National
| Median wages (2008) |
$14.04 hourly, $29,210 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
235,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
107,000 additional employees |
39-9031.00 - Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities and the fundamentals of sports. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Those required to hold teaching degrees should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
Sample of reported job titles:
Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness Director, Fitness Technician, Fitness Trainer, Private Trainer
Tasks
- Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
- Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.
- Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
- Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
- Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
- Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.
- Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.
- Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise 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.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Balance beams or boards or bolsters or rockers for rehabilitation or therapy — Balance boards; Balance disks |
| Emergency medical services first aid kits — Emergency first aid equipment |
| Exercise balls — Medicine balls; Weighted exercise balls |
| Fitness weights — Fitness jog belts; Free weights; Water ankle weights; Weighted swim vests |
| Pedometers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Accounting software — Intuit QuickBooks; MYOB BusinessEssentials; Sage Peachtree software; Sage Simply Accounting |
| Calendar and scheduling software — Appointment scheduling software; Contemporary Web Plus Appointment-Plus |
| Data base user interface and query software — BioEx Systems Exercise Expert; DietMaster Systems DietMaster |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Project management software — BioEx Systems Fitness Maker; Get Physical! Software Personal Trainer Pro; Natural Fitness Concepts The Trainers Edge; Vesteon Software Personal Trainer-PDA |
