What career paths can be taken as a personal trainer?

Projected to grow by 15% according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal trainers can expect to work at gyms, fitness centers, and health clinics as a part of the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. They can choose to diversify or specialize in many skills based on their interest. They can also open their businesses after working in the fitness industry for a few years and establishing a good client base. Others can choose to go into the educational sector by working for certifying bodies and train other personal trainers.

How do I decide between certifications?

With numerous options and certifications to choose from, one can decide based on their specialization and budget. Organizations like NETA, ACE, NASM have a recertification period of two years. In contrast, ACSM and NSCA have a recertification period of three years to keep their students up-to-date with the current techniques and industry-specific scientific knowledge. The member and non-member certification fee also varies between organizations. Some have continuing education credits as well, which are required for recertification. More information on this can be found on the NCCA website.

Do I need a degree to be a personal trainer?

No. Being certified from reputed training institutions is sufficient to begin one’s career. If one eventually wants to advance to management and research positions, a bachelor’s degree in physical education, health science, or a related subject would be required. Specific organizations may also need a master’s degree for higher positions.

Personal Trainer Resume Examples - Templates, Skills & Writing Tips

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Table of contents

Personal trainer resume examples
Choose the best format for your personal trainer resume
How to write a personal trainer resume in 5 easy steps
Add a cover letter
Personal trainer resume — key takeaways

Create My Resume

As a personal trainer, you have the knowledge and skills to guide individuals toward their fitness goals and healthier lifestyles. Your expertise leaves clients feeling motivated and confident in their abilities.

But when it comes time to rejuvenate your resume, you feel like you need a coach of your own.

A perfect personal trainer resume will serve as your professional showcase, propelling you toward your dream role in the fitness industry. Let us show you how to create a winning application.

This guide will explain:

Leading personal training resume examples.
How to craft a compelling resume.
Selecting the ideal format and design.
Additional sections to improve your overall presentation.
The significance of cover letters for personal trainers.
Top takeaways to bring into your job search.

Need to polish your resume quickly? Dive into our Resume Builder. Choose a design that mirrors the skills of the fitness world and receive step-by-step guidance, supplemented by customizable text suggestions.

Personal trainer resume examples

Entry-level personal trainer resume example

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Why this is a great personal trainer resume sample

Expresses passion in the resume objective
The candidate wrote a compelling objective statement to highlight their enthusiasm for health and fitness, emphasizing their commitment to guiding clients toward their personal fitness goals. This marks them as an excellent fit for a personal trainer role.
Showcases a versatile skill set
Personal trainers need both technical and interpersonal skills. This resume proficiently encompasses a wide range of competencies, from exercise program design to understanding client physiology.
Uses a functional resume format
By going with a functional resume format, the candidate prominently features a Professional Skills section that details deep-rooted expertise in fitness training. Aggregating skills in this manner illustrates the candidate’s holistic and diverse expertise.

Experienced personal trainer resume example

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Why this is a great personal trainer resume sample

Emphasizes career progression
This personal trainer illuminates their extensive background by integrating it into a thorough work history section with a chronological resume format.
Details skills with measurable achievements
The candidate’s capabilities are reinforced by specifying exact numbers of clients trained, transformation stories or programs developed. This provides employers with a tangible view of their effectiveness.
Opt for a clear, easily understandable resume design
The candidate has chosen a neat and concise design, allowing potential employers to swiftly comprehend their qualifications and experience. This uncluttered layout ensures that their certifications and specialized trainings shine, highlighting their expertise in the fitness domain.

Choose the best format for your personal trainer resume

Think of your resume as a workout routine. It needs to be organized properly to have a maximum impact.

This is where your resume format comes in. Your resume format plays a critical role in narrating this journey. There are three primary formats, each one curated for a different phase in your career as a personal trainer:

Chronological resume format: Ideal for seasoned personal trainers, this format emphasizes work history. If you’ve been in the fitness realm for an extended period, this format allows you to highlight your skills within the context of each role you’ve taken on, starting with the most recent and working backward.
Functional resume format: If you’re branching into a different fitness specialty, like transitioning from general fitness coaching to specialized yoga instruction, this skills-focused format is perfect. It emphasizes your transferable skills, such as program design or client motivation, using multiple skill sections.
Combination resume format: For personal trainers at the midpoint of their careers, this format presents an equilibrium of skills and experience. It can also be utilized to target a higher position, emphasizing your training successes and leadership skills while also highlighting your professional journey.

After determining the best format, your next step is to choose an effective, eye-catching design.

Select a standout personal trainer resume template

Build Your Resume

As a personal trainer, commitment and motivation are top priorities. Your resume template should reflect these ideals.

Consider using a creative resume design that allows for vibrant colors or unique formatting to capture the energy of the fitness industry. Just be careful to avoid overly complex designs that might distract from your qualifications.

In most cases, opting for a simple resume is also a wise choice. Such a streamlined design exudes professionalism and emphasizes your qualifications and achievements, no matter what industry you work in.

Remember that hiring managers are busy and only have time to skim resumes. That’s why it’s so important for your resume to quickly and clearly convey your core skills, background and accolades with clear section titles, bullet points and ample white space to guide the reader’s focus.

Looking for a resume to download? Check out our Word resume templates or choose a Google Doc template.

Let’s begin crafting a resume that genuinely celebrates your expertise and accomplishments as a personal trainer.

How to write a personal trainer resume in 5 easy steps

STEP 1

Examine the job description

Job listings are a treasure trove of information, especially for personal trainers.

By reading the job descriptions, you can pinpoint the skills and areas of specialization — such as strength training, nutrition guidance or HIIT — that are in high demand in the fitness world. This also allows you to gauge exactly what gyms or health centers are seeking so that you can mold your resume accordingly.

Such tailoring is indispensable because many gyms and health institutions use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through applicants who don’t align with specific criteria. These criteria often revolve around specific keywords relating to expertise and qualifications.

An effectively framed personal trainer resume should be crafted to incorporate these keywords, signaling to employers that you possess the sought-after skills. If your resume omits these critical terms, it might be sidelined during the initial ATS evaluation.

To construct an ATS-friendly resume, make sure your wordings are in sync with the job posting. So, if the advertisement emphasizes competencies like “circuit training,” “dietary advice” and “sports rehabilitation,” include those exact phrases somewhere on your resume.

Infuse these keywords within your professional summary, skills set and employment history. Double-check your resume against the job details to confirm an impeccable alignment in phrasing, ensuring the ATS recognizes it.

You’ll sail through the ATS by weaving these pertinent terms from the job description into your resume — such as “strength conditioning” and “group classes.” This strategy amplifies the likelihood of your resume landing in front of an actual recruiter.

Now, gear up to craft your resume, and don’t worry — while it might seem daunting at first, with dedication and practice, this exercise will become as routine as planning a workout session.

STEP 2

Add a professional summary or career objective

The first section you should address is your resume profile. Resume profiles are offered in two variations — professional summaries and career objectives — and they are equally useful to personal trainers.

A professional summary provides a brief overview of your career path and is perfect for those with a steady journey in fitness. Personal trainers with notable achievements, such as increasing gym membership retention or pioneering unique workout programs, can utilize it to spotlight their milestones.

A career objective, on the other hand, can shed light on your career ambitions and aspirations. They’re particularly advantageous for newcomers to the field, like recent physical education graduates or those transitioning from related health sectors. They’re a great way to emphasize transferable skills and the unique abilities you bring to a workplace.

Let’s explore how each of these would be presented on a personal trainer’s resume.

Personal trainer professional summary example:

Seasoned personal trainer with over 10 years in the fitness industry, proficient in crafting tailored fitness plans for a diverse clientele. Demonstrated expertise in fostering physical transformations with an 85% client goal attainment rate. Lauded for excellent coaching skills and comprehensive knowledge of exercise physiology.

Personal trainer resume objective example:

Recent kinesiology graduate from the University of Texas, keen to apply understanding of biomechanics and nutrition in the personal trainer role at Fitness First. Passionate about guiding clients on their fitness journeys and helping them achieve their health and wellness targets.

STEP 3

Highlight your core fitness skills

As a personal trainer, you’ve honed a diverse range of skills — it’s crucial to feature them on your resume prominently. Your skills section should present a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal capacities.

Hard skills demonstrate your strengths in exercise regimen planning, biomechanics knowledge and nutrition guidance, while interpersonal or soft skills include your ability to motivate, communicate efficiently and build strong client rapport.

Below, we outline examples of skills that personal trainers commonly include on their resumes.

Hard and soft skills for a personal trainer resume

Hard skills

Exercise regimen design

Biomechanics understanding

Nutritional guidance

Equipment use and safety

Cardiovascular training

Strength training techniques

Soft skills

Motivation

Communication

Client rapport building

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Empathy and patience

Here’s an example of a comprehensive personal trainer skills section:

Proficient in designing personalized exercise regimens.
Knowledgeable in biomechanics and functional movements.
Effective communicator and motivator for a diverse clientele.
Adept in nutritional guidance to complement fitness goals.
Strong adaptability in tailoring sessions based on individual needs.
Experienced in using a variety of fitness equipment safely.

Pro Tip

Never neglect your computer skills. Although fitness is all about the body and being in the room with others, personal trainers still need to operate fitness-tracking software and apps. Whether it’s platforms for workout planning, nutritional trackers or client management systems, highlighting your tech savviness can provide you a distinct edge.

STEP 4

Create an impressive work history section

Your resume should reflect your expertise and accomplishments in the fitness industry. The most impactful way to showcase these achievements is by outlining your work experience on your resume.

List your roles in reverse-chronological order, using bullet points to highlight responsibilities and successes for each position.

Your full range of skills should shine throughout this section.

Finally, remember to incorporate action words. These terms can vividly convey your past triumphs and make your years of experience resonate.

Here’s an example of a detailed personal trainer work history entry:

Personal Trainer, Elite Fitness
Nashville, TN
March 2018 – Present

Designed and implemented over 100 personalized fitness plans, with 85% of clients reporting goal achievement within target timelines.
Collaborated with a team of 10 trainers, leading group sessions that boosted center membership by 15%.
Introduced nutrition seminars, contributing to a 20% increase in member engagement and participation.
Guided clients through injury recovery exercises, resulting in positive feedback and client retention.
Consistently stayed updated with the latest fitness trends and certifications, ensuring cutting-edge training techniques for clients.

Pro Tip

As illustrated, quantifying your achievements can validate your contributions. Using metrics demonstrates how you’ve effectively used your skills to make a tangible difference in your past roles.

STEP 5

Detail your qualifications and certifications

In the fitness industry, having the proper training and certification is essential to getting a job.

Start by adding education on your resume beginning with your most significant academic achievement, like a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or kinesiology. Next, highlight your most relevant certifications, such as the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) designation or any specialized fitness credentials.

How to present your education and certifications:

Education

Bachelor of Exercise Science
Pacific University, Los Angeles, CA

Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Advanced Certification in Nutritional Coaching
International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)

Optional sections for your personal trainer resume

Awards and recognition

Enhance your resume by listing noteworthy achievements and recognitions. These can illustrate your commitment to excellence in the fitness and health sector and underscore your proficiency in personal training.

How to list awards on your personal trainer resume:

Personal Trainer of the Year – September 2023

Awarded by the National Fitness Association for outstanding client transformation and satisfaction rates.

Best Fitness Blog Post – May 2020

Recognized by the Global Health and Fitness Journal for an influential article on home workout routines during lockdowns.

Professional affiliations

Highlighting your memberships in fitness-specific organizations can set you apart in the job market. These affiliations suggest your commitment to ongoing learning and show that you’re in tune with current industry practices and trends.

How to list professional affiliations on your personal trainer resume:

Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Active participant in the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) conventions and workshops.

Hobbies and interests

Your pursuits outside of work can provide a comprehensive view of your character. However, ensure they are relevant to your role as a personal trainer and can highlight transferable skills.

How to list interests and initiatives on your personal trainer resume:

Host wellness retreats focusing on holistic health.
Run a fitness blog offering nutrition and workout advice.
Mentor upcoming fitness enthusiasts and trainers.

Continued fitness education

Lifelong learning is essential. Highlight any supplementary courses, certifications or workshops you’ve attended to showcase your dedication to professional evolution.

How to list continuing education on your resume:

Advanced Strength Training Techniques, Global Fitness Academy
Workshop on Modern Fitness Technology, Health Tech Symposium
Online Course in Nutritional Science, Wellness Webinar Series

Community engagement

Participation in the community, especially in health and wellness programs, can be a valuable asset. It reflects your dedication to the community and your passion for promoting health outside of your regular training sessions.

How to list community involvement on your resume:

Offered free workout sessions at community health fairs.
Volunteered in programs promoting physical activity for children.
Organized a charity run event to raise funds for youth sports programs in underserved communities.

Add a cover letter

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER

In the competitive world of fitness and personal training, standing out from the crowd is key, especially when you’re aiming for those coveted senior roles or positions in elite fitness institutions.

While many personal trainer roles might not require a cover letter, a compelling cover letter can provide that extra edge, setting you apart from other qualified candidates for those sought-after positions.

Think of the cover letter as that extra set in a workout that pushes you past your limits. It gives you the opportunity to go beyond your resume, emphasizing unique skills, experiences and passions that might not be immediately apparent in your application.

Use your cover letter to share what inspired you to become a personal trainer, to elaborate on specific achievements with clients or to outline your long-term goals in the fitness industry. Maybe you want to emphasize the joy you get from seeing clients achieve their goals or the innovative training methods you’ve developed.

If you’re unsure about where to start, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter, and explore our range of successful cover letter examples to gain some inspiration.

For a professional look, choose a cover letter template to customize with our Cover Letter Builder. Find a style that aligns seamlessly with your resume design.

Remember, your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Expand on your experiences and let your passion for health and fitness take center stage. Dedication and a well-crafted cover letter will get you one step closer to landing that dream personal trainer position.

Personal trainer resume — key takeaways

Customize your resume for each position
Adapt your resume for every job, emphasizing personal training expertise and specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Represent a diverse skill set
Highlight your technical knowledge of fitness techniques and your ability to motivate and communicate with clients. Striking a balance between training expertise and interpersonal skills is key.
Showcase quantifiable results
Whenever possible, use metrics to underline your successes, such as the number of clients trained, improvement in client fitness levels or growth in retention and referrals.
Mention relevant certifications
Feature pertinent fitness certifications or accreditations, such as Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) or Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES).
Explain any specialty training or expertise
If you have specialized training in areas like rehabilitation, sports performance or nutrition, be sure to emphasize these, as they can set you apart from other trainers.
Include a persuasive cover letter for top-tier roles
In the fitness realm, genuine passion can be a game-changer. Make a strong case for yourself with a compelling cover letter that seamlessly aligns with your resume.

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

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