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Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor

Life As a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor

Position Description Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills.

Daily Life Of a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor

  • Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, and bruises.
  • Provide students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues.
  • Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
  • Teach individual and team sports to participants through instruction and demonstration, using knowledge of sports techniques and of participants’ physical capabilities.
  • Promote health clubs through membership sales, and record member information.
  • Evaluate individuals’ abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.

Skills Needed to be a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor

When polled, Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Fitness Instructor
  • Fitness Attendant
  • Swim Instructor
  • Fitness Consultant
  • Physical Fitness Teacher

Job Demand for Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

There were about 299,200 jobs for Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 30,000 new jobs for Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 55,000 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor are Utah, Colorado, and New Jersey. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, West Virginia, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor Average Salary

Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors make between $20,160 and $76,090 a year.

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Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors who work in New York, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $34,660
Alaska $40,580
Arizona $40,990
Arkansas $38,820
California $51,580
Colorado $46,330
Connecticut $53,530
Delaware $38,440
District of Columbia $56,670
Florida $40,790
Georgia $45,540
Hawaii $50,560
Idaho $34,040
Illinois $46,670
Indiana $32,990
Iowa $32,880
Kansas $37,260
Kentucky $36,800
Louisiana $32,620
Maine $49,640
Maryland $46,270
Massachusetts $59,350
Michigan $37,690
Minnesota $44,340
Mississippi $32,090
Missouri $36,220
Montana $34,090
Nebraska $32,890
Nevada $43,200
New Hampshire $41,130
New Jersey $54,200
New Mexico $39,010
New York $59,520
North Carolina $37,020
North Dakota $31,730
Ohio $32,960
Oklahoma $35,840
Oregon $40,840
Pennsylvania $35,420
Rhode Island $45,170
South Carolina $34,170
South Dakota $31,790
Tennessee $43,890
Texas $38,650
Utah $41,570
Vermont $46,240
Virginia $41,370
Washington $54,220
West Virginia $33,730
Wisconsin $32,030
Wyoming $34,600

What Tools & Technology do Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • DietMaster Systems DietMaster
  • BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus

Becoming a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor

What education is needed to be a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Those interested in being a Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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