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Personal Trainer

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March 29, 2024 Updated May 13, 2025 18 minute read

Embarking on a Career as a Personal Trainer

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who develops and delivers safe and effective exercise programs for individuals or small groups. They work with clients to assess their current fitness levels, set achievable goals, and design customized workout plans. This career path often appeals to individuals passionate about health, fitness, and helping others improve their physical well-being.

Working as a personal trainer can be incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to directly impact people's lives by guiding them on their fitness journeys, helping them achieve goals like weight loss, muscle gain, or improved athletic performance. The role also offers a dynamic work environment, often moving beyond the traditional gym setting to include online coaching, in-home sessions, or outdoor activities. The field is also experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand for qualified professionals.

What Exactly Does a Personal Trainer Do?

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Salaries for Personal Trainer

City
Median
New York
$77,000
San Francisco
$66,000
Seattle
$42,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$77,000
San Francisco
$66,000
Seattle
$42,000
Austin
$50,000
Toronto
$53,000
London
£33,000
Paris
€44,000
Berlin
€52,000
Tel Aviv
₪45,400
Singapore
S$52,000
Beijing
¥131,000
Shanghai
¥140,000
Shenzhen
¥31,000
Bengalaru
₹222,000
Delhi
₹41,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Personal Trainer

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Personal Trainer. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

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This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of human physiology, with a focus on the integrated functioning of the body.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the interrelationship of body systems.
Comprehensive guide to running, covering everything from training plans to nutrition to injury prevention. It is suitable for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced marathoners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science and practice of strength training, covering topics such as exercise selection, programming, nutrition, and recovery. It valuable resource for anyone interested in building muscle and improving strength.
Comprehensive guide to nutrition and metabolism. It covers all aspects of nutrition, from the basics to the latest research. The authors are all experts in the field of nutrition, and they provide a wealth of evidence-based information.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the interrelationship of body systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the interrelationship of body systems.
Comprehensive guide to advanced nutrition and human metabolism. It covers all aspects of nutrition, from the basics to the latest research. The authors are all experts in the field of nutrition, and they provide a wealth of evidence-based information.
Comprehensive guide to strength training and conditioning, written by experts from the National Strength & Conditioning Association. It covers all aspects of strength training, from exercise selection to nutrition to recovery.
Comprehensive guide to training for muscle building. It covers all the essential exercises, as well as how to create a personalized training plan. The authors are all experts in the field of training, and they provide a wealth of evidence-based information.
Comprehensive guide to nutrition for muscle building. It covers all the essential nutrients for muscle growth, as well as how to create a personalized nutrition plan. The authors are both experts in the field of nutrition, and they provide a wealth of evidence-based information.
This textbook provides a concise and accessible overview of human anatomy, with a focus on clinical applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the interrelationship of body systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the interrelationship of body systems.
Teaches runners how to use a power meter to improve their performance. It is written by Hunter Allen and Stephen McGregor, two of the leading experts on power training for running.
Great introduction to muscle building for men. It covers all the basics, from exercise selection to nutrition to recovery. The author certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, and he provides a wealth of practical advice.
Provides a scientific perspective on running, exploring the history, physiology, and psychology of the sport. It is written by Timothy Noakes, a world-renowned expert on running and exercise physiology.
Comprehensive guide to periodization, a training method that involves varying the intensity and volume of training over time. It covers all aspects of periodization, from the different types of periodization to the benefits and risks. The authors are both experts in the field of periodization, and they provide a wealth of evidence-based information.
Great introduction to muscle building for beginners. It covers all the basics, from exercise selection to nutrition to recovery. The authors are both experts in the field of muscle building, and they provide a wealth of information in a clear and concise way.
Explores the history and culture of running, and how it has shaped human evolution.
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