A personal trainer creates and delivers safe, effective exercise programs for healthy individuals and those with medical clearance to exercise. They motivate clients by collaborating to set goals, providing meaningful feedback, and serving as a source of accountability. They also conduct a variety of assessments, beginning with a preparticipation health-screening, to assess posture and movement, flexibility, balance, core function, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body composition and skill-related parameters.

The average hourly rate for a personal trainer ranges from $20-$100, depending on experience and reputation. Many personal trainers work in gyms and other facilities, but some travel to clients’ homes or meet them at parks, beaches, hotels, cruise ships or holiday resorts. If they are employed by a gym or club, they may receive additional compensation such as a commission on membership sales or per-session fees. Self-employed trainers are responsible for marketing their services and may charge higher rates, based on the client’s needs and fitness goals.

It is important for a potential trainer to be knowledgeable about fitness and the ability to relate well with people, says Santucci. He or she should have a passion for helping others achieve their goals and be able to build rapport with a wide range of individuals, from children to seniors. In addition to technical knowledge and expertise, a good trainer should be creative and able to think outside the box when creating workouts.

Some people choose to train with the same trainer for the duration of their fitness journey, which can be beneficial for consistency and motivation. Other people enjoy a more diversified approach, which can keep workouts interesting and help avoid boredom. Personal trainers often recommend group classes such as yoga, barre and rebounding, which can provide a fun alternative to working out alone or with a friend.

A good trainer will make sure that workouts are challenging but appropriate for their client’s level of fitness and physical limitations. For example, if a client is recovering from surgery, a personal trainer will modify exercises for appropriate joint mobility and prevent overtraining and injuries.

While there are certain qualifications such as being NCCA-accredited and having a solid track record, a future personal trainer should also consider what types of clients they want to attract, their financial commitment, the amount of time they are willing to devote to studying and training, and the location where they want to work, Santucci says. For instance, if the idea of working at a high-end gym with celebrity clients appeals to you, look for programs that offer certification options in those particular settings. personal training