Becoming a Personal Trainer in Hawaii
Have you ever considered becoming a certified personal trainer in Hawaii? These professional trainers work primarily in gyms and fitness centers, assisting people who want to improve their health and fitness levels. Those considering this career choice should possess good interpersonal skills and a lot of patience. Personal trainers often serve as coaches, motivators, and educators. They may also need good customer service and sales skills, to promote and sell the programs and services offered by their company or employer.
Requirements for Certified Personal Trainers in Hawaii
Certified personal trainers require a high school diploma or GED equivalent at minimum for most training programs. There are several choices of programs for pursuing certification, each with its own set of prerequisites, up to and including a master’s degree for at least one certification. Possible personal trainer certification programs to consider include:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers certification as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach and Medical Expertise Specialist.
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator or Certified Special Population Specialist.
- National Academy of Sports Medicine offers certification as a Personal Trainer Group Fitness Instructor or Nutrition Coach.
- National Federation of Personal Trainers offers certification as a Personal Trainer as well as opportunities for ongoing continuing education.
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offers certifications as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
Although there is no licensure in Hawaii for certified personal trainers, those who wish to pursue continuing education at a baccalaureate level as an exercise physiologist will need to be licensed prior to practicing.
Certified Personal Trainer Programs in Hawaii
Two colleges in Hawaii offer programs suitable for those wishing to pursue a career as a certified personal trainer or obtain a more advanced certification.
- University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. The program focuses on health and exercise-related science to provide students with knowledge of their own state of wellness and their ability to influence it, a skill they can bring to client interactions.
- Brigham Young University(BYU) in Laie offers a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science. Students will build on a base of general science courses with intensive courses in sports physiology, psychology and exercise sciences.
Working as a Personal Trainer in Hawaii
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have Hawaii-specific salary data for personal trainers; however, O-Net online reports a wide range of salaries for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors, from $21, 020 to $93, 540 per year.
In 2016, Hawaii was reported to have a total of 1,100 fitness and aerobics instructors, with a projected 1,240 employed in this field as of 2026 for a 12.7 percent projected growth rate. An estimated 210 new jobs open every year for this profession in Hawaii.
Employment for Certified Personal Trainers in Hawaii
There is a lot of potential for those wanting to pursue career advancement as a certified personal trainer, from educational to business opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the highest level of employment for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors in recreational industries, followed by civic and social organizations, schools and instructional organizations, local governments and other personal services. Although the majority is employed by fitness centers, personal trainers in Hawaii have great potential for business development, including both freelance personal training and gym ownership.
Potential employers in Hawaii include 24 Hour Fitness, Hilton, U.S. Army Medical Command, UFC Gym and The Salvation Army.