So, you are thinking about a career as a certified personal trainer or fitness trainer.

Well, that’s awesome!

The question is, do you have what it takes?

Keep reading to find out more…

If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer or fitness trainer, you are in good company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workforce is made up of 299,200 personal trainers in the United States.

So, is there any room left for you?

Great question!

And the answer is yes.

Employment of personal trainers is projected to grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur as businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees or clients. Incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors. For example, some organizations may open their own exercise facilities onsite to promote employee wellness.

Other avenues of employment growth will come from the continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles for people of all ages. In particular, the baby-boom generation will try to continue to remain active to prevent the injuries and illnesses associated with aging.

Participation in specialized areas, like yoga and Pilates, is also expected to continue to increase, driven partly by older adults who want low-impact forms of exercise and relief from arthritis and other ailments.

What personal qualities and characteristics make a good personal trainer?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following qualities are important to have as a personal or fitness trainer?

  • Customer-service skills – Many fitness trainers and instructors must sell their services, motivating clients to hire them as personal trainers or to sign up for the classes they lead. Fitness trainers and instructors must, therefore, be polite, friendly, and encouraging to maintain relationships with their clients.
  • Communication skills – Fitness trainers and instructors must clearly explain or demonstrate exercises to clients.
  • Listening skills – Fitness trainers and instructors must listen carefully to what clients tell them in order to determine the clients’ fitness levels and desired fitness goals.
  • Motivational skills – Getting fit and staying fit takes a lot of work for many clients. To keep clients coming back for more classes or to continue personal training, fitness trainers and instructors must keep their clients motivated.
  • Physical fitness – Fitness trainers and instructors need to be physically fit because their job requires a considerable amount of exercise. Group instructors often participate in classes, and personal trainers often need to demonstrate exercises to their clients.
  • Problem-solving skills – Fitness trainers and instructors must evaluate each client’s level of fitness and create an appropriate fitness plan to meet the client’s individual needs.

The bottom line: If becoming a personal or fitness trainer is something you feel passionately about, the one word of advice we will give you is: Go for it!