EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 29% over the 2008-2018 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations."

benefits of exercise fuel greater demand for personal trainers
The BLS attributes this rapid growth in employment opportunity to an increasing awareness of the health benefits of regular exercise, which means people spend more time and money on fitness, and companies offer fitness services to their employees.

Other factors that will contribute to a solid future for personal trainers include:

aging baby boomers

This is a group that is becoming increasingly concerned with staying healthy and physically fit and will make up a significant portion of personal training clients.

rising obesity rates, especially amongst children

As schools cut back on physical education programs and concerns for childhood obesity soar, parents are beginning to invest in fitness programs for their children. Youth fitness centers are a growing area of potential employment for personal trainers.

the link between fitness, obesity and disease

Studies after studies are released every year showing the inarguable correlation between rising obesity rates and increased incidence of disease, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Physical activity has been proven to play a powerful role in disease prevention.

higher standards for fitness services

As health clubs strive to offer more personalized services to keep their members motivated, and as consumers become more and more information savvy, the demand for higher-level fitness expertise is expected to increase.

and employment opportunities are even better for trainers with degrees in fitness-related subjects
For today and tomorrow, the focus is on preventative healthcare. With more serious objectives for fitness on the rise, there is significant need for educated fitness professionals. As BLS findings show, trainers "with degrees in fitness-related subjects will have better opportunities because clients prefer to work with people they perceive as higher quality trainers." In addition, "trainers who incorporate new technology and wellness issues as part of their services may be in more demand."

While most occupations are experiencing a decline in employment, the future is looking bright for personal trainers. Demand is "expected to remain strong in health clubs, fitness facilities, and other settings," and job opportunities will continue to expand.

Fitness Statistics BACK TO TOP

the facts that support BLS employment predictions
Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) underpin BLS's optimistic findings.

CDC National Fitness Statistics

• 65% of adults in the US are either overweight or obese -
  that's the majority
• 17% of children in the US are obese (compared to 5% in 1980)
• over $147 billion is spent each year on obesity-related medical expenses in the US
• #1 cause of death in the US is cardiovascular disease
• over 50% less risk of death from cardiovascular disease attributed to being fit
• Nine examples of serious health conditions linked to obesity are:

• Two positive modifiers most recommended for disease
  prevention are 1. exercise and 2. nutrition

WHO Global Fitness Statistics

• 1.6 billion adults worldwide were overweight in 2005.
• 2.3 billion adults worldwide are expected to be overweight by 2015.
• Over 20 million children worldwide were overweight in 2005.