Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors teach individuals and groups how to exercise safely and effectively. They work in gyms, fitness studios, community centers, and sometimes client homes, demonstrating techniques, correcting form, and designing personalized fitness programs to help people meet their health goals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against exercise trainers and group fitness instructors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes leading group classes like aerobics or strength training, conducting one-on-one training sessions, and observing clients to assess their form and progress. Instructors explain proper techniques, provide motivational feedback, and adjust exercises based on individual ability levels. Between sessions, they may develop customized workout plans, maintain equipment, and update client records or progress notes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy working directly with people and helping them achieve tangible results—that social focus drives your satisfaction. You're practical and hands-on, preferring to show and demonstrate rather than just explain, and you thrive when your work produces visible improvements in others' fitness and confidence.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $50,760 | $64,620 | $96,140 | 9,200 |
| Connecticut | $45,660 | $61,580 | $80,790 | 2,850 |
| New Jersey | $39,300 | $59,870 | $80,020 | 11,350 |
| Oregon | $43,720 | $58,510 | $65,500 | 4,800 |
| California | $45,350 | $57,990 | $74,160 | 43,600 |
| Nevada | $45,190 | $57,960 | $70,920 | 3,010 |
| Vermont | $43,140 | $57,300 | $62,380 | 710 |
| Washington | $46,760 | $50,830 | $67,510 | 9,270 |
| Wyoming | $35,030 | $50,250 | $71,780 | 560 |
| Colorado | $39,190 | $49,900 | $62,670 | 10,500 |
| Idaho | $44,270 | $49,780 | $59,210 | 2,360 |
| New Hampshire | $37,600 | $49,360 | $63,720 | 1,500 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Group Exercise Instructor — National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association
- Group Exercise Instructor — Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM-GEI) — American College of Sports Medicine
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA-CGFI) — National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Certified Group Exercise Instructor — World Instructor Training Schools
- Personal Fitness Trainer — Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 1 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against exercise trainers and group fitness instructors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-9031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.