The future is absolutely bright for the personal training profession. In the state of Michigan, as well as across the country, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 14% increase in employment rate and hundreds of thousands of job openings in the coming 10 years.
Readers of the page who are aspiring personal trainers in Michigan will be able to start their careers confidently, having identified every major consideration to keep in mind. They will find out what to expect concerning their educational strategy, certification options, and top training programs.
They will also discover how much they can look forward to at the end of the year and what factors they can optimize to improve their average returns.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Michigan
Below is the most prominent approach to launching a fitness Training career in Michigan.
Developing a Strong Educational Background
Prospective personal trainers may consider obtaining a degree in several related fields to develop a strong educational background that will help them stand out when it comes to landing clients.
Some popular approaches include completing 2-year associate degree programs in fitness and health or health science.
Those who would like to spend longer in school may consider bachelor’s degree programs in kinesiology, exercise psychology, exercise science, nutrition, and sports medicine.
Personal Training Certification
Certification as a personal trainer sets candidates apart and is essential for practicing professionally. Several considerations must be made when choosing a certification organization, including credibility, reputation, and specialty objectives.
In the next section, we will discuss personal training certification for candidates in Michigan.
Networking and Professional Credibility
Networking is key as a personal trainer, not only because it helps candidates understand trends and relate with fellow professionals, but also because it helps them build a solid customer base. Referrals are also essential, as most new customers typically come from existing ones.
A personal trainer in Michigan can work as an independent agent or as part of an existing fitness center. Regardless of their approach, candidates must also continue to improve themselves through continuing education to build more credibility.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Personal trainers in Michigan who would like to choose a reputable and well-recognized certifying organization for their professional credentials have many options. One of them is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which offers an amazing certification with general applicability.
For candidates looking for a niche and specialized certification, the National Strength and Conditioning Association offers several credentials that focus entirely on strength and conditioning, which is perfect for working with athletes. Those who would like to focus on research and clinical environments may go for the credentials offered by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Of course, proper education and passing scores in certification examinations are needed to become certified officially.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Michigan
Below are the top places to study as an aspiring fitness trainer in Michigan.
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI Campus Only
Macomb Community College offers a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer program that covers essential areas such as biomechanics, equipment usage, health assessment, and exercise physiology.
Tuition
$113 - $270 per CreditContact
(586) 226-4807
healthcareers@macomb.edu
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI Campus + Online
Central Michigan University offers an online Certified Personal Trainer program focused on NASM certification, including a voucher for the certification exam.
Tuition
$1,295 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
rick.ferkel@cmich.edu
Washtenaw Community College
Online, MI Online Only
Washtenaw Community College offers an in-person Certified Personal Training program that spans 15 hours of instruction.
Tuition
$3,995 per ProgramContact
(734) 973-3300
info@wccnet.edu
Explore personal trainer schools in Michigan by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Fitness trainers in Michigan can increase their yearly earnings by improving their networking skills, marketing strategy, and location, among other things. Of course, professionals who have spent longer on the job have better chances of optimizing these factors and thus earning a figure above the state average.
Generally, those who fall into the average category will still be able to make an annual salary of around $39,309. Those who have optimized relevant factors can earn as much as $80,089 in the top 10 category.
For professionals who have to start in the bottom 10% category, the annual average salary to expect is around $19,294.
As for top locations within the state, East Lansing and Commerce are where fitness trainers get paid the most in Michigan, with figures of around $54,690 and $51,629, respectively. Those who work in Detroit are also well-rewarded, with an annual average salary of $47,782.