The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) surveys its members on a regular basis to assess the state of the profession.
The most recent survey, undertaken in 2008 and reflecting the views of 91 clubs who responded, included some interesting insights from a health career standpoint.
For example, when asked what qualities club operators look for when hiring staff for fitness/athletics departments, the participants responded as follows:
- Friendly personality: 80.2%
- Motivating: 75.8%
- Takes initiative: 63.7%
- Self-discipline: 56%
- Inspiring: 52.8%
- Organizational skills: 51.7%
- Schedule flexibility: 49.5%*
*(multiple responses allowed; percentages refer to the percent of clubs responding)
Among fitness careers that require certification, participants noted the following:
- Fitness director
- Group exercise/aerobics director
- Personal training director
- Personal trainer
- Specialty personal trainer
- Fitness center personnel/instructor
- Group exercise instructor
- Pilates instructor
- Yoga instructor
Among those positions, survey respondents reported that the top fitness certifications were:
- Personal Trainer
- First Aid/CPR
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certifications
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certifications
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certifications
Among general fitness center personnel, however, the primary certifications are:
- First Aid/CPR
- ACE Certifications
- ACSM Certifications
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certifications
Bottom line: If you’re considering a career in personal training and fitness, make sure you have all the certifications that add to your value as a potential employee—including CPR, AED and first aid courses offered online.