Personal Trainer Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Personal Trainer Do?

Personal trainers provide clients with individualized exercise plans, instruction on proper form and technique, and guidance and support throughout their fitness journey to help them achieve their fitness goals. These trainers work with a wide variety of clients, including athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those new to exercise or who need specific health care. A personal trainer assesses an individual’s fitness level, including strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health, and then develops an exercise plan tailored to their needs. Additionally, they provide nutrition counseling and advice on other lifestyle factors that can affect a client’s overall health and fitness and how to perform workouts safely and effectively.

An excellent communication and interpersonal skill set and a strong knowledge of human anatomy and exercise physiology are essential to becoming a successful personal trainer. Adapting to each client’s needs and preferences is essential. They also need to motivate and encourage their clients.

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National Average Salary

Personal trainer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Personal Trainer is:

$51,800

Personal Trainer Job Descriptions

When it comes to recruiting a personal trainer, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.

Example 1

ABC Company is currently in search of our newest Personal Trainer who is passionate about fitness, wellness, and providing outstanding customer service to our community. We are looking for an individual seeking a career opportunity with one of the largest employers within the (city, state) area.

Responsibilities

  • The Personal Trainer is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating personal training programs for customers
  • Promoting personal training services
  • Establishing personal training book of business and other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications

  • 5 years of experience
  • Excellent customer service skills;
  • Collaborates well with a large team
  • Works hard to build a book of business

Certifications

  • ACE, NSCA, ACSM, EXOS XPS, EXOS XFS, Gray Institute FAFS Fellow of Applied Functional Science, or
  • Gray Institute CAFS Certification in Applied Functional Science;
  • In addition to BLS within 90 days and BLS certifications.
  • Team members in this position are required to go through all department technology and methodology training, and pass a skills test within 60 days of hire.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sports medicine or related field

Example 2

As an ABC company personal trainer, your career becomes an empowered lifestyle founded on maximizing both your personal and client performance. Under the guidance of two dedicated managers you will develop and refine an approach to programming, education, business, and financial planning that ensures your Personal Training career is as unlimited as your passion. Secure a stronger future and help us redefine the science of fitness and the art of living.

Primary responsibilities

People:

  • Commitment to providing and creating an elevated experience for all members
  • Motivate our members by connecting and building relationships with them on the fitness floor
  • Instruct and demonstrate to members on the proper use of equipment and exercise techniques

Passion for fitness:

  • Establish and maintain a personal training client base by administering fitness evaluations, orientations, stretching, and one on one sessions with members.
  • Understanding of industry trends and the desire to pursue higher education opportunities.
  • Attend our Fitness Training Institute paid courses to advance through our Tier level system

Professionalism:

  • Owning and conducting the sales of training sessions and packages with members
  • Maintain knowledge and/or participation in all club services, programs and products
  • Ability to remain organized with scheduling via online portals and our Personal Trainer App

Required qualifications

  • Current Nationally recognized Personal Training certification
  • Ability to work full time, 35-40 hours per week, including weekends
  • Eligible for opportunities to start at a higher tier level based on experience and education.
  • Possess passion, ambition, drive, and knowledge regarding the fitness industry
  • High school diploma/GED required or equivalent work experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excel in time management, organizational, and follow-up skills
  • Computer literate tech-savvy, energetic, and friendly
  • CPR/AED certification required upon hire

Preferred qualifications

  • 1-3 years of previous Personal Training experience

Physical requirements

  • Must be able to perform all essential physical aspects of the position which may include standing, sitting, running, walking, jumping, squatting, bending, and reaching. As well as pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time

Example 3

Personal Trainers are responsible for supporting all members in championing happier, and healthier lives by building and nurturing relationships. They provide a positive member experience that is educational, supporting, and upholds the integrity of the ABC company Brand.

Job duties and responsibilities

  • Develops safe, professional, and comprehensive client programs that drive client goal achievement and retention
  • Monitors and instructs clients during personal training sessions on the safe and effective use of cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training equipment
  • Reads, watches, and engages in all required training’s associated with the role
  • Conducts fitness consultations for new clients including pre-participation screening, Medical History, Lifestyle questionnaire, and goal setting to assess and recommend personal training programs
  • Provides fitness floor assistance to all members to ensure safety, provide education, and motivate members
  • Fulfills member service requirements such as fitness assessments and equipment operations, service desk duties, and fitness equipment cleaning
  • Promotes and sells personal training programs and services
  • Completes all administrative requirements associated with each client’s fitness plan
  • Remains current on certifications and new trends in the industry
  • Ensures all members feel competent, confident, and connected by providing superior customer service through complimentary and based services/programming
  • Documents all aspects of client programming
  • Remains current on credentials and continuing education to advance throughout the levels program

Position requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1 year of personal training experience
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • CPR and AED Certified
  • Knowledge of fitness, cardiovascular training, nutrition and program design
  • Ability to perform an aerobic activity for the duration of a class and be able to bend, stand, reach, climb and lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or another related field

Sample Interview Questions

  • What factors do you consider when developing an exercise plan for a client?
  • What is your experience coaching athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners to exercise, and how do you adapt your coaching style to meet each client’s needs?
  • How do you modify exercises for clients with specific health conditions or injuries?
  • How do you determine appropriate exercise intensity to help clients reach their fitness goals?
  • Was there a time when you had to modify a client’s exercise plan due to injury or other health concerns? How did you ensure their safety and continued progress?
  • When evaluating client progress, how do you measure success?
  • What strategies do you use to motivate and engage clients in their fitness journeys and keep them motivated?
  • How do you incorporate nutritional counseling and other lifestyle factors impacting fitness into your approach?
  • If you had to adjust your coaching style to meet the needs and preferences of a particular client, how would you build rapport and trust?
Pete Newsome

About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded zengig, to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn

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