Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

What the job really is

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-9031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
• Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
• Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.
• Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
• Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.
• Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.
• Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.
• Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.
• Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
• Maintain fitness equipment.
• Provide students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues.
• Administer emergency first aid, wrap injuries, treat minor chronic disabilities, or refer injured persons to physicians.

Tools and technology

Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Appointment scheduling software, Automated external defibrillators AED, Balance boards, Balance disks, BioEx Systems Exercise Expert, BioEx Systems Fitness Maker

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
• Exercise Physiologists
• Coaches and Scouts
• Self-Enrichment Teachers
• Recreational Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Recreation Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.