A fitness attendant is responsible for the general supervision of a fitness center. The attendant typically welcomes guests and works to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience. This position is also responsible for maintaining the weights and cardiovascular fitness areas to make sure equipment is clean, functioning properly and used according to the rules of the facility.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a fitness attendant typically include setting up, maintaining and cleaning equipment, welcoming guests, explaining programs and activities, teaching guests how to use the equipment, providing basic fitness information, reporting and resolving complaints, maintaining attendance records and ensuring rules and regulations are enforced. Some attendants may also help promote facility activities and organize special events.

Qualifications

Most employers seek candidates with a high school diploma or GED. Some may also prefer at least one year's recreation, physical fitness or customer service experience. First-aid training and CPR/AED certification may be required. As this is a physical job, there are typically physical requirements that include the ability to set up equipment and lift at least 25 pounds.

Skills

There are also personal attributes employers may seek when hiring for this position. They include an outgoing personality, love of fitness, knowledge of a fitness facility and physiology, and the ability to communicate well and teach others.

Employment Settings

Fitness attendants are typically employed in fitness facilities at universities, recreational centers and health clubs. Fitness facilities are usually open long hours and on weekends, so attendants often work evening and weekend shifts. Many fitness attendants are part-time employees, and thus do not receive employee benefits other than free use of the facility.

Industry Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 267,000 fitness workers in the United States in 2012. Jobs for fitness workers in general are expected to increase by 14 percent between 2012 and 2022, a bit faster than the average of all occupations. This may be because of increased public awareness of the benefits of physical fitness.

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Employment and Labor Information 2023

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Employment Brief:

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.

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Trainers and Fitness Instructors.

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Responsibilities and Duties:

• Administer emergency first aid, wrap injuries, treat minor chronic disabilities, or refer injured persons to physicians.
• Massage body parts to relieve soreness, strains, and bruises.
• Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
• Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
• Provide students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues.
• Plan physical education programs to promote development of participants' physical attributes and social skills.
• Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.
• Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.
• Teach individual and team sports to participants through instruction and demonstration, using knowledge of sports techniques and of participants' physical capabilities.
• Advise clients about proper clothing and shoes.

Typical Daily Tasks of Trainers and Fitness Instructors:

• Performing General Physical Activities: Enforce rules or regulations.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public.
• Coaching and Developing Others.
• Training and Teaching Others: Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use. Teach exercise or fitness techniques. Teach health or hygiene practices.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Administer first aid. Administer therapeutic massages.
• Getting Information.
• Thinking Creatively: Develop educational or training programs.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work.

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Skills and Requirements:

• Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Management of Personnel Resources Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Troubleshooting Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Word ProcessingUsing a computer application to type text, insert pictures, format, edit, print, save, and retrieve word processing documents.
• Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Instructing Teaching others how to do something.

Trainers and Fitness Instructors Salary and Wages:

Average Salary: 58,450. Education: typical education requirements include High school diploma or equivalent.

Data from May 2023 courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.