Education and training

According to the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition fitness workers usually do not receive much on-the-job training; they are expected to know how to do their jobs when they are hired.

At AFI, we realize you need to be prepared to hit the ground running, that is why AFI prepares personal trainers with real world skills before they ever reach the gym floor.

Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients either in a gym or in the client’s home. They help clients assess their level of physical fitness and set and reach fitness goals. Trainers also demonstrate various exercises and help clients improve their exercise techniques.

Outlook "09" Sales Skills

The US Occupation Handbook for Fitness Trainers specifies that Personal trainers who wish to be personal trainers in a large commercial fitness center should have strong sales skills.

Personal Trainers should be outgoing, excellent communicators, good at motivating people, and sensitive to others needs. Excellent health and physical fitness are important due to the physical nature of the job. AFI teaches you step by step the sales skills needed to become a successful trainer. With sales out of the way, you can focus on just training your clients.

Outlook "09" Growth

Employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 27 percent over the 2006-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

As an AFI Trainer, you can expect to gain a successful career as a certified personal trianer because an increasing number of people are spending time and money on fitness, and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees.

Outlook "09" Opportunity

Job prospects and opportunities are expected to be good for fitness workers because of rapid job growth in health clubs, fitness facilities, and other settings where fitness workers are concentrated. In addition, many job openings will stem from the need to replace the large numbers of workers who leave these occupations each year. Part-time jobs will be easier to find than full-time jobs.

Aging baby boomers are concerned with staying healthy, physically fit, and with the reduction of physical education programs in schools, parents are also hiring personal trainers for their children.As health clubs strive to provide more personalized service to keep their members motivated, they will continue to offer personal training and hiring certified personal trainers.

Outlook "09" Qualifications

For most fitness workers, certification is critical. Personal trainers usually must have certification to begin working with clients or with members of a fitness facility.Most employers require instructors to work toward becoming certified as well as being CPR/AED Certified

Fitness workers usually do not receive much on-the-job training; they are expected to know how to do their jobs when they are hired. Workers may receive some organizational training to learn about the operations of their new employer. They occasionally receive specialized training if they are expected to teach or lead a specific method of exercise or focus on a particular age or ability group. Because the requirements vary from employer to employer, it may be helpful to contact your local fitness centers or other potential employers to find out what background they prefer before pursuing training.