Exercise Jobs

If you are looking for jobs in Nashville and Middle Tennessee involving exercise there are many options. In some professions you can make a living or work part-time in the area of exercise instruction.

The most common positions are personal trainers, group exercise instructors and fitness directors.

These exercise instructors typically work in commercial and not-for-profit health clubs, gyms, universities, country clubs, hospitals, specialized studios or in the workplace or clients’ homes. Though fitness organizations may offer many types of activities including cardiovascular training, yoga, dance, and weightlifting, most instructors specialize in only a few areas.

Personal trainers generally work with one or a small number of clients in scheduled appointments. They work to assess the level of a client’s fitness and set reachable goals for improvement during a set time period. The trainers work to improve technique, strength and endurance of their clients.

Group exercise instructors direct group exercise sessions in activities such as aerobics, stretching and conditioning during a class. Music is often a part of the routine to set a particular pace. Instructors must select the music and routines to be used prior to class. Individual participants are observed and their techniques improved by the instructor during a session.

For those interested in a broader approach, there is the occupation of fitness director. The director oversees the fitness aspects of an exercise organization. The work may include creating and maintaining programs that meet the needs of the members. Activities often include new member orientation, fitness assessments, workout programs, equipment selection, coordination of exercise programs, hiring, training and administrative duties. In some cases the director may teach classes. The size and operation of a facility often influences duties.

To be a personal trainer requires certification in the fitness field. Many organizations, however, do not require group instructors to have certification to start work, though many do. Group instructors often get started by participating in classes and progressing to teaching. There are training classes available for those interested in teaching groups.

Certifying organizations usually require a high school diploma and to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To complete certification necessitates successfully taking and passing a written exam. Sometimes there is a physical component that must be completed.

Exams measure knowledge of physiology, exercise techniques, assessment of fitness levels and the development of exercise programs.

To progress to management positions usually requires a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology or similar areas. Experience at a fitness center is usually a prerequisite.

Personal trainers have the opportunity to advance to head trainer. The responsibilities of this position is overseeing the training staff and bringing in new clients.

Group fitness instructors may be promoted to group exercise director whose responsibilities include hiring and coordinating exercise classes. The next possible position is becoming a fitness director. After that is general manager.

Because many fitness organizations are open at night and on weekends, fitness instructors typically have to work long hours and may have irregular schedules. Private personal trainers have to be available when their clients have the time.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual income of personal trainers and group exercise instructors is about $30,000. Successful personal trainers, in demand, may earn considerably more. Those moving into management can earn a lot more as well.

So if you like exercise working with people and seeing them improve physically, becoming an exercise instructor may just be the right move for your life’s work.