4 Different Types of Fitness Instructors You Need to Know

A lot of people find it difficult to motivate themselves when they’re at the gym alone or trying to work out at home.


However, you can get a major boost by hiring a fitness instructor to help you reach your goals.


Still, there are a lot of different types of instructors out there, and working with the right one is crucial.


Let’s take a look at the different types of trainers and experts you can hire, and which one might be right for you depending on your fitness level and goals.


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First up is personal trainers.


Personal trainers are the most famous fitness instructors out there, and their main job is to set you up with and guide you through your workouts.


They may start by asking you about your goals, and helping you define them if you don’t have any. It may be to lose a certain amount of weight, gain endurance, or pack on muscle.


From there, they’ll develop fitness regimens so that the exercises you’re doing actively help you reach your goals. You’ll work out with your trainer sometimes, but you’ll also be expected to follow the program on your own.


Personal trainers are great for anyone who needs accountability and simply doesn’t know where to start with their workouts. Studies show that you’ll miss fewer sessions and get better results when working out with a trainer versus going it alone.


Look for a personal trainer with a degree in physiology, plus an accreditation from ACE, NPTI, ISSA, NASM, or another accredited institution.


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Next, let’s talk about group fitness instructors.


If you need help getting started on your fitness journey and can’t afford the expense of a private trainer, look into group fitness classes.


Classes are a lot more affordable than one-on-one training, plus you can choose an activity that interests you like spin, yoga, Pilates, and more.


Similar to personal trainers, group instructors may need accreditation from ACE, NPTI, ISSA, or NASM, or at least a ton of expertise in their chosen discipline. For example, yoga teachers don’t need personal training certifications but they do undergo intensive training to receive a teaching certificate.


Group instructors are great for making your workouts fun, keeping you motivated, and ensuring you put in the right amount of effort during class.


Depending on the class, you might get some basic form pointers, but don’t expect a lot of one-on-one instruction in a group fitness class. Plus, group instructors won’t be calling to check up on you if you don’t show up for a class, so the accountability is up to you. Finally, they won’t ensure that you’re supplementing your workouts outside of class and aren’t going to be able to tailor the workouts specifically to your goals.


However, if you’re on a budget and just can’t seem to make it to the gym regularly on your own, you might do better in a group fitness environment with an energetic instructor.


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If your primary goal is weight loss, and not fitness specifically, you might want to look into a Wellness Coach.


A personal trainer mostly focuses on what you do at the gym.


A wellness coach, however, takes a comprehensive approach to your health, looking at every facet of your daily routine from what you eat, to how you exercise, and provides pointers to help you make long-term lifestyle changes.


A lot of people don’t realize that personal trainers can give some basic diet tips, but aren’t typically qualified to draft a whole nutrition plan for you. A wellness coach may have more experience in this area.


A four year degree in nutrition, psychology, fitness, nursing, or healthcare is a good sign for a health and wellness coach. You may also want to see accreditations from ACE and other organizations.


Your wellness coach won’t typically lead you through workouts, but they’ll give you homework assignments to complete when you’re on your own, plus plenty of coaching and support along the way. If weight loss is your goal, they won’t necessarily coach you to a rippling six pack, but they’ll help you develop a healthier body and better self-image.


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Finally, let’s talk about nutritionists — the people most qualified to guide you toward healthier eating habits.


Maybe you’re not really looking for an exercise program or to lose weight. You just want to eat healthier, or address specific medical concern through your diet, but you’re not sure where to start.


A good nutritionist should be certified through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. To achieve that, they need a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year university with coursework that includes nutrition and science requirements.


Watch out for any nutritionists that try to sell you on fad diets like Keto, low carb, Paleo, and so on. The right diet should be personalized for you, your own health concerns, and your goals.


Cleaning up your diet, your food quality, and your relationship with food can have plenty of other positive health impacts beyond weight loss.