Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer - Career Advice - Leisure and Entertainment

Personal Trainer

Fitness instructors are involved in the assessment, teaching, training and supervision of a variety of people in health and fitness clubs, gymnasiums, sports centres and community recreation Future Growth Very Strong organisations.

Fitness trainers and instructors assess, lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels. They may specialise in programs such as aquacise, spinning, zumba, or step aerobics.

ANZSCO ID: 4521

Specialisations:
Fitness instructors may specialise in fields such as aerobics, aqua-fitness, personal training, exercise for specific groups (such as older people), resistance training and swimming.

Aerobics Instructor - on separate page On the Job
Specialist Exercise Trainer: delivers advanced exercise programming and sports conditioning to a wide variety of clients. They may work in collaboration with allied health professionals like medical practitioners, dietitians, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. They may also be involved in the delivery of health promotion programs and project management.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

good level of physical fitness
enthusiastic, outgoing personality and friendly personality
a tactful approach
the ability to motivate and inspire people
background in fitness activities may be an advantage
good communication skills and people skills
a responsible attitude to health and safety knowledge of nutrition, healthy lifestyles and diet.

Work out
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Duties and Tasks

Fitness instructors may perform the following tasks: Fitness in gym

assess the needs and capabilities of individuals through weighing, measuring and conducting fitness tests to check blood pressure, heart rate and lung capacity
provide training and assistance to individuals and groups by preparing a routine of exercises to music
provide advice to individuals on the correct method of exercising with weightlifting equipment, exercise bikes, treadmills and other training and exercise machines
devise personal exercise programs for individuals according to age and level of fitness
provide instruction in a variety of fitness activities
assist in the cleaning and general maintenance of the centre and make sure that equipment is maintained and correctly set up.

Working conditions

Fitness instructors may be employed on a casual basis and work at a number of different locations, including fitness centres, clinical settings, private practice and in the workplace. Shiftwork is often involved, including early mornings and late nights.

As a full-time fitness trainer, you would usually work standard weekly hours, often on a shift or roster basis covering early mornings, evenings and weekends. Many instructors work part-time or are self-employed.

You could work in gyms, health and fitness clubs, leisure centres or community health centres. If you are self-employed, you may also run outdoor classes, and you would need to travel locally.

Tools and technologies

Fitness instructors use gym and pool equipment, weights, steps, pads, mats and safety gear during training. They also may use fitness testing equipment such as heart-rate monitors and scales to gauge a client's progress. When leading large fitness classes, they often use stereo systems and microphones.

Fitness Boxing

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a fitness trainer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in fitness. You may be able to study through distance education.

Fitness Australia and Physical Activity Australia are responsible for all aspects of assessing and registering fitness instructors in Australia. Registration is valid nation-wide. Registration requires a current Provide First Aid Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate.

Did You Know?

Find out how Tennis Stars compare with other athletes!
(Source: The Conversation)

Personal Trainers have the power to change lives for the better. They help clients achieve their fitness and health goals through motivation and education, but it’s much more than giving out exercise orders.

A Personal Trainer guides their clients step by step throughout their whole routine, whether it’s in a gym or bootcamp. They are passionate about health and fitness, and through their work inspire and Future Growth Very Strong encourage others to develop healthy habits and routines through the safe delivery of effective programs, instruction, motivation and education.

Personal Trainers dig deep into the client’s obstacles and motivations behind being active. Their role is crucial for helping to set realistic goals for their clients, and ultimately achieve them.

Personal Trainer
(Source: KChamps)

ANZSCO ID: 452111

Duties and Tasks

So what does the role of a Personal Trainer involve?

Here are 7 important elements that comprise a Personal Trainer's job.

1. Identify Goals And Create Tailored Plans

Personal Trainers have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, identifying their goals (e.g. increase strength, improve fitness, weight loss) and writing personalised programs so their clients can achieve those set goals.

In order to create a timeline in which you will be able to achieve your goals - regardless of whether your goal is weight loss, improved fitness or a specific event such as a triathlon, your Personal Trainer will weigh you and take some important measurements, as these will be crucial when recording your achievements.

If a Personal Trainer has more experience and holds extra qualifications such as a holding Master Trainer certificate, being a qualified Nutrition Coach or also being a Massage Therapist, they can also assist with injury rehabilitation or work with specialty conditions. This means a sound understanding of anatomy, physiology and exercise is required.

2. Help The Client Achieve Their Goals

It’s not just about letting the clients know what to do and then letting them do it on their own, but it’s about actually being there to observe, watch and give feedback to the clients, so that they can improve their technique and gain maximum results. The sessions need to challenge the client, and they should be fun and always be a step towards the client’s goals.

In addition, the client may not always be enthusiastic about taking part in the session. It can be hard to keep motivation going when you’re pushing yourself so hard your whole body hurts. This is where a PT’s motivation skills come into full swing.

How you achieve the client’s goals can change, dependent on the client themselves and also your preferred training style. For example, if your client does better in a group setting then you could organise a group program that would be suitable for a range of your clients. Alternatively if they’re better one-to-one, your session can be tailored to suit exactly what that particular client needs.

Personal Trainer

3. Have Great Interpersonal Skills And Communicate Clearly

Personal Trainers need to be able to communicate clearly, as they have to assess, discuss, motivate, and teach clients how to improve their fitness, strength or physique. Hence, strong communication and listening skills are paramount. Exercise plans must be explained clearly to the client so they understand what they're doing and why. In addition, listening to the client’s feedback carefully will ensure that you are attuned to what the client’s likes and dislikes are - this is essential for client retention and also generally to have a positive session.

Personal Trainers are also required to provide feedback on correct technique, without being too pushy or coming off too strong-headed. That’s why they must also be proficient at reading people. If a client is not responding well to your communication style, you must be flexible enough to change your style to a method that will result in a better response. For example, some clients will want a firm approach and like to be called out if they are slacking off, while others would see this as negative feedback and so stop attending sessions.

4. Personal Trainers Monitor Progress And Must Be Organised

It’s not all about the journey, results are important too. Ultimately, results are what’s going to keep the client (and many more) coming back! Being prepared for client sessions means writing new programs and tracking progress. Personal Trainers need to record and monitor health, weight, fitness, and strength, and are constantly adjusting programs to keep their client challenged and achieving goals faster.

5. Educate And Advise Clients

Gaining new qualifications, attending workshops and fitness events, and reading the latest research ensures Personal Trainers keep up-to-date with fitness and nutrition information, so they can pass this expertise onto their clients.

To achieve new qualifications in fitness, Personal Trainer need to register with the Australian Institute of Fitness.

Networking with other professionals is also great for learning, referrals, and comparing philosophies to constantly better their career in fitness.\

6. Stay Fit

A Personal Trainer's body is their business card. Therefore, most of them practise what they preach and live a healthy and fit lifestyle. It's important that they're physically strong enough to spot clients and correctly perform any exercise they ask of them.

7. They Present Well

For a client-facing career such as one in PT, personal presentation is paramount. Invest in some quality training attire and ensure you are well presented at all times. If you train between seeing clients, ensure you maintain personal hygiene and stay fresh.

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