What Is a Fitness Trainer (and How Do I Become One)?

Fitness trainers coach individuals or groups in exercises and other fitness-related activities, including cardiovascular training, strength training, or stretching and mobility exercises. If you're self-directed and enjoy working with people, a career as a fitness trainer could be a good fit.

Additionally, the health and wellness coaching market is experiencing significant growth. According to Statista, revenue will continue growing at a compound annual growth rate of 16.72 percent in India from 2024 through 2029 to reach a market volume of USD 4,150 million [1]. This data suggests a positive job outlook for the fitness industry in India and worldwide, driven by people’s increasing interest in health and wellness, which fitness trainers can help individuals and groups support.  

Learn about this growing field and the required skills and experience to become a fitness trainer. 

What does a fitness trainer do?

A fitness trainer leads and instructs individuals or groups on proper exercise techniques, form, and routines, monitoring progress and offering motivation and resources when needed. Fitness trainers demonstrate various movements and safe alternatives to minimise the risk of injury while helping people reach fitness and health goals. Fitness trainers may also teach group fitness classes, coordinate routines, and develop exercises. As a fitness trainer, you should be able to perform emergency first aid if needed.

Fitness trainer salary

According to Talent.com, the average fitness trainer in India makes ₹360,000 annually or ₹144 per hour. Experience often plays a role in how much you make. An entry-level trainer may make an average of ₹270,000 yearly, while more experienced professionals in this field make up to ₹750,000 [2]. 

What skills do fitness trainers need?

Fitness trainers' skills centre around achieving health and fitness goals and understanding the impact of exercise on the body. In some cases, you might offer nutrition and lifestyle guidance. As a fitness trainer, you should be able to provide your clients with support, guidance, and advice to safely perform exercises that may include cardio, strength training, stretches, or other forms of movement. 

Some essential skills to focus on include the following:

Knowledge of health and fitness

To be an effective fitness trainer, you’ll need to understand how exercise and nutrition work together. This will likely include anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology knowledge. People will seek your expertise to help them reach goals, including weight loss, muscle gain, or improving cardiovascular health. 

Leadership

Fitness trainers often lead group exercise routines or classes. Leading a group may require an energetic presence, a positive and encouraging attitude, and empathy for others. Your goal in a group fitness setting is to create a team mentality and supportive environment where people want to work hard and enjoy the exercise.

Relationship management

Good communication skills and the ability to tailor workout routines or programmes based on individual needs are crucial. Maintaining an encouraging attitude and listening to client feedback are also essential. 

Motivation

Creating an environment that helps people meet their goals. Fitness trainers should have the skills to inspire and motivate their clients, including creating targeted fitness programmes that are engaging and fun. 

Business skills

Having essential business skills and an understanding of customer service can benefit this career. Some trainers start their own businesses after building a loyal client base while working for a gym or fitness centre. You may build an online presence and grow your business from there. Some essential business skills include:

• Taxes for freelancers or business owners 

• Methods for managing and accepting payments

• Scheduling and time management 

• Creating legally binding contracts

• Marketing and brand building 

How to become a fitness trainer

Requirements for fitness trainers will vary from employer to employer. However, the following offers some general steps you can take to begin your career journey.   

Learn about the fitness industry.

As a fitness trainer, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends to stay relevant in the industry and grow as a professional to meet your clients' needs and goals. Although a degree is only sometimes required, earning your Bachelor of Physical Education could help give you a solid foundation. 

Consider a specialisation.

Many fitness trainers have a fitness specialisation. Certified personal trainers, for example, may choose a speciality when getting a certification. Specialities may include bodybuilding, nutrition, senior fitness, weight loss, group training, or strength and conditioning. If you want to become specialised in a specific fitness area, consider taking extra courses or getting certified to help establish your expertise in a particular field. 

Get certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

Employers may require fitness trainers to be certified in first aid, CPR, and AED. Keeping your clients safe and healthy should be a top priority, even if you work independently. 

Earn a certification.

Fitness trainers have many certification options from different professional organisations. Your chosen certification and organisation should closely align with your passions and professional goals. Certification may enhance your resume and may lead to better job opportunities. 

Some certifying organisations to consider include the following:

• K11 School of Fitness Sciences 

• Fit India Trust 

• FSSA Council 

• Integrated Fitness and Sports Institute 

• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Do I need a degree to become a fitness trainer?

Passing your 12th standard examinations in any stream is the most common entry-level requirement for fitness trainers in India. Earning a bachelor's degree in a field like physical education could make you a more competitive candidate. 

Get started as a fitness trainer

As a fitness trainer, you can empower others to improve their lives through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Explore whether fitness may be a good career path for you with a course like  Hacking Exercise for Health: The Surprising New Science of Fitness from McMaster University or Designing Your Personal Weight Loss Plan by Case Western Reserve University.