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Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Also called : Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Fitness Specialist, Fitness Technician, Fitness Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Private Trainer, Yoga Instruct
What they do
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.
On the job, one would
- Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
- Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.
- Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
- Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
- Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
KNOWLEDGE
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
SKILLS
- Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
- Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
ABILITIES
- Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Gross Body Coordination
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Stamina
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
- Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
TECHNOLOGY
- Accounting software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop publishing software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Instant messaging software
- Internet browser software
- Medical software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
- Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.