Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
What is an Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors are fitness professionals who lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities. They design and implement workout programs tailored to the needs and abilities of their clients, ensuring safe and effective exercise practices. These professionals often conduct classes in various types of fitness programs, including aerobics, yoga, pilates, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They also educate participants on proper exercise techniques, the importance of fitness, and healthy lifestyle choices. Moreover, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors are responsible for creating a positive and motivating environment that encourages clients to reach their fitness goals. Many of them work in gyms, fitness centers, community centers, or may offer private sessions, adapting their instruction to accommodate different fitness levels and preferences. Their role not only involves physical training but also requires them to be supportive and knowledgeable regarding nutrition, health trends, and overall well-being.
Tasks
- 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.
- Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
- Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
Technology Skills
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Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- MYOB BusinessEssentials
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Sage Simply Accounting
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Instant messaging software
- Blink
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Data base user interface and query software
- BioEx Systems Exercise Expert
- DietMaster Systems DietMaster
- ICTraining
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Project management software
- BioEx Systems Fitness Maker
- Online River Software Personal Trainer Pro
Tools Used
- Fitness weights
- Balance beams or boards or bolsters or rockers for rehabilitation or therapy
- Exercise balls
- Resistance tubes
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Microphones
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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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.
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Abilities
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Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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Gross Body Coordination
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Stamina
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Teach exercise or fitness techniques.
- Develop educational or training programs.
- Evaluate capabilities or training needs.
- Enforce rules or regulations.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$26840.0 - $80740.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.