If you’re a personal trainer looking for the best personal trainer jobs near you, you may not need to look further than your computer or even smartphone. However, before we dive into that, let’s look at how you can find the best opportunities as a personal trainer near where you live.
I’ve been in the training industry for a long time, and I can tell you that when I first started, I was really stressed about where to find work, just as you may be today. So, I’m going to share all my tips and tricks and clever ways of finding those hidden gems, including one where all you need is a smartphone and a bit of space.
But first, it’s critical to understand the job market and industry trends. Then, we will have a better understanding and perspective on how to get started.
Understanding the Personal Trainer Job Market
If you want to understand the job market, you need to get your bearings and consider all your options. In most urban areas, you’ll find the following options:
Physical Locations
- Gyms – Franchise & Big Box – Great for new personal trainers.
- Community Centers – Many have fitness classes, and sometimes jobs pop up to teach these classes.
- Private Studios – Private and small gyms might hire you to show you the ropes, but the pay is usually less.
- Rental Spaces – Some gyms rent out space that you could rent to teach a private class. It takes some work and smooth sales skills, but if you are ambitious, you could use a tool like Elite Trainr and scale and grow your own fitness business.
Virtual Training
Virtual fitness training grew a lot during the pandemic, and it’s not destined to slow down. According to forecasting, the global virtual/online fitness market of $15.82 billion in revenue in 2022 is projected to reach 256.97 billion by 2032. That’s a CAGR growth rate of 32.15%. (1) Gyms locations will likely feel the hit as more people transition online. Still, there’s a certain amount of people who like going out to a gym rather than trying to have the room and money for a bunch of home-based fitness equipment.
Industry Trends to Consider
The global market size of the health club industry went from 67.19 billion in 2009 to 96.7 billion US dollars in 2019. (2) Of course, in the US, the industry then took the Covid-19 crisis on the chin, with a drop in the US alone from 45.4 billion in 2019 to 30.4 billion in 2020. (3)
The market in the United States has remained relatively stable since 2020, but even a modest return to 45 billion in 2019 (3) is an easily acceptable prediction. However, the growth of apps and virtual trainers is still likely to affect these numbers as the years pass.
In Canada, the industry had somewhat of a rebound, with a reported operating revenue of $4.3 billion in 2022, as compared to 4.5 billion in 2019. (4)
What do the numbers tell us? They tell us the industry is likely to grow, not shrink, and that there’s a positive overall outlook for industry growth. That means getting in now is a good idea, well, from our perspective thus far, anyway. Remember that local areas may have a very different outlook, so you need to research your local area for more in-depth local business information. Luckily, I know a few good resources where you can find more information about job opportunities for a person with your skills.
Top Resources for Finding Personal Trainer Jobs Near You
Here’s where I’d start looking to find a job as a new personal trainer:
Canada
- Job Directories
USA
- NASM Job Board
- Job Directories
Social Media
- Facebook – Search for job groups in your area. Recruiters often scour these groups looking for candidates.
- LinkedIn Jobs – Most professionals and business owners have a LinkedIn profile. Connect or search for job postings.
Leveraging Your Network and Building Relationships
Building relationships with gym owners and management is a great way to get your foot in the door. I’ve had friends who were persistent in visiting a local gym regularly to keep their name and face at the top of the minds of those responsible for hiring. Sometimes, friendly persistence can be a good thing and land you a dream first job to help you build your experience.
Take advantage of how many people you know. Tell your family and friends about your services. Maybe you can pick up enough private personal trainer clients who are willing to give you a chance to help you build your experience. Family and friends are great to practice with and give you the confidence (and feedback) you need to excel.
Speaking of picking up a few clients, consider a tool like Elite Trainr – the all-in-one solution for personal trainers who want to provide a sleek and professional appearance to their clients. The best thing is that you can find clients anywhere and train them virtually with the app equipped on your smartphone. Talk about expanding your client base; what if you could find clients who lived anywhere and pick them up as subscribing training clients?
A Few More Key Strategies
Here are a few great tips that you can use to help you find those elusive jobs or clients:
Build a Strong Online Presence
- Consider creating a professional website, or hire someone to make one for you. Consider a well-crafted LinkedIn profile showcasing your qualifications, certifications, and any relevant experience.
- Use social media platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook to share fitness tips, workout videos, and client success stories. This social media posting will help you build credibility and attract potential clients.
Target Local Gyms and Fitness Studios
- Visit local gyms and fitness studios to inquire about job openings or freelance opportunities. Be prepared with a polished resume and a brief pitch highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm.
- Consider offering to cover shifts for established trainers or assist with group classes. It can provide valuable experience and increase your visibility within the fitness community.
Utilize Fitness Job Boards and Apps
- Use specialized fitness job boards and apps to search for entry-level positions. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and fitness-specific platforms often list personal trainer opportunities.
- Customize your resume ,cover letter, and communication for each application, emphasizing your passion for fitness and willingness to learn.
Invest in Continued Education and Certifications
- Continue to expand your knowledge and credentials by pursuing additional certifications or attending workshops. Specialized skills can help set you apart in the crowded market.
- Highlight any niche areas of expertise, such as nutrition coaching, corrective exercise, or specific fitness modalities, that can appeal to potential employers or clients.
By implementing these strategies, new personal trainers can effectively position themselves to land their first job or secure initial clients, laying a solid foundation for a successful career in the fitness industry.
Maximizing Your Success with ‘Elite Trainr’
The dream of a career as a personal trainer is exciting. It’s a journey filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. As you navigate the job market, remember that the strategies and tools you use will play a crucial role in your success. Whether you’re leveraging your network, building a solid online presence, or utilizing powerful tools like Elite Trainr, each step you take brings you closer to landing your ideal job or growing your client base.
The fitness industry is evolving rapidly, and with the right approach, you can position yourself to thrive in this competitive field. Stay proactive, and continue to grow and enhance your skills. Also, don’t ever let fear stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone. The job you want—or the client roster you dream of—could be just a few clicks or conversations away.
Apply the tips and strategies discussed in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful and rewarding career as a personal trainer. The path may not always be straightforward, but with determination and the right resources, you can achieve your professional goals. So, start today—take charge of your career, and watch as the opportunities unfold before you.
Article Sources & Resources
- “Virtual/Online Fitness Market.” 2023. Thebrainyinsights.com. 2023. https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/virtual-online-fitness-market-13940.
- “Health Club Industry Global Market Size 2009-2019 | Statista.” 2019. Statista. Statista. 2019. https://www.statista.com/statistics/275035/global-market-size-of-the-health-club-industry/.
- “US Fitness/Health Club Market Size 2023 | Statista.” 2023. Statista. Statista. 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/605223/us-fitness-health-club-market-size-2007-2021/.
- Canada, 2024. “Working out the Numbers for Your Gym Resolution – Statistics Canada.” Statcan.gc.ca. 2024. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5329-working-out-numbers-your-gym-resolution.
