The duties of a personal trainer in New York range from demonstrating and explaining exercises and routines to monitoring progress, adapting programs, and enforcing safety rules. Of course, before they can be considered fully-fledged personal trainers in the state, interested individuals must meet a few requirements.
The purpose of the resources on this page is to introduce aspiring personal trainers in New York to all of these considerations. To this end, we break down the educational possibilities, basic preparatory steps, certification approaches, and top programs.
We also analyze annual average salary possibilities and career outlook for this profession over the coming decades.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in New York
The following are the steps needed to become a personal trainer in New York.
Educational Background
Educational background is key for prospective personal trainers in New York. It gives them an edge over the competition or at least helps them attain the same level as those who are already successful.
Candidates may complete an associate degree program in physical education to start their careers. Some, however, go even further by acquiring a bachelor’s degree after four years of education.
They may do so in several specific areas, including biology, exercise science, exercise physiology, nutrition, human physiology, and sports medicine.
Choosing a Reputable Certification Organization
Certification as a personal trainer can establish a candidate as a veritable expert in their field. However, for it to be valid, certification must come from a reputable organization.
In the next section, we analyze some of the top certifying agencies for personal trainers in New York and discuss the steps and requirements each agency specifies for fresh candidates.
Essential Skills
Along with their essential technical skills and knowledge of physical fitness, personal trainers need soft and transferable skills to appeal to clients. These include patience, communication, problem-solving, fitness and stamina, and customer service, among others.
Specialization & Continuing Education
A personal trainer can specialize in a particular area in order to boost their chance of career success. It is easier to establish oneself as an authority in a particular niche as opposed to focusing on broad subjects.
Possible specialty options include bodybuilding, senior fitness, and postnatal fitness.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certification is an excellent way for personal trainers in New York to acquire credibility and make it easier for them to secure job placement and career growth opportunities. As a new personal trainer in the state, consider several possible credentials and credentialing organizations.
One of the most prominent is the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which offers certification for several specialty areas, including general fitness and nutrition. We also have the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Candidates must naturally complete a training program and pass relevant examinations to become certified. They must also continue to improve via continuing education to maintain their credentials.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in New York
All of the schools below offer excellent personal training education in New York.
Focus Personal Training Institute
New York, NY Campus + Online
Focus Personal Training Institute offers a personal training program that stands out due to its hands-on approach to education. Students train in a state-of-the-art studio under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(877) 496-2333
admissions@fpti.edu
SUNY Erie
Williamsville, NY Campus + Online
At SUNY Erie in Buffalo, the personal training micro-credential program allows candidates to earn certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Tuition
$217 - $434 per CreditContact
(716) 851-1322
admissions@ecc.edu
Queensborough Community College
Bayside, NY Campus Only
Queensborough Community College boasts a liberal arts program with a concentration in personal training. This program provides students with an associate degree that prepares them for certification and the workforce.
Tuition
$210 - $420 per CreditContact
(718) 281-5068
jdemas@qcc.cuny.edu
Explore personal trainer schools in New York by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Geneva is the most favorable destination for working as a personal trainer in New York State, with an average annual salary of $58,795. Other notable destinations for personal trainers within the state are New York, with an annual average salary of $57,363; Brooklyn, with an annual average salary of $56,454; and Staten Island, with an annual average salary of $54,794.
Along with their specific location and experience level, a personal trainer’s approach to marketing and branding and professional network will also influence how much they take home at the end of each year.
On a general note, personal trainers in New York make an annual average salary of $92,812 in the top category, $26,756 in the lower category, and $49,832 in the middle category.