Personal Trainers

Employers

The U.S. Department of Labor reports there are 350,100 fitness trainers and instructors working in the United States. Personal trainers are employed by people of all ages. Individuals hire trainers, as do companies for the benefit of their employees. Though most health clubs hire personal trainers full time, some clubs hire trainers on an independent contractor basis. Sports and exercise programs at community colleges hire trainers part time to conduct classes.

Personal trainers can find clients in most major cities in all regions of the country. In addition to health clubs and corporate fitness centers, trainers find work at YMCAs, aerobics studios, and hospital fitness centers.

Starting Out

Most people who begin personal training do so after successful experiences with their own training. Once they've developed a good exercise regimen and healthy diet plan for themselves, they may feel ready to help others.

Some trainers begin by working part time or full time for health clubs and, after making connections, they go into business for themselves. As with most small businesses, personal trainers must promote themselves through classified ads, flyers posted in community centers, and other forms of advertisement. Some personal trainers have published guides or offer podcasts or blogs on how to establish businesses. For example, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offers the "The NASM-CPT Podcast," which features episodes about breaking into the business. Visit https://www.nasm.org/resources/podcast-network for information on this podcast and other podcasts in the NASM's network.