As a personal trainer, you may struggle with effectively showcasing your range of certifications and specialized fitness expertise on your resume. Our guide will provide you with targeted strategies to highlight your qualifications and experience, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers in the fitness industry.
- Get inspired from our personal trainer resume samples with industry-leading skills, certifications, and more.
- Show how you can impact the organization with your resume summary and experience.
- Introducing your unique personal trainer expertise with a focus on tangible results and achievements.
If the personal trainer resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:
Is there a correct way to format your personal trainer resume?
This is a tricky question. While skimming over your resume, recruiters will be looking at your experience and the message your profile conveys. That's why your resume format needs to be clear and concise, serving to supplement and organize your experience. Professional best practices point that the best personal trainer resumes:
- Follow the reverse chronological order, where the most recent experience items are presented first . This is to keep your expertise succinct and to show recruiters your career growth over the years;
- Have a clearly defined header that includes all relevant contact information and a portfolio or a LinkedIn link. In some countries, it is acceptable to include a professional photo , so that your application is more memorable;
- Feature the most important personal trainer resume sections towards the top, e.g. summary, skills, and experience. That way, recruiters can immediately find information that is relevant to the role;
- Take up no more than two pages - and two pages are the exception for more experienced professionals. Keep your expertise to the point and use your personal trainer resume real estate wisely .
- Selecting modern, yet simple fonts, e.g. Rubik, Lato, etc., would help your application stand out;
- Many candidates stick with the tried-and-tested Arial or Times New Roman, but you'd want your personal trainer resume to be a bit more unique;
- The ATS can read all serif and sans-serif fonts, so you should avoid fancy, formal script (or cursive) fonts.
Upload & Check Your Resume
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
The key to your personal trainer job-winning resume - present your expertise with these sections:
- A header to make your resume more scannable
- Snapshot of who you are as a professional with your resume soft skills, achievements, and summary or objective
- Job advert keywords in the skills section of your resume
- Resume experience quantifying your past job successes with metrics
- A relevant education, certification, and technical sills section to provide background to your technological/software capabilities
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Certifications relevant to personal training (e.g., NASM, ACE, CSCS)
- Experience with diverse training methods and fitness programs
- Proven ability to develop and implement personalized training plans based on individual client goals
- Strong knowledge of nutrition and its role in fitness and wellness
- Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills to encourage clients to reach their fitness goals
Five dos for building your personal trainer resume experience section
The best strategic approach to your personal trainer resume experience section is to support your particular responsibilities with actions and achievements.
For example, you could list:
- Up to six responsibilities in your day-to-day work, supported by why they're important for your role, department, or organization;
- Experience items that have helped you sustain and enhance your technical knowledge within the field, or, perhaps, have helped you grow as a professional;
- Any metrics that pinpoint your success within your past roles;
- How you've solved specific problems in your day-to-day work;
- Strategies and solutions you've implemented for growth - and how that growth was measured.
The personal trainer resume experience is your best shot at making a good first impression on recruiters. That's why we've included some real-world professional examples to get you thinking about how you present your experience:
- Designed and implemented individualized fitness programs that increased client retention by 30% year-over-year.
- Successfully coached and prepared a client for a triathlon, contributing to their top 10 finish in their age group.
- Incorporated nutrition counseling as part of the training program, seeing an average fat loss of 5% across clientele.
- Developed a targeted strength and conditioning program that helped athletes improve performance by an average of 20%.
- Conducted innovative group fitness classes incorporating HIIT and pilates, which expanded class size by 40%.
- Implemented a successful referral system, growing the client base by 25% within the first year.
- Introduced a comprehensive body transformation challenge at the gym, resulting in a 15% increase in new memberships.
- Customized rehabilitation exercises for post-injury clients, facilitating a 90% recovery rate back to their original fitness levels.
- Led a wellness initiative that collaborated with local businesses to promote community health and wellness.
- Orchestrated and marketed a fitness boot camp series, which became the most attended program with an average of 50 participants per session.
- Improved client fitness assessment methods, resulting in a more personalized training approach and a 35% increase in client satisfaction rates.
- Secured 5 corporate contracts for on-site employee training programs, each generating a recurring monthly revenue.
- Launched a successful online coaching platform that allowed for remote personal training, garnering an additional 100+ virtual clients.
- Integrated advanced biofeedback techniques into client sessions, enhancing workout effectiveness and client engagement.
- Led a seminar series on the importance of functional movement, which educated over 200 participants on injury prevention and proper technique.
- Revamped the gym's youth fitness program, leading to a 50% increase in enrollment and positive parental feedback.
- Collaborated with physiotherapists to design post-operative client workouts, ensuring a seamless transition from rehabilitation to general fitness.
- Spearheaded the integration of wearable fitness technology that improved the tracking of client progress and workout intensity.
- Provided high-intensity interval training for a corporate client, which improved employee productivity and decreased health-related absences by 15%.
- Achieved a record-setting retention rate of 85% through customized workout regimens and outstanding client service.
- Initiated a cross-promotion with a local nutrition shop, driving a 20% increase in sales of recommended supplements.
- Developed and executed a digital fitness campaign that attracted over 500 new online subscribers within the first three months.
- Organized a successful community fitness event that engaged over 20 local businesses as sponsors and raised $10,000 for health education.
- Managed a team of junior trainers, providing mentorship and training that enhanced the overall quality of services offered.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Quantify the number of clients trained per week to demonstrate your ability to manage a high volume of work.
- Include the percentage increase in client retention rate to highlight your effectiveness in maintaining client relationships.
- List the average percentage of clients who achieved their fitness goals under your guidance to showcase your success rate.
- Mention the total number of personalized fitness plans developed to show your expertise in creating tailored programs.
- Describe the growth in clientele due to referrals to exhibit your reputation and networking skills.
- Specify the amount of revenue generated from upselling services and products to underscore your sales abilities.
- Document the average improvement in clients' physical performance metrics to validate your training effectiveness.
- Present the number of professional development workshops or certifications completed to affirm your commitment to ongoing education.
Action verbs for your personal trainer resume
What to do if you don't have any experience
It's quite often that candidates without relevant work experience apply for a more entry-level role - and they end up getting hired.
Candidate resumes without experience have these four elements in common:
- Instead of listing their experience in reverse-chronological format (starting with the latest), they've selected a functional-skill-based format. In that way, personal trainer resumes become more focused on strengths and skills
- Transferrable skills - or ones obtained thanks to work and life experience - have become the core of the resume
- Within the objective, you'd find career achievements, the reason behind the application, and the unique value the candidate brings about to the specific role
- Candidate skills are selected to cover basic requirements, but also show any niche expertise.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.
Featuring your hard skills and soft skills on your personal trainer resume
The skills section of your personal trainer resume needs to your various capabilities that align with the job requirements. List hard skills (or technical skills) to showcase to potential employers that you're perfectly apt at dealing with technological innovations and niche software. Meanwhile, your soft skills need to detail how you'd thrive within your new, potential environment with personal skills (e.g. resilience, negotiation, organization, etc.) Your personal trainer resume skills section needs to include both types of skills to promote how you're both technical and cultural fit. Here's how to create your bespoke personal trainer skills section to help you stand out:
- Focus on skill requirements that are listed toward the top of the job advert.
- Include niche skills that you've worked hard to obtain.
- Select specific soft skills that match the company (or the department) culture.
- Cover some of the basic job requirements by including important skills for the personal trainer role - ones you haven't been able to list through the rest of your resume.
Get inspired with our personal trainer sample skill list to list some of the most prominent hard and soft skills across the field.
Top skills for your personal trainer resume:
Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge
Exercise Physiology
Nutrition Principles
Fitness Assessment Capability
Strength Training Program Design
Cardiovascular Training Program Design
Flexibility Training Techniques
Rehabilitation Knowledge
First Aid and CPR Certification
Fitness Equipment Operation
Communication Skills
Empathy
Motivational Skills
Patience
Listening Skills
Leadership
Adaptability
Organization
Problem-Solving Ability
Time Management
PRO TIP
Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your personal trainer resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
Listing your education and certifications on your personal trainer resume
Don't underestimate the importance of your resume education section . As it may hint at various skills (and experience) that are relevant to the job. When writing your education section:
- Include only higher education degrees with information about the institution and start/end dates
- If you're in the process of obtaining your degree, include your expected graduation date
- Consider leaving off degrees that aren't relevant to the job or industry
- Write a description of your education if it presents you with an opportunity to further showcase your achievements in a more research-focused environment
When describing your certifications on your resume, always consider their relevancy to the role. Use the same format to describe them as you would for your education. If you're wondering what the best certificates out there are for personal trainer roles, check out the list below.
The top 5 certifications for your personal trainer resume:
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) - International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- Personal Trainer Certification (PFT) - National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
PRO TIP
List your educational qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order.
Recommended reads:
Deciding between a resume summary or objective for your personal trainer role
Understanding the distinction between a resume summary and an objective is crucial for your personal trainer resume.
A resume summary, typically three to five sentences long, offers a concise overview of your career. This is the place to showcase your most pertinent experience, key accomplishments, and skills. It's particularly well-suited for those with professional experience relevant to the job requirements.
In contrast, a resume objective focuses on how you can add value to potential employers. It addresses why they should hire you and outlines your career expectations and learning goals. Therefore, it's ideal for candidates with less experience.
In the following section of our guide, explore how resume summaries and objectives differ through some exemplary industry-specific examples.
Resume summaries for a personal trainer job
- Highly experienced personal trainer with over 10 years of hands-on experience specializing in strength training and nutritional planning. Possesses a proven track record of helping clients achieve substantial weight loss, exemplified by supervising a client who successfully shed over 50 pounds. Certified in both NASM and ACE, eager to leverage extensive expertise to foster a robust wellness program.
- Dedicated fitness professional with 8 years of delivering personalized workout routines and wellness strategies. Boasting a strong background in rehabilitative exercise programs, having pioneered a unique recovery regimen that has become a staple in local sports clubs. Holding a Master Trainer certification and well-versed in cutting-edge fitness technology.
- Former military sergeant with an exceptional 12-year tenure transitioning to a career as a fitness trainer. Brings extensive leadership experience, a strong ethic of discipline and teamwork, and advanced physical training techniques acquired while serving. Keen to apply military-grade fitness and discipline practices to clients seeking transformative health and wellness results.
- Accomplished sales manager with over 15 years in client relations pivoting to a fitness career fueled by a lifelong passion for health and wellness. Combines exceptional motivational skills and sales expertise to inspire individuals towards peak physical performance. Adept in creating personalized sales strategies, poised to transfer such tailored approaches to fitness regimens for diverse client needs.
- Eager to begin a fulfilling career as a personal trainer, having recently earned a certification from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Driven by a personal journey of overcoming obesity through lifestyle changes and exercise, aims to guide others on a similar path to health and confidence. Committed to remaining abreast of the latest fitness trends and techniques to provide effective client support.
- Dynamic new entrant to the fitness industry, holding a recent BSc in Exercise Science and a fresh certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Focused on utilizing academic knowledge and a zest for health and fitness to assist clients in meeting their personal goals. Passionate about creating innovative exercise plans and fostering a positive impact on individuals’ well-being.
Extra sections to include in your personal trainer resume
What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role? Add to your personal trainer resume some of these personal and professional sections:
- Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
- Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
- Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
- Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/international) community.
Key takeaways
- Invest in a concise personal trainer professional presentation with key resume sections (e.g. header, experience, summary) and a simple layout;
- Ensure that the details you decide to include in your resume are always relevant to the job, as you have limited space;
- Back up your achievements with the hard and soft skills they've helped you build;
- Your experience could help you either pinpoint your professional growth or focus on your niche expertise in the industry;
- Curate the most sought-after certifications across the industry for credibility and to prove your involvement in the field.
Personal Trainer resume examples
Explore additional personal trainer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Personal Trainer
By Role
Fitness Trainer
The Fitness Trainer profession evolved from the broad field of health and wellness. Hence, staying in tune with health and wellness trends can influence your success as a fitness trainer.
Here are some tips to make your application for a Fitness Trainer position more successful:
- Emphasize your proficiency in different workout regimens. Be it Yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, or HIIT, fitness approaches continue to expand. Detail your experience and certifications in these areas in your resume.
- Showcase your knowledge of holistic health. Nutrition and mental wellbeing are also part of a fitness trainer's job. Detail how you've guided clients in these areas.
- Don't just list your certifications. Use the 'skill-action-results' pattern. Demonstrate instances where your skills resulted in improved client health, for example, 'helped client lose weight...', or 'guided client to run their first marathon...'.
- Highlight your interpersonal skills. Fitness trainers must motivate and understand their clients. Show how your communication skills have led to customer satisfaction and results.
