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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.
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.
$40,000
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors.
A fitness specialist must earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion of the certificate program, students must take national exams for certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
American College of Sports Medicine
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-637-9200
www.acsm.org
American Council on Exercise
4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
888-825-3636
www.acefitness.org
National Strength and Conditioning Association
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
800-815-6826
www.nsca-lift.org