Personal trainers, often called simply PTs, or physical fitness instructors, are employed in a variety of settings. Some PTs are employed full- or part-time at a gym, while others work solely on a freelance contract basis. Regardless of where he works, a successful personal trainer is able to both motivate and nurture his clients. Though not all personal trainer jobs require higher education, many advanced positions do require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Most personal trainers are employed at health clubs, gyms, or recreation centers. Many of these trainers work off of commission. The more clients a personal trainer is able to earn, the more money he makes. Many people don’t realize that personal trainer jobs often require a sales or marketing mentality. In addition to having a physically fit physique, trainers must be able to gain and retain clients.
Some personal trainer jobs, whether at a gym or other health facility, require physical fitness instructors to sell company products. Such products might include protein powders, nutrition bars, or extra gym packages. PTs can also make commission off of these sales.
Plenty of other personal trainer jobs are held by freelancing contractors. A personal trainer may promote himself online, in the phone book, or via fliers or other advertisements. Because he likely doesn’t have a gym to advertise for him, a personal trainer has to market his abilities by himself. He does get to keep the payment for himself, however, without paying the health club a share.
Athletic trainers are on a higher career tier than personal trainers. Athletic trainers generally have a personal training certification, though they also have a plethora of additional licenses. Many have master’s or doctorate’s degrees.
Personal training jobs in the athletic training field include positions within both the health care industry and school sporting teams. Whereas personal trainers at the gym are known to motivate clients during a workout, an athletic trainer is there to prevent and rehabilitate injuries that might occur during a workout. A person with athletic training certification may work with doctors and athletic directors. Big-name athletes are often on a successful athletic trainer’s personal roster.
Some personal trainer jobs are held by those who teach group exercise classes. High energy aerobics classes, as well as lower-impact strength training or yoga classes, may be taught by a certified PT or group fitness instructor. Each realm of group fitness class typically requires a different certification. This kind of personal trainer may choreograph workout classes in addition to teaching them. Additionally, he might lead a cycling class, boot-camp style workout, or Latin style dance class.
Some personal trainers do personal training as a hobby. Others move forward in the career, obtaining exercise science degrees or even opening up their own gyms. Personal trainer jobs do include perks. Making one’s own schedule is perhaps the biggest perk, as is being able to work at a variety of locales.
