Exercise Trainer / Fitness Instructor

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Aerobics Instructor; Fitness Instructor; Fitness Specialist; Fitness Trainer; Group Exercise Instructor; Group Fitness Instructor; Personal Trainer; Private Trainer; Strength and Conditioning Coach; Yoga Instructor

Tasks

• 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.
• Maintain equipment inventories, and select, store, or issue equipment as needed.
• Advise clients about proper clothing and shoes.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Education and Training
• English Language
• Psychology

Skills

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Oral Expression
• Stamina
• Extent Flexibility
• Gross Body Coordination
• Trunk Strength
• Speech Clarity
• Static Strength
• Dynamic Strength
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Manual Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Explosive Strength
• Dynamic Flexibility
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Near Vision
• Far Vision
• Speech Recognition