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Personal Trainers have the power to change lives for the better. They help clients achieve their fitness and health goals through motivation and education, but it’s much more than giving out exercise orders.

A Personal Trainer guides their clients step by step throughout their whole routine, whether it’s in a gym or bootcamp. They are passionate about health and fitness, and through their work inspire and encourage others to develop healthy habits and routines through the safe delivery of effective programs, instruction, motivation and education.

Personal Trainers dig deep into the client’s obstacles and motivations behind being active. Their role is crucial for helping to set realistic goals for their clients, and ultimately achieve them. 

 

 

(Source: KChamps)

 

ANZSCO ID: 452111

 

Duties and Tasks

 

So what does the role of a Personal Trainer involve?

Here are 7 important elements that comprise a Personal Trainer's job.

1. Identify Goals And Create Tailored Plans

Personal Trainers have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, identifying their goals (e.g. increase strength, improve fitness, weight loss) and writing personalised programs so their clients can achieve those set goals.

In order to create a timeline in which you will be able to achieve your goals - regardless of whether your goal is weight loss, improved fitness or a specific event such as a triathlon, your Personal Trainer will weigh you and take some important measurements, as these will be crucial when recording your achievements.

If a Personal Trainer has more experience and holds extra qualifications such as a holding Master Trainer certificate, being a qualified Nutrition Coach or also being a Massage Therapist, they can also assist with injury rehabilitation or work with specialty conditions. This means a sound understanding of anatomy, physiology and exercise is required.

2. Help The Client Achieve Their Goals

It’s not just about letting the clients know what to do and then letting them do it on their own, but it’s about actually being there to observe, watch and give feedback to the clients, so that they can improve their technique and gain maximum results. The sessions need to challenge the client, and they should be fun and always be a step towards the client’s goals.

In addition, the client may not always be enthusiastic about taking part in the session. It can be hard to keep motivation going when you’re pushing yourself so hard your whole body hurts. This is where a PT’s motivation skills come into full swing.

How you achieve the client’s goals can change, dependent on the client themselves and also your preferred training style. For example, if your client does better in a group setting then you could organise a group program that would be suitable for a range of your clients. Alternatively if they’re better one-to-one, your session can be tailored to suit exactly what that particular client needs.

3. Have Great Interpersonal Skills And Communicate Clearly

Personal Trainers need to be able to communicate clearly, as they have to assess, discuss, motivate, and teach clients how to improve their fitness, strength or physique. Hence, strong communication and listening skills are paramount. Exercise plans must be explained clearly to the client so they understand what they're doing and why. In addition, listening to the client’s feedback carefully will ensure that you are attuned to what the client’s likes and dislikes are - this is essential for client retention and also generally to have a positive session.

Personal Trainers are also required to provide feedback on correct technique, without being too pushy or coming off too strong-headed. That’s why they must also be proficient at reading people. If a client is not responding well to your communication style, you must be flexible enough to change your style to a method that will result in a better response. For example, some clients will want a firm approach and like to be called out if they are slacking off, while others would see this as negative feedback and so stop attending sessions.

4. Personal Trainers Monitor Progress And Must Be Organised

It’s not all about the journey, results are important too. Ultimately, results are what’s going to keep the client (and many more) coming back! Being prepared for client sessions means writing new programs and tracking progress. Personal Trainers need to record and monitor health, weight, fitness, and strength, and are constantly adjusting programs to keep their client challenged and achieving goals faster.

5. Educate And Advise Clients

Gaining new qualifications, attending workshops and fitness events, and reading the latest research ensures Personal Trainers keep up-to-date with fitness and nutrition information, so they can pass this expertise onto their clients.

To achieve new qualifications in fitness, Personal Trainer need to register with the Australian Institute of Fitness.

Networking with other professionals is also great for learning, referrals, and comparing philosophies to constantly better their career in fitness.\

6. Stay Fit

A Personal Trainer's body is their business card. Therefore, most of them practise what they preach and live a healthy and fit lifestyle. It's important that they're physically strong enough to spot clients and correctly perform any exercise they ask of them.

7. They Present Well

For a client-facing career such as one in PT, personal presentation is paramount. Invest in some quality training attire and ensure you are well presented at all times. If you train between seeing clients, ensure you maintain personal hygiene and stay fresh.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a fitness trainer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in fitness. You may be able to study through distance education.

Fitness Australia and Physical Activity Australia are responsible for all aspects of assessing and registering fitness instructors in Australia. Registration is valid nation-wide. Registration requires a current Provide First Aid Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate.

 

 

 

 

Pilates and yoga teachers instruct people in how to use yoga or pilates as a form of exercise, rehabilitation or mental well being.

 

ANZSCO ID: 4521
  
Alternative names: Pilates instructor, Pilates practitioner,
   
Specialisations: Some teachers may choose to specialise in areas such as prenatal exercise or rehabilitation and recovery.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a pilates or yoga teacher, you would need:

• an understanding of the belief behind yoga and pilates

• extensive experience and training in yoga and/or pilates

• excellent fitness and flexibility

• good people skills

• be able to communicate well in class situations.

 

(Source: Tensegrity Training)

 

Duties and Tasks

As a yoga or pilates teacher, you would:

• plan each class or session

• work with students of all abilities and experience

• work with individuals or groups

• teach different positions and exercise routines

• offer alternatives for those with special conditions such as pregnancy or injuries

• instruct in issues related to the exercises such as breathing techniques and posture

• monitor class progress

• updating your teaching skills with new techniques as they become available.

Working conditions

Yoga and pilates instructors mainly teach part-time and also work in other roles such as physiotherapy or fitness . Classes may be held at any time, including early mornings, evenings or weekends.
  
You would work in a studio, or other locations such as community halls, gyms and fitness centres. If you teach classes in several different locations, you would need to travel between them, and would need a current drivers' licence.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Pilates or yoga teachers may be qualified fitness instructors, have a recognised medical qualification such as physiotherapy, or may have undertaken private courses and training in a particular branch of yoga. Your level and type of training will influence classes you are able to run.

Fitness Australia and Physical Activity Australia are responsible for all aspects of assessing and registering fitness instructors in Australia. Registration is valid nation-wide. Registration requires a current Provide First Aid Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of pilates and yoga teachers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.

As businesses, government, and insurance organisations continue to recognise the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs is expected to increase the need for pilates and yoga teachers who are qualified fitness trainers and instructors.

As baby boomers age, many remain active to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with ageing. Opportunities for pilates teachers who are also qualified physiotherapists is expected to rise in response to the ageing population. Opportunities for pilates and yoga teachers in fitness centres associated with aged care establishments and nursing homes is also expected to rise.

Other employment growth will come from the continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier and less stressful lifestyles.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Aerobics Instructor	Coach	Dietitian	Exercise Sports Scientist
Martial Arts Instructor	Medical Practitioner	Physiotherapist	Sports Centre Manager
Sports Doctor

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Fitness Instructor; ]
Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Personal Trainer; Pilates/Yoga Teacher; ]
Fitness Careers [Personal Trainer; ]
 Your Career [Fitness Instructor; ]