Personal Trainer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Personal trainers teach individual clients aerobic, flexibility or resistance training exercises to help them achieve their personal fitness goals. (alis) Along with other Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport, they may be employed by community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, recreational facilities, health care facilities, retirement homes, correctional institutions, government departments, private businesses, tourism associations and similar establishments. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Personal Trainer - career information and videos
- The Role of a Personal Trainer - National Federation of Personal Trainers
- A Day in the Life of a Personal Trainer - from Fitness Republic
- What I Do as a Personal Trainer - from LifeHacker
- Personal Trainer Career Roadmap - from the American Council on Exercise
- How to Break into the Fitness Industry - member advice from the American Council on Exercise
Education
There is no formal post-secondary education requirement to become a Personal Trainer in Canada. Certification for the occupation is available through national and provincial associations; please view the information below.
The University of Manitoba offers related training in Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy, Physiotherapy, Physical Education and Recreation Management.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
- Search Education Directories
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology certifications: Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
- Certifications - from the Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN)
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials - information for foreign-trained personal trainers
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Salary Survey - from the American Council on Exercise (U.S.)
- I want to be a personal trainer. What will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Manitoba Fitness Council
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
- Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN) - Canada
- American Council on Exercise (U.S.)
- American Society of Exercise Physiologists
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America
- IDEA Health and Fitness Association
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Federation of Fitness Trainers (U.S.)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Fitness Industry Council of Canada
- Manitoba Fitness Council - Facility Members
- Partners and Affiliates - CPTN
- Canadian Wellness - health & fitness directory
- Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Centres and Institutes - Sport Canada listing
- HealthLocal Business Directory
- Medical Fitness Association - Facility Locator (international)
- International Association of Health, Racquet & Sports Clubs Associations
- Fitness Professional Directory (U.S.) - from IDEA Health and Fitness Association
- Approved providers - American College of Sports Medicine
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Jobs in Sport - from Sport Manitoba
- Sport Information Resource Council
- Fitness Jobs (U.S.) - National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Health & Fitness Jobs - IDEA Health and Fitness Association
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Fitness Trainer Profiles - from Recreation Services, University of Manitoba
- CanFitPro Certifications
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (U.S.)