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Career Exploration

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Also called: Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer

What they do:

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

On the job, you would:
  • Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
  • Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.
  • Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Math and Science

  • psychology

Basic Skills

  • talking to others
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Social

  • teaching people how to do something
  • looking for ways to help people

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Flexibility, Balance, and Coordination

  • bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
  • move your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving

Physical Strength

  • use your lower back and stomach
  • exercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Dependability
  • Concern for Others
  • Integrity
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
  • Independence

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Sage 50 Accounting

Instant messaging software

  • Blink

Data base user interface and query software

  • DietMaster Systems DietMaster
  • ICTraining

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $45,380

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.