An aging population and a renewed public interest in battling obesity have led to a growing demand for fitness coaches. These personal trainers help inexperienced exercisers develop programs suited to their physical needs and abilities. With good salary and advancement prospects, it is a lucrative industry for people with a love of fitness and the discipline to get the training required for the job.
Duties
Fitness coaches evaluate, educate and motivate clients who wish to improve their physical fitness. Coaches may be instructors who lead groups of people through exercises such as cardiovascular activities or yoga. They may also be personal trainers who work with clients one-on-one to develop a customized fitness program tailored to that individual. They may work in facilities such as health clubs, or may work in their clients' homes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 40 percent of fitness workers in 2008 worked part time.
Education
Fitness coaches are rarely self taught. The ability to lead and inspire others in an exercise program requires different skills than exercising for personal reasons. Instructors typically take many classes before they are qualified to work in the field. For example, yoga and Pilates teachers have at least 200 hours of training before they start teaching and require 450 or more hours to be certified in their field. Employers may require certification for personal trainers as proof of their command of the necessary skills, or may require associate or bachelor's degrees in fields such as exercise science or kinesiology.
Salary
Salary.com reports the median income for personal trainers as of November 2010 ranged from $38,000 to $65,000 per year. Salary may vary widely by location, population density and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that self-employed workers may earn more than those who work for facilities, but this is at the cost of benefits such as vacation pay or health insurance.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says in its 2010-2011 edition that the field is expected to grow much more quickly than average. It expects 29 percent more jobs over the next 10 years as aging baby boomers become concerned with maintaining their physical fitness. The growing awareness of the dangers of childhood obesity is also expected to make this a growing field. Part-time positions are easier to find than full-time, and better educated trainers will be more attractive to employers.
Advancement
Many personal trainers start out working part time and move to full time as new positions open up and their employers see the trainers have the skills and personality for the job. Trainers with bachelor's or master's degrees can move into managerial positions in fitness centers, taking on administrative duties or overseeing other trainers. Some trainers strike out on their own, working in clients' homes or opening their own fitness centers.
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