Occupation AtlasExercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
O*NET · 39-9031.00
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.
Also called Aerobics Instructor · Aerobics Teacher · Aquatics Specialist · Certified Personal Trainer · Certified Pilates Instructor · Certified Yoga Instructor · Exercise Specialist · Exercise Teacher
36 more
Fitness Attendant · Fitness Coach · Fitness Consultant · Fitness Instructor · Fitness Specialist · Fitness Teacher · Fitness Tech · Fitness Technician (Fitness Tech) · Fitness Trainer · Fitness Worker · Group Exercise Instructor · Group Fitness Instructor · Group Fitness Trainer · Group X Instructor · Gymnastics Instructor · Karate Instructor · Martial Arts Instructor · Personal Coach · Personal Fitness Trainer · Personal Trainer · Physical Fitness Teacher · Physical Fitness Trainer · Physical Instructor · Pilates Instructor · Private Trainer · Sports Instructor · Strength and Conditioning Coach · Strength Coach · Swim Instructor · Water Aerobics Instructor · Weight Trainer · Weight Training Instructor · Wellness Coach · Yoga Instructor · Yoga Teacher · Zumba Instructor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Physical Therapist Aides
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SRESocial · Realistic · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.62
- R Realistic5.23
- E Enterprising3.51
- C Conventional2.98
- I Investigative2.71
- A Artistic2.40
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (43%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (38%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (38%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- InstructingImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Service OrientationImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- WritingbasicImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.Importance 4.9
- Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.Importance 4.8
- Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.Importance 4.8
- Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.Importance 4.8
- Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.Importance 4.6
- Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.Importance 4.5
- Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.Importance 4.5
- Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.Importance 4.4
- Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.Importance 4.2
- Maintain fitness equipment.Importance 4.1
- Provide students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues.Importance 3.8
- Administer emergency first aid, wrap injuries, treat minor chronic disabilities, or refer injured persons to physicians.Importance 3.7
Show the other 8
- Maintain equipment inventories, and select, store, or issue equipment as needed.Importance 3.7
- Advise clients about proper clothing and shoes.Importance 3.3
- Conduct therapeutic, recreational, or athletic activities.Importance 3.8
- Plan physical education programs to promote development of participants' physical attributes and social skills.Importance 3.8
- Teach individual and team sports to participants through instruction and demonstration, using knowledge of sports techniques and of participants' physical capabilities.Importance 3.2
- Promote health clubs through membership sales, and record member information.Importance 3.1
- Organize and conduct competitions and tournaments.Importance 2.4
- Advise participants in use of heat or ultraviolet treatments and hot baths.Importance 2.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- PsychologyImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- BiologyImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 2.9
Show all 33
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- PhysicsImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.3Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Swim the length of a pool
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- StaminaImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.8
- Static StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
Show all 52
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
- Explosive StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Response OrientationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
Show all 41
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.4Level 2.9
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.7
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Processing InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
22 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
- Appointment scheduling software
- BioEx Systems Exercise Expert
- BioEx Systems Fitness Maker
- BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus
- Blink
- DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
- DietMaster Systems DietMaster
- Email software
- EZFacility Trainer Management System
- ICTraining
- MYOB BusinessEssentials
- Online River Software Personal Trainer Pro
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Sage Simply Accounting
- Visual Health Information The Trainer's Exercise Toolbox
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Physical Therapist Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.0, Speaking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.8, Service Orientation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.0, Complex Problem Solving +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Skincare Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing −1.1, Negotiation +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Average difference 0.3 points · Instructing −1.1, Negotiation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Animal Trainers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Service Orientation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Instructing −1.2, Technology Design −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Phlebotomists
Average difference 0.3 points · Instructing −0.9, Quality Control Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.