A fitness instructor teaches his students how to live healthier lives by incorporating better exercise and diet into their daily routines. He is expected to inspire them and assist them in achieving realistic, mutually agreed-upon objectives. He usually gives both group and individual instruction and advice.
Because of the public’s increased awareness of health and diet issues, the position of fitness instructor has grown in popularity in recent years. A fitness instructor used to be restricted to working in a health club or gym or as a personal trainer in clients’ homes. He can now work in a variety of settings, such as sports training facilities and corporate fitness centers on-site.
A good understanding of human behavior and how to inspire different personality types is usually required to succeed as a fitness instructor. An instructor is typically expected to understand how and why each of his students developed unhealthy habits, as well as provide advice on how to break them. He is generally expected to respond to each person’s situation with empathy and a tailored plan to assist them in achieving their objectives.
Clients’ preferences for exercise programs and what diet programs they consider successful are frequently influenced by popular culture. Fitness and nutrition programs should be promoted by a reputable fitness instructor based on his expertise rather than fads and trends. His reputation in the fitness community is traditionally enhanced by his students’ respect for his guidance and the results it produces.
Many fitness instructors prefer to start by assessing each student’s needs and objectives. This usually entails weighing the student, assessing his or her body composition, and identifying problem areas. Eating habits are also evaluated as part of the evaluation. Recommendations are typically made based on each student’s goals and motivation. The program includes regular monitoring of student progress.
The fitness instructor’s exercise programs may be standardized or custom-designed to meet the needs of his students. He usually instructs them at various levels to accommodate their ages and levels of physical fitness. When he works in private homes with one-on-one clients, the regimens he recommends are usually highly customized.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for most fitness instructor positions. On-the-job training is available in a large number of jobs in this category. In some areas, instructors are required to have certifications in order to teach specific exercises or provide health and nutrition advice. Many fitness instructors have degrees in health education, physical fitness, or related fields, though this is not always a requirement.