Personal Trainer
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness WorkersCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for fitness professionals. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data.
National Institutes of Health: LifeWorks, Fitness TrainerClick on the tabs at the top of this page to learn about job activities, needed education, skill and interests, and more information on becoming an athletic or fitness trainer. Recommended high school courses, certification and licensing information, and other sources of information are offered.
Occupational Titles
Personal Trainer
Fitness Specialist
Group Fitness Instructor
Lifestyle Weight and Management Consultant
Peer Fitness Trainer
Accredited Academic Programs
American Council on Education: Curriculum PartnersApproved curriculums in exercise training and related professions are listed at this page, which provides some direct links to college training programs to assist students in their search for American Council on Education certifications.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Personal TrainerThe hourly wage rate for a personal trainer is shown here at a graph, which is created based on years of experience. Advance a little further down the page, and you will find answers information on salary according to the employer type or city of employment.
Professional Organizations
American Council on ExerciseConsidered to be America’s authority on fitness and training, this organization sponsors information on becoming a group certified fitness instructor, lifestyle or weight management consultant, personal trainer, and advanced health and fitness specialist. Learn about the professional benefits of membership in this organization, including continuing education, rewards, and resources.
IDEA Health and Fitness AssociationWith a professional membership of more than 20,000 in 80 countries, this large organization offers resources for all types of fitness instructors. Find career development resources, a fitness education store, publications, articles archive, and a special department for students looking at a career in fitness.
National Strength and Conditioning AssociationKnown as a worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, this organization provides free training videos, podcasts, conference videos, research resources, and details on sports nutrition, breakthrough techniques, and injury prevention information.
Licensing & Certification
National Board of Fitness ExaminersProviding standards for education and safety in personal training, this organization qualifies personal trainers through an examination process. Find out about the examination, or find news in the advancement of this profession.
National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certification CommissionLearn about the credentials offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, including those for personal trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialists. You can register for the exams at this site, as well as learn about study materials and preparation.
Job Opportunity Sources
National Strength and Conditioning Association: Career ResourcesAn electronic recruitment tool has been set up at this site, so that you can learn about prospective employers and take advantage of job networking, training, and career development.
Publications
IDEA PublicationsThe fitness journal of this professional organization is published 10 times a year and provides sample features on nutrition, personal training, and group exercise. You can also connect to a trainer success publication and a fitness manager journal.
National Strength and Conditioning Association: PublicationsIn addition to the Strength and Conditioning Journal, you can view information on the organization’s research journal, strength and conditioning report, and a bulletin of information on news and events of the association.
Online Forums & Blogs
American Council on Exercise: Open TopicThis forum was created for both personal trainers and the general public to share information with one another. Boards for fitness enthusiasts, exercise in older adults, youth fitness, lifestyle management, and examination candidates are offered.
Fitness ThinkTankYou will find an online community of personal fitness trainers at this site, including forums that focus on topics that are especially interesting to those working in the industry. If you are thinking of becoming a personal trainer, there is also a special link to a forum that answers questions on reputable programs and certification, as well as earnings.
Career Videos
American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer VideoThe video at this page may help influence your decision in choosing a career as a personal trainer. Learn about personal training certification from the chief science officer of the organization. The certification program is accredited, and this video will tell you more about its advantages and employment resources.
National Strength and Conditioning Association: Video LibraryNew fitness training tips are presented each month, which allows professionals and students to learn more about their field from professional video clips.
