Fitness Trainer Responsibilities

In today's hectic work schedule, it is very difficult to find time for exercise. However, it is very essential that you maintain your physical fitness inspite of your busy work schedule. This will not only enable you to lead a healthy life, but it will also improve your intellectual activity. To get proper direction in maintaining your health, it is crucial that you get guidance from a professional fitness trainer. Fitness trainer responsibilities will ensure that you not only have physical fitness, but they will also advise you on your diet and exercise regimen.

Key Responsibilities of a Fitness Trainer

Fitness trainer is a professional who is responsible for educating, motivating, and guiding the individuals or group to attain maximum fitness levels. He is responsible for addressing the health concerns and reducing the risks of diseases. He conducts various tests and assesses the individual's body to design and implement a program to educate and guide the client appropriately. Here are some points that will enable you to understand the key responsibilities that need to be handled by a fitness trainer:

1. To conduct assessment of the individuals and assess their capabilities as well as the clients' needs
2. Based on the assessment, he should advise and guide the clients on the correct use of equipment, weights, and various exercise machines
3. To provide an individual instructional program according to the individual client's requirements, taking into consideration his capacity, age, and fitness level
4. To make sure that all the safety norms and procedures are being followed and that they are adhering to the designed plan
5. To monitor and communicate the progress of the client to him and motivate the clients to achieve the highest levels of fitness
6. To apply first aid procedures in case of minor injuries and liaise with dietitians, physiotherapists, and doctors to develop fitness programs

In addition to the above responsibilities, he is also responsible for ensuring that all the exercise equipment is safe to use and to repair the damaged parts whenever there is a need. He maintains and updates the inventory of various equipment and orders in case there is a requirement. He is responsible for helping the clients in achieving their fitness goals by demonstrating routines and showing the clients on how to make effective use of the equipment. He should schedule the training sessions to suit the client's requirements.

Essential Skills

The key skills that make a successful fitness trainer are as follows:

1. He should be an enthusiastic and outgoing person with excellent communication skills along with a passion for exercise and fitness
2. He should have excellent knowledge in the relevant field and should have an ability to motivate and encourage people to achieve their fitness goals
3. He should be able to work well with others and should be able to function independently
4. He should keep himself fit and healthy and stay abreast with the latest developments happening in the relevant field
5. He should be able to design exercise regimen to suit the client's needs and capabilities
6. He should be flexible to work in different work schedules, as he will need to work according to the client's needs

Educational Background

The fitness trainers who have a certification in physical fitness along with a CPR certification. Those who have completed a high school diploma or possess a bachelor's degree related to physical education, exercise science, or any other relevant field would have an advantage. Additional training in exercise techniques or a program including a course in nutrition and fitness would be of great help.

Work Hours

Fitness trainers are mostly employed in health and fitness centers, gymnasiums, hospitals, etc., and need to work full time. They work in flexible schedules that are designed according to the client's schedule. Some may work as personal fitness trainers and may need to travel to the client's residence.

Salary Details

The minimum annual salary package offered for the entry level fitness trainer is $18,000 to $20,000. The average salary offered is $32,000 to $34,000. The experienced fitness trainers can earn a salary close to $64,000 to $66,000.

Career Prospects

With an increasing awareness about overall health and fitness among people, the number of gymnasiums, health and fitness centers have increased leading to more number of opportunities for fitness trainers. With experience, you can definitely advance in your career to higher positions or you can even start your own business.

Thus, before making an entry in this field, make sure you are well-aware of the fitness trainer responsibilities that will help you to develop personally and professionally.