Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

Career summary

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Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors work at gyms and sports clubs. They show people how to use fitness equipment. They test each person's fitness level to see what exercise they can handle. For example, a person who has knee problems would most likely be advised to do low-impact aerobic activities.

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors may be responsible for maintaining and storing equipment. They often sell memberships to fitness clubs and keep track of new members. In addition, some organize and lead tournaments.

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are trained in CPR and first aid to treat minor injuries or refer people to doctors.

Fitness trainers

Fitness trainers usually work one-on-one with clients. They show people how to get in better shape. They teach people to breathe properly during exercise. They teach people about their target and maximum heart rates.

Trainers observe clients and participants to make sure they have proper form. Fitness trainers talk to people about how to eat better and make better lifestyle choices. They may write eating plans for clients and monitor their weight loss. They also talk to clients and participants about proper workout clothes and shoes.

Aerobics instructors

Aerobics instructors teach fitness classes. They teach a variety of classes, including:

• Step
• Kickboxing
• Interval training

Instructors plan routines for participants to follow, making sure that all muscles are exercised. Music is a key part of a fitness class. Instructors spend time picking music that is fun and has the right tempo. Since all types of people take fitness classes, it is important for aerobics instructors to offer alternatives for those who cannot do all the moves.

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
• Athletic Trainers
• Coaches and Scouts
• Dancers
• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Professional Athletes
• Recreation Guides
• Recreation Workers
• Recreational Therapists

Military careers

• Training Specialists and Instructors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to fitness trainers and aerobics instructors.

• Show people how to properly use exercise equipment. Explain the rules for different sports and fitness activities.
• Plan exercise routines, including music and different types of movements for different muscles.
• Teach participants how to properly breathe and exert themselves during exercise.
• Evaluate a person's needs, abilities, and physical condition. Based on this information, develop a specific training program.
• Monitor participants' progress and make changes to fitness programs as needed.
• Observe participants, making corrections to their form when necessary.
• Talk to participants about nutrition, weight loss, and lifestyle issues.
• Maintain fitness equipment.
• Advise clients about proper clothing and shoes.
• Promote health clubs through membership sales. Keep records of members.
• Organize, lead, and referee indoor and outdoor games such as volleyball, baseball, and basketball. May organize and lead competitions and tournaments.
• May occasionally give emergency first aid and treat minor injuries. When needed, refer people to physicians.

Common work activities

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Handle and move objects
• Think creatively
• Assist and care for others
• Teach others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Coach others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, fitness trainers and aerobics instructors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of communication with others. They constantly interact with clients, participants, and other trainers.
• Communicate with others in person on a daily basis. They communicate less often by telephone. Trainers may need to contact clients to set up appointments, but most of the time, they talk face-to-face.
• Speak in front of large groups on a daily basis. This is especially true for aerobics instructors, who lead various types of fitness classes.
• May work in a group or as part of a team. This is especially true for those who work for a fitness center.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of their clients or class participants.
• Are somewhat responsible for the results of training. However, ultimately clients and participants are responsible for following a fitness regimen.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors. On rare occasions may work outdoors.
• Work very near others, often within a few feet or closer. They help clients with proper form and technique.

Work performance

• Strive to be accurate and exact when performing the job. It is important to teach clients and individuals proper form so they don't injure themselves.
• Regularly make decisions that affect others. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a fitness plan or designing a class.
• Set most goals, tasks, and priorities without consulting a supervisor.
• Abide by strict deadlines on a daily basis. It is important to keep classes and appointments within the set time frame.
• Repeat the same movements over and over.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment, especially for those who are self-employed. They compete with other trainers for clients.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• Most work less than 40 hours a week. Fitness trainers are more likely to work closer to 40 hours, while aerobics instructors usually teach a few classes per week.
• May work evenings and weekends.

Physical demands

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Fitness Instructing
• Recreation, Fitness, and Leisure Studies

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Exercise Science and Kinesiotherapy
• Sport and Fitness Management

Training

To work as a fitness trainer or aerobics instructor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

The education and training required to teach aerobics classes or work as a personal trainer depends on your employer. Some entry-level jobs only require prior teaching or training experience. However, most aerobics instructor jobs are often filled by people who have taken aerobics classes and then become certified to teach them. Personal trainers often take college-level courses in anatomy, biology, and kinesiology and also complete training to become certified. It is becoming more common for personal trainers to have a bachelor's degree in sports medicine or a related field.

Many two- and four-year colleges and universities offer degree programs in exercise science, nutrition and fitness, physical education, or sports medicine.

Work experience

In addition to formal training, nothing is better preparation than direct experience. Most fitness trainers and aerobics instructors have been avid participants in fitness programs and aerobics classes. Being able to show someone the right moves and explain the reason for them is very valuable.

On-the-job training

Many employers offer short-term training, up to one month. This training may be hands-on or in a classroom. Many fitness centers send new aerobics instructors to "master" classes taught by experienced instructors. New instructors pick up tips and receive specialized instruction at these classes.

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors usually need to obtain certification in CPR and first aid. This training is available in most communities through the Red Cross and local hospitals.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Dance
• Food and Nutrition
• Health Education
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

Many fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer applicants who are certified. Applicants who have taken some college course work are often desirable.

Employers of all types of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors prefer applicants who can relate well to and motivate people.

A high school diploma is usually required. Some health clubs require workers to have certification from associations such as the American College of Sports Medicine or American Counsel on Exercise. For more information on these associations, see the Other Resources section of this description. Employers may prefer workers with an associate or bachelor's degree in physical education or a related field. Employers look for strong interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge of a variety of weight training and cardiovascular machines is valuable.

Tips

A healthy physical appearance with weight in proportion to height and ability to do the exercises are important. Employers prefer applicants who have a cheerful, outgoing personality. Physical education background is helpful, as are dance and cheerleading experience. High school sports activities are important. Talk with people who work as fitness instructors about their jobs. An education background that includes both classroom and hands-on experience can be beneficial.

Costs to workers

Many fitness instructors must purchase their own uniforms and music CDs or digital music downloads, and pay for continuing education seminars. They may also have to pay for certification. Those who join professional associations may need to pay membership fees and annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Certification is very helpful for fitness, aerobics, or any other kind of sports trainer. Applicants for certification often must be 18 years old and CPR certified. Training requirements vary depending on the standards for the type of aerobics class or personal training. Contact the certifying organization specific to your desired area.

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America 

American Council on Exercise 

American Fitness Professionals & Associates 

International Fitness Professionals Association 

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Some fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are paid a salary. Others are paid by the hour, session, or number of participants.

Wages for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors vary widely by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary based on the trainer's or instructor's education and certification.

Trainers and instructors who work full time may receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who work part time or who are self-employed are unlikely to receive these benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 11% of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Gyms and fitness centers
• City-sponsored recreation facilities
• Schools

National outlook

Public interest in fitness is expected to continue to grow. As retirees are expected to be active and want to stay in shape, many of them will take fitness classes. There have been recent increases in children’s health club membership as parents worry about childhood obesity. In addition more companies are providing incentives to their employees to stay healthy. They do this so that their employees will be more alert and feel better while at work.

Additional job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation. Part-time jobs will be easier to find than full-time jobs. Job prospects will be better for people with certifications.

Other resources

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America 
1750 East Northrop Boulevard, Suite 200
Chandler, AZ 85286
800.446.2322

American College of Sports Medicine 
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.637.9200

American Counsel on Exercise 
4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
888.825.3636
858.576.6500

American Fitness Professionals and Associates 
PO Box 214
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
800.494.7782

American Kinesiology Association 
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
800.213.7193
703.476.3410

American Kinesiotherapy Association 

American Red Cross 

Growth Projections for Fitness & Sports Centers 2018-28 
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook

International Fitness Professionals Association 

National Recreation and Park Association 
22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn, VA 20148
800.626.6772
703.858.0784

Society of Health and Physical Educators 
PO Box 225
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
800.213.7193

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors (39-9031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Instructor, Physical (153.227-014) 
• Reducing-salon Attendant (359.567-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Realistic/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Service Skilled