe your clients while they exercise to make sure they have a good form and are lifting the weights correctly.

Creating exercise plans.

You will create workout and exercise plans specific to your clients needs. You’ll also evaluate your client’s current fitness levels, their goals and abilities in order to curate personalised workout plans for them.

Example: You will determine your client’s goals and needs and design a balanced workout routine for them that includes warm up exercises, primary exercises, and cardio exercises that will work for their body and skills.

Helping clients reach their fitness goal.

While you may train athletes, you may also train people who are new to the fitness world. Your clients may struggle to reach their fitness goals or find motivation. It will be your job to help them in their journey to a healthier life.

Example: You will assist your clients in a variety of ways, including assisting them in setting realistic goals and expectations and encouraging them by appreciating their progress.

Analysing information of individual clients.

You will prepare and maintain clear and detailed records of your clients. As a Fitness Trainer, these records will assist you through the course of your training sessions.

Example: Body measurements, medical history, post-session instructions and before and after pictures of their progress.

Workplace

Where will you work?

Gym or Health Club

The gym and health clubs are the most popular places for a fitness trainer to work where they deal with people of all ages and skill levels. As a fitness trainer, your responsibility will be to train your clients. You’ll be working as per the shift timings provided by the gym or health clubs.

Home

As a self-employed fitness trainer, you can work at your home. You can set up a workout studio at home and have hourly sessions for your clients. If you are a freelance fitness trainer, you may also have to work at your client’s home or wherever it’s convenient for them. In this case, you can choose your own clients and working hours.

Education

How do you get there?

Step 1: Class XI/XII / Junior College

While you could study any stream at this level, Science will benefit you the most; a keen interest in Biology will help you understand the human body better. Furthermore, being fit and having an interest in sports and athletics are obvious basic requirements for a career in fitness.

Step 2: Graduation

Even in this field of expertise, a Bachelor’s degree is always recommended before beginning work. Clients and employers are frequently on the lookout for well-educated and qualified people these days.You could pursue a Bachelor’s degree in your preferred field.

Step 3: Choose a fitness specialty

Specialty courses can help you advance your fitness training knowledge and help you become an expert in your chosen field. Fitness trainers can specialise in a variety of areas, such as yoga, aerobics, strength and conditioning and more.

Step 4: Diploma/Certification

You can take up degree diploma or certification courses from top-notch coaching centres like National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), among other centres that are recognised globally.

Step 5: Internship

You can take up internships at recognised studios or gyms or work as an assistant for a personal trainer for a few months to experience a real world environment.

Step 6: Land a job

Now that you’re qualified, you are all set to start your career as a Fitness Trainer!

Look for companies that will provide you with a lot of opportunities to learn and grow.

Congratulations, you’re now a Fitness Trainer.

Step 1: Class XI/XII / Junior College

While you could study any stream at this level, Science will benefit you the most; a keen interest in Biology will help you understand the human body better. Furthermore, being fit and having an interest in sports and athletics are obvious basic requirements for a career in fitness.

Step 2: Graduation

Even in this field of expertise, a Bachelor’s degree is always recommended before beginning work. Clients and employers are frequently on the lookout for well-educated and qualified people these days. You could pursue a Bachelor’s degree in your preferred field.

Step 3: Choose a fitness specialty

Specialty courses can help you advance your fitness training knowledge and help you become an expert in your chosen field. Fitness trainers can specialise in a variety of areas, such as yoga, aerobics, strength and conditioning and more.

Step 4: Diploma/Certification

You can take up degree diploma or certification courses from top-notch coaching centres like National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), among other centres that are recognised globally.

Step 5: Internship

You can take up internships at recognised studios or gyms or work as an assistant for a personal trainer for a few months to experience a real world environment.

Step 6: Land a job

Now that you’re qualified, you are all set to start your career as a Fitness Trainer!

Look for companies that will provide you with a lot of opportunities to learn and grow.

Congratulations, you’re now a Fitness Trainer.

Step 1: Class XI/XII / Junior College

To become a Fitness Trainer, you need to pass your 12th with minimum percentage in Science. You need to gain knowledge about human anatomy and physiology and nutrition.

Step 2: Graduation

There are many degrees that you can consider for Fitness Training. You can take up Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Bachelor of Physical Education. You can also take up a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology for bright career opportunities in the fitness industry.

Step 3: Choose a fitness specialty

Specialty courses can help you advance your fitness training knowledge and help you become an expert in your chosen field. Fitness trainers can specialise in a variety of areas, such as yoga, aerobics, strength and conditioning and more.

Step 4: Diploma/Certification

You can take up degree diploma or certification courses from top-notch coaching centres like National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), among other centres that are recognised globally.

Step 5: Internship

You can take up internships at recognised studios or gyms or work as an assistant for a personal trainer for a few months to experience a real world environment.

Step 6: Land a Job

Now that you’re qualified, you are all set to start your career as a Fitness Trainer!

Look for companies that will provide you with a lot of opportunities to learn and grow.

Congratulations, you’re now a Fitness Trainer.

Step 7: Post-graduation

A Masters of Exercise and Sports Science can get you a highly valued and respected job in the fitness industry. It provides you with in-depth knowledge and opens up several paths of career options for you.

What skills would you need?

Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Social Skills

Social Skills

Social skills are the abilities that enable effective communication and interaction with others. They encompass a range of interpersonal competencies, including active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills help individuals navigate social situations, build relationships, and collaborate effectively in various settings. Having strong social skills is crucial for personal and professional success. They enhance teamwork, foster positive relationships, and improve communication, which can lead to better collaboration and productivity in the workplace. In many professions, especially those involving direct interaction with others—such as education, healthcare, and sales—strong social skills can significantly impact outcomes and overall effectiveness. build this skill
Promotion levels

How do you make it to the top ranks?

  • promotion-1
  • promotion-2
  • promotion-3
  • promotion-7

Level 1 Qualification

It is the introductory level where you will be introduced to the principles of exercise and fitness, healthy eating, and the gym industry.

 

Level 2 Qualification

As a Level 2 certified Fitness Trainer, you will be qualified to work as a fitness instructor in a gym setting. This qualification will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for the job.

 

Level 3 Qualification

At this level, you will be qualified to work as a personal fitness trainer. This qualification will cover nutritional and technical knowledge along with business skills.

Level 4 Qualification

It is the highest level qualification in the fitness industry. This qualification will allow you to specialise in some of the most demanding and health-focused areas like obesity and weight management, nutrition for sports and exercise, diabetes management control and more.

Scope

Pursuing your career locally VS abroad

The colleges in India that offer a degree in Fitness Training are located in almost every state. You can pursue a degree in fitness training in India from top institutes like Institute of sports science and technology (Pune), Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (Patiala), Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (Delhi), Laxmibai National College of Physical Education (Gwalior), Amity School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (Noida), K J Somaiya College (Mumbai), among others who offer undergraduate and diploma or certificate courses in sports science and exercise. Degree courses cost between INR 25,000 and INR 1 lakh, while Diploma and Certificate courses cost between INR 10,000 and INR 50,000.

You can pursue fitness training abroad from top institutes like University of Alberta (Canada), Western Washington University (Washington), Michigan State University (Michigan), University of Manchester (United Kingdoms), University of Waikato (New Zealand), among others among others who offer undergraduate and diploma or certificate courses in sports science and exercise or kinesiology. Fee ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 45,000 per year.

 

Payscale

How much would you get paid?

The exact number broadly depends on whether you are self-employed or working in a gym. As a self-employed Fitness Trainer, you can charge per session, depending on your experience.


Specialisations

What are your career options?

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer is someone who concentrates on one individual at a time. As a personal trainer, you will work one-on-one with clients in a gym or wherever they like. You’ll be in charge of designing customised exercises to meet the needs of your clients

 

Gym Manager

As a gym manager, you will be responsible for maintaining a comfortable environment, employing the correct employees to satisfy your clients’ demands, and running the business. You will also be responsible for testing and maintaining all of the gym’s workout equipment.

Specialised Fitness Instructor

As a specialised fitness instructor, you can specialise in a particular conditioning method such as, yoga, pilates and aerobics. You will be responsible to train your clients in a particular workout technique to help them achieve their fitness goals.

Clinical Exercise Specialist

As a Clinical Exercise Specialist, you can utilise all your skills into working with patients in hospitals or health centres. You’ll be responsible to help them recover from their injuries and ailments.

You’ve only scratched the surface.

Unlock the full Mentoria Solution to get helpful updates on your chosen industry!

UNLOCK NOW