Personal trainers help clients with fitness and exercise programs in a variety of settings. Since every client has different needs, concerns and goals, personal trainers must be flexible and possess excellent communication skills to help their clients make the most of their exercise regimen. While there is no standard a person must meet to call himself a personal trainer, many trainers hold degrees in exercise science, physical education or kinesiology, or have certifications from reputable organizations, such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.
Duties
Personal trainers usually work one-on-one with their clients, though some work with small groups. They usually conduct an initial fitness evaluation to assess the client's capabilities, overall health and fitness level. Clients meeting with personal trainers for the first time will typically undergo measurements to determine their body mass index and body fat percentage to help the trainer develop a plan for weight loss, weight maintenance or building muscle. Once the trainer has done an initial assessment, she helps the client develop a plan to meet the client's goals, which typically includes some combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching to improve flexibility.
Trainers show their clients how to perform exercises safely and work with their clients as they implement their new exercise plans to help them make modifications as needed. Another important aspect of a personal trainer's job is to provide mental and emotional support for clients who have difficulty working through their exercise plans or continuing with them. Some personal trainers also talk to their clients about other health and fitness-related issues, such as proper nutrition and lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of health problems.
Location
Personal trainers work in many different settings, including gyms, health clubs and clients' homes. Many gyms and fitness centers employ personal trainers to work directly with the members who visit the facilities. Other trainers own their own businesses and provide services to clients in their homes or another location of the client's choosing. Some offices and corporations also employ personal trainers as part of employee fitness plans to help their workers get and stay healthy. Hospitals, physical therapy clinics and other medical rehabilitation facilities also employ personal trainers to work with patients who have suffered an injury or illness to help regain strength and restore physical function.
Salary
The median annual wage of fitness workers in general as of May 2008 was $29,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How much a personal trainer earns depends largely on his education and certifications, as well as where he is employed. Fitness workers employed by general medical and surgical hospitals earned the most, but this may also vary depending on the location and experience of the trainer. Trainers who are in business for themselves may charge by the hour or the session for private clients and may include mileage and other fees if they come to a client's home or place of business.
Considerations
Personal trainers spend most of their time actively helping clients with exercises and other fitness-related activities. While some trainers must complete paperwork and other office tasks, they are on their feet most of the time and may be required to travel and work in different settings. Personal trainers often work with many different clients each day, so they must be flexible enough to accommodate people with different personalities, physical limitations and goals to help each client get as much benefit as possible from his workout.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine: Selecting and Effectively Using a Personal Trainer
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness Workers
- The Knot; Shape Up: Get the Most Out of Your Personal Trainer; Anja Winikka
- American Council on Exercise: Personal Trainer Certification
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Member Comments