MEDICAL SUPPORT
Fitness Specialist
To be a successful Fitness Specialist you should...
have excellent communication skills; be flexible and creative in finding best solutions; be able to learn to use new equipment and perform new tasks; be able to see small differences; be able to work with patience and understanding.
What will my job be like?
Fitness specialists understand the basic concepts of fitness, health, and wellness to prepare an exercise prescription for an individual beginning an exercise program. A fitness specialist instructs groups and individuals in the safe use of equipment, proper body mechanics, health, eating behaviors, and individualized fitness programs.
Where could I work?
Fitness specialists may work in health clubs, corporate fitness programs, or hospitals; or in sales of health and fitness programs and equipment. Fitness specialists may start their own businesses as personal trainers.
Average Annual Salary
$46,480 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 73,700 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Most fitness specialists hold a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion of a certificate program, students must take national exams for certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Mitchell College
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
More Information
American College of Sports Medicine
6510 Telecom Dr. Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46278
317-637-9200
American Council on Exercise
9444 Balboa Ave. Suite 290
San Diego, CA 92123
(888) 825-3636
National Strength and Conditioning Association
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
800-815-6826
