What is a fitness coach and how to become one
A fitness coach is a professional who guides clients in achieving their health goals. They create personalized training programs based on individual needs, conduct physical fitness training sessions, and monitor progress. They also provide nutrition guidance and advice on healthy lifestyle changes. Fitness coaches often lead group training sessions, perform fitness assessments, and manage gym operations. They are dedicated to inspiring and motivating their clients, and they use a variety of techniques and equipment to help their clients achieve their fitness goals.
How long does it takes to become a fitness coach?
It typically takes 1-2 years to become a fitness coach:
- First 6-12 months: Obtain a certificate in a relevant field, such as fitness or exercise science.
- Next 6-12 months: Accumulate necessary work experience in areas like fitness instruction, client assessment, and program design.
- Salary$38,462
- Growth Rate19%
- Jobs Number22,156
- Most Common SkillCPR
- Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree
- Best StateRhode Island
Fitness Coach career paths
Fitness coaches can advance their careers by becoming team leaders, general managers, or directors of sales. They can also move into roles such as co-owners, account managers, or marketing managers. Some fitness coaches choose to become personal trainers, instructors, or substance teachers. They can also become strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists, or program managers. Fitness coaches can also go on to become business owners, marketing directors, or founders of companies.
Key steps to become a fitness coach
Explore fitness coach education requirements
The educational requirements for a fitness coach typically include a high school diploma, but most coaches pursue a certificate program or an associate's degree in a related field such as kinesiology or health education. According to Matthew Sabin, PhD, LAT, ATC, SMTC, CIDN, AT Program Director and Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, "coming right out of school, I believe content knowledge is important. I think you can maximize your marketability (employers and clients) through strategically pursuing additional certifications/credentials that compliment your education, strengths and desired job setting." He also emphasizes the importance of soft-skills, like communication, team building, problem solving and critical thinking.
Start to develop specific fitness coach skills
A fitness coach needs to be able to assess clients' fitness levels, design personalized workout routines, and monitor progress. They may also provide nutritional coaching, lead group fitness classes, and maintain member retention. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and provide motivation and guidance. As Matthew Sabin Ph.D., LAT, ATC, SMTC, CIDN, AT Program Director and Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, puts it, "They will enhance their marketability if they balance soft-skills, like communication, team building, problem-solving, and critical thinking, with content knowledge."
Skills Percentages CPR 23.25% Kids 17.36% Fitness Programs 12.61% Training Programs 6.63% Heart Rate 6.24% Complete relevant fitness coach training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New fitness coaches learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a fitness coach based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real fitness coach resumes.Gain additional fitness coach certifications
More About CertificationsFitness coach certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific fitness coach certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for fitness coaches include Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Research fitness coach duties and responsibilities
A fitness coach's responsibilities include conducting fitness assessments, monitoring progress, and adapting programs as needed. They motivate clients to exercise and lead semi-private and group strength training/exercise sessions. They also supervise gym operations and manage front desk staff. They offer weight management and basic nutritional counseling and create specialized health and fitness programs. They also provide instruction for exercise in groups or one-on-one and evaluate members' physical fitness to help them achieve their goals. As John John Petrizzo PT, DPT, CSCS, Associate Professor at Adelphi University, puts it, "having good people skills will become increasingly important in our field in the next few years. You can be knowledgeable, but if you can't communicate what you know well to others, it is going to hurt your chances of being successful."
- Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
- Train new employees on sales tactics, and point-of-sale (POS) system.
- Certify in CPR and first aid to attend appropriately to health issues of participants.
- Certify in CPR and first response a medical training in order to provide immediate medical response to members in need.
Prepare your fitness coach resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fitness coach resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fitness coach resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Fitness Coach Resume templates
Build a professional Fitness Coach resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Fitness Coach resume.
Apply for fitness coach jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a fitness coach job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
Are you a Fitness Coach?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average fitness coach salary
The average Fitness Coach salary in the United States is $38,462 per year or $18 per hour. Fitness coach salaries range between $24,000 and $59,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do fitness coaches rate their job?
Fitness Coach reviews
No punching a time clock. Ability to set own hours - although you’ll make more if you are flexible with client availabilities. Rewarding helping others get healthier and seeing the positive outcomes in their fitness/health.
Early mornings and late evenings - midday naps are often needed. Typically need to work Saturdays. People think that a personal trainer’s time is worthless because they rarely call to cancel… no-shows are always happening and it really sucks for the trainer, especially since it happens so often.
Updated April 25, 2024
