In a world where more people appear to be in need of a fitness instructor, could you be the right person to get some of these folks in shape?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were 267,000 fitness instructors in 2012. Job outlook for the next 10 years is 13%, which is about as fast as the average job. Median pay is $31,720 per year, or $15.25 per hour.
Do you have a passion for working out or helping others meet their personal fitness goals? Do you strive to live a healthy lifestyle and want to help others do the same?
If so, a career as a fitness trainer could be for you.
How to be a fitness trainer
First and foremost, you must be passionate about your own fitness and health.
You’re essentially going to be a role model for others, so living a healthy lifestyle of your own is crucial. The best fitness instructors are in shape, work out regularly and eat healthy.
Second, you must have great communication skills – including the ability to listen to what your client is saying, understand their goals and help them put their goals into practice. You should be able to motivate them to meet their needs and be a source of encouragement.
And third, you must have the necessary qualifications to become a fitness trainer.
Most need to hold at least a high school diploma, in addition to specific certifications. If you desire to teach Pilates, you need to have a Pilates certificate; if general personal training is your goal, a personal trainer certificate is what you’ll need.
Note: It costs anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to become certified, depending on your location and area of expertise.
Once you’re certified, you can apply at local gyms in your area or start your own business.
Should you start your own business as a personal trainer?
Working for you will prove to have many advantages – including setting your own schedule, being your own boss and making more money. It can be tough to get started, though, and it may be best to work for a gym in addition to working for yourself until you build up a large clientele.
Do you have the space to work out of your home or the finances to rent a facility? Working out of your home will be less expensive, of course, but if you don’t have the space or if you have little kids, it may not be feasible.
Benefits Could Come Your Way
An advantage of working in a gym in addition to working for yourself is the gym may provide you with benefits, paid time off and guaranteed work each week. You’ll learn from other trainers and gain more experience than if you were to strictly work for yourself.
Financially, if you have a large enough clientele, you will make more money by working for yourself.
You set your own rates and keep all the profits, as opposed to giving a percentage of what you make to a gym. Keep in mind, though, that the money may not be as stable as if you were to work at a gym. You’ll have slow seasons and busy seasons and will still need to pay all your bills during slow times.
Ultimately, whether you start your own business or work in a gym, you’ll be helping others meet their fitness goals and improve their sense of self.
A career in fitness training is flexible, fun and incredibly rewarding.
About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Glendale, AZ. She writes on small businesses, personal finance, health and travel.
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Good luck in your search.
Joey Trebif
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