Personal Fitness Trainer Careers

Personal Fitness Trainer Careers
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If you are thinking of becoming a personal trainer, you'll start off by taking classes as part of a certification program. Once you are certified, you typically work alongside a trainer to learn how to teach clients the proper way to exercise. Some organizations that hire personal trainers may require you audition before being allowed to train your own clients.

Private Training

Fitness workers who offer private training lessons will typically advise clients on a one-on-one basis or work with small groups. Fitness trainers may be employed by a fitness club, hotel or cruise lines to offer private training to their customers. Trainers can also start their own business and work per diem. During a private training session, the trainer will explain correct form for various exercises, recommended number of reps and advise on how much resistance clients should use.

Nutrition Advisor

A personal trainer often does more than just teach a person how to exercise. Some trainers recommend dietary changes in order to help clients reach fitness goals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trainer is also likely to recommend other lifestyle changes, such as working more exercise into the day and stopping unhealthy habits like smoking in order to stay on track with fitness goals.

Group Exercise Instructor

According to the American Council on Exercise, personal trainers can work as instructors for group exercise classes. The instructors are expected to make musical selections and devise workout routines for the class to follow. Aerobics, stretching and muscle strengthening are typically the focus of group exercise classes.

Corporate Fitness Trainer

Large corporations may hire a personal trainer to instruct workers in their company's fitness center. They may be asked to run exercise classes for employees and provide private training for individuals in management positions.

References

Article reviewed by M. Gladden Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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