Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.
As businesses and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs is expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors. Some businesses may even decide to open their own onsite facility to decrease the need for their employees to travel for exercise.
As baby boomers age, they will be encouraged to remain active to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with aging. With the increasing number of older residents in nursing homes or residential care facilities and communities, jobs for fitness trainers and instructors are expected to arise from the need for workers in the fitness centers in these locations.
Other employment growth is likely to come from the continuing emphasis on exercise for young people to combat obesity and encourage healthy lifestyles. More young people and families are likely to join fitness institutions or commit to personal training programs.
Participation in yoga and Pilates is expected to continue to increase, driven partly by older adults who want low-impact forms of exercise and relief from arthritis and other ailments.
Job prospects should be best for workers with professional certification or increased levels of formal education in health or fitness.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition