Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercises (exercises for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.

Fitness trainers and instructors held about 279,100 jobs in 2014. They work in facilities such as health clubs, fitness or recreation centers, gyms, and yoga and Pilates studios.

The education and training required for fitness trainers and instructors varies by type of specialty, and employers often hire those with certification.

Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors.

This occupation supported 267,000 jobs in 2012 and 279,100 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 4.5%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 12.5% in 2022 to 300,500 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 273,700, compared with an observed value of 279,100, 2.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 8.8% in 2024 to 302,500 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 307,200 jobs for 2024, 1.6% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.