Personal trainers are known by many titles. If you are a personal trainer, your business card may read "fitness trainer," "health coach" or "exercise specialist." The way you refer to your career does not change what you do -- instruct clients on healthy and safe exercises -- but the way you get paid and the situation under which you work changes when you work for someone else instead of for yourself.
Fitness
As a personal trainer, your job revolves around the fitness industry. You develop and implement exercise programs for your clients. This skill requires knowledge of your clients' health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes and your clients' goals such as weight loss or running a marathon. After you develop the workout for a client, you are responsible to deliver that workout in a safe manner and motivate your client to continue with his workout program. You are also responsible to know CPR and basic first aid in case a client experiences a medical emergency.
Hours
If you work for yourself as an independent trainer, or contractor, you set your own hours. You choose if you want to train clients early in the morning before the nine to five work day or if you prefer the midday clientele consisting of those who work at home or who work afternoon shifts. When you work for a club as a personal trainer employee, you do not choose your work hours. The club assigns you a shift and tries to fill your time with clients. You may have open hours in between clients or have no break for eight hours.
Pay
As an independent contractor, you set your pay scale. You can change your rate of pay depending on which club you train clients in, if you go to a client's home or if clients come to home. You are responsible for your own taxes even if you train clients at a club.
As a personal trainer employee, you do not set your rate of pay. The club determines the cost of the personal training session, and you receive a percentage of that rate. Your employer will take taxes out of your pay.
Benefits
When you work for someone, you may receive medical benefits. As a full-time trainer, you may be entitled to health insurance, and this benefit can save you out-of-pocket money for doctor visits and hospitalizations. If you are an independent trainer, you are responsible or your own health insurance. Many insurance companies have affordable rates for those who are self-employed, so search around to find a program that fits your budget.
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