Types Of Personal Trainers: Which Is Right For You?
Personal trainers come in all shapes and sizes—and with different types of credentials, specialties, and methods.
Whether you’re looking to become a personal trainer or you’re looking to find one for your own fitness needs, this guide is for you.
In this guide, we’ll explain some of the most popular types of personal trainers. The types we’ll discuss include:
- Physique Trainers
- Gym Instructors
- Weight Loss Specialists
- Boot Camp Instructors
- Group Exercise Instructor
- Performance Personal Trainers
- Virtual Personal Trainers
Physique Trainers
A physique trainer is just what it sounds like—a personal trainer whose focus is helping their clients to achieve the physical appearance they desire – whether in a competition or in regular life.
This type of trainer will help with things like weight loss and muscle building, in addition to diet and nutrition specific to physique development.
This type of personal trainer is a great choice for those who:
- Are looking to improve their physical appearance
- Want to compete in a physique competition
- Need guidance on diet and nutrition
- Need assistance in performing the right exercises for their physique goals
Weight Loss Specialists
As the name suggests, weight loss specialists are personal trainers whose focus is helping their clients lose weight.
This type of trainer will help you set realistic weight loss goals and create a plan to reach them. They’ll also give you guidance on diet and nutrition.
Some weight loss specialists may help with diet monitoring, macros, food logging and holding their clients accountable for the dietary choices they make.
Weight loss specialists are a great choice for those who:
- Are looking to lose weight
- Need help setting and meeting realistic weight loss goals
- Want guidance on diet and nutrition
- Need help monitoring their food intake
- Need advice on the better eating choices
- Want help with working out and what exercises would be best for them
Boot Camp Instructors
Boot camp instructors are personal trainers who lead group fitness classes that are usually based on military-style training methods.
Boot camp workouts are typically high-intensity and can involve a variety of exercises, such as cardio, strength training, and interval training.
This type of trainer is a great choice for those who:
- Enjoy working out in a group setting
- Want to try a new type of workout
- Are looking for a high-intensity workout
- Need help with accountability and motivation
Group Exercise Instructor
Group exercise instructors are personal trainers who lead group fitness classes. They typically teach classes like yoga, Pilates, spin, and aerobics.
These often take place in a gym, but can also be done outdoors, in assisted living communities, as well as online.
This type of trainer is a great choice for those who:
- Enjoy working out in a group setting
- Want to try a new type of workout
- Are looking for a low-intensity or moderate-intensity workout
Performance Personal Trainers
Performance personal trainers are personal trainers whose focus is helping their clients improve their athletic performance.
This type of trainer will create a training plan that is specific to your sport or chosen activity. They’ll also help you with things like injury prevention, flexibility, and proper form.
This type of personal trainer is a great choice for those who:
- Are looking to improve their athletic performance
- Play a sport or participate in an activity that requires physical training
- Want help preventing injuries
- Need assistance with flexibility and proper form
Virtual Personal Trainer
A virtual personal trainer is a personal trainer who works with clients online or through live video.
This type of trainer can help you with the same goals as an in-person coach like executing a routine in the gym, accountability, and sometimes diet and nutrition.
Virtual personal trainers are a great choice for those who:
- Want to work with a specific trainer, or client, who doesn’t live in the same city
- Travels frequently, or finds it challenging to meet with a trainer at the same time and place every week
- Are comfortable communicating with their trainer online or over the phone/video chat
Now that you know about the different types of personal trainers, you can decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking to improve your or your clients’ athletic performance, then a performance personal trainer may be a good choice.
If you’re trying to lose weight or help others lose weight, then a weight loss specialist could be for you.
And if you want to work with somebody who isn’t in your area, or find it difficult to meet a coach or client every week due to scheduling or timing conflicts, virtual personal training may be your perfect option.
No matter what your goals are, or whether you want to become a personal trainer or just need one for your workout needs, there is a type of personal trainer that is for you.
FAQs About The Types Of Personal Trainers
The type of personal trainer you become depends on your interests, skills, and goals. Some personal trainers work with athletes to help them improve their performance, while others work with clients who want to lose weight or get in shape. There are also group exercise instructors who teach classes like yoga and spin.
In order to become a certified personal trainer, you must pass an exam administered by a nationally recognized organization, such as Fitness Mentors (FM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). You will also need to have CPR and AED certifications.
Read more: Best Personal Trainer Certifications
The median salary for a personal trainer is $65,566 per year. However, your salary will depend on factors such as your experience, certifications, services, and location.
Hours vary wildly for Personal Trainers. Outside of normal working hours, such as early mornings, evenings, and weekends are often popular as many clients have that available, but many trainers work during normal working hours as well. This will depend on the clientele you work with.
Yes, you will need liability insurance in order to become a certified personal trainer. This will protect you in case a client is injured while working out with you.
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