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Aerobics Instructors and Fitness Trainers

Employment Prospects

Employers

Approximately 279,450 aerobics instructors and fitness trainers are employed in the United States. Most aerobics instructors work for fitness centers and gymnasiums. Most employers are for-profit businesses, but some are community-based, such as the YMCA or a family center. Other job possibilities are in corporate fitness centers, colleges, retirement centers, and resorts.

Some fitness trainers work in more than one facility. Others are self-employed and take clients on an appointment basis, working either in personal homes or a public gym. Approximately 19 percent of fitness trainers and instructors are self-employed. Some fitness trainers will work with high-profile athletes one-on-one to meet specific fitness requirements.

Most medium to large cities have one or more gyms or fitness centers; smaller towns may not have such facilities. However, there may be limited openings at retirement homes, schools, and community centers in these small towns.

Starting Out

Students should use their school's career services offices for information on available jobs. Often, facilities that provide training or internships will hire or provide job leads to individuals who have completed programs. Fitness instructor jobs are also advertised in classified ads and on the Web sites of health and fitness clubs, YMCAs, YWCAs, Jewish community centers, local schools, park districts, church groups, and other fitness organizations. Because exercise is considered a preventive measure for many health and medical problems, insurance companies often reward businesses that offer fitness facilities to their employees with lower insurance rates. As a result, local companies may also have opportunities for fitness instructors and trainers.