// Occupations and Workplaces

Personal Trainer

What does a personal trainer do? A personal trainer designs and leads individualized or group fitness programs to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals.

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// Requirements
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A personal trainer designs and leads individualized or group fitness programs to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals. Personal trainers can work in fitness facilities and gyms, private training facilities, rehabilitation and medical clinics, and with sports teams. They may also offer outdoor and mobile training or conduct fitness sessions virtually. Their main duties include:

  • duty Assessing clients' physical fitness levels and understanding their personal goals.
  • duty Developing customized exercise plans tailored to each client's needs.
  • duty Demonstrating and instructing clients on proper exercise techniques.
  • duty Monitoring clients' progress and adjusting programs as necessary.
  • duty Providing guidance on nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.
  • duty Ensuring a safe and effective workout environment.
  • duty Maintaining records of clients' progress and attendance.
  • duty Staying updated on the latest fitness trends and certifications.
  • ergonomic Pain or injury from physical overexertion due to demonstrating exercises or assisting clients, repetitive manual tasks, prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or working in awkward positions.
  • general Allergic reactions or contact dermatitis from cleaning products used on equipment.
  • psychosocial Stress from managing multiple clients and maintaining a busy schedule.
  • psychosocial Shift work or extended work days due to client availability.
  • safety Slips, trips, and falls.
  • psychosocial Workplace harassment or violence.
  • physical Exposure to loud music or noise.
  • general Dehydration or heat-related illnesses.
  • physical Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight if sessions are held outdoors.
  • general Exposure to communicable diseases.

To mitigate these risks, personal trainers should:

  • requirement Use proper lifting techniques and assist clients safely.
  • requirement Maintain personal hygiene and encourage clients to do the same.
  • requirement Engage in regular physical activity to stay fit and model healthy behaviours.
  • ppe Wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls.
  • requirement Stay hydrated and take regular breaks during sessions.
  • administrative Schedule appropriate breaks throughout the day. Maintain appropriate shift lengths.
  • ppe Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or masks, when necessary.
  • requirement Ensure all equipment is clean and well-maintained.
  • administrative Inspect equipment before use to make sure it is not damaged or defective.
  • requirement Stay informed about the latest health and safety guidelines in the fitness industry.
  • administrative Report all incidents of harassment or violence to management for follow-up.
  • administrative Participate in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and education.
  • requirement Review the safety data sheet (SDS) of the hazardous products used in the gym.
  • requirement Know the location of muster points and what to do in an emergency.
  • administrative Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
  • general Encourage clients to communicate any health concerns or injuries.
  • administrative Practice good housekeeping and keep areas clear of clutter.

Personal trainers may face unique mental health challenges, including: Personal trainers can support their clients’ mental health while maintaining professional and personal boundaries:

  • context Work-life imbalance due to irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, which can contribute to burnout.
  • context Emotional load of supporting clients’ concerns or mental health issues, including stress, body image concerns, and disordered eating.
  • context Pressure to maintain a certain physique and to "look the part" could lead to body image issues and unhealthy habits.
  • context Managing client results and motivation while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • context Job insecurity if working freelance or on commission.
  • context Recognize signs of disordered eating or body dysmorphia and encourage balanced, sustainable habits.
  • context Set emotional boundaries and avoid taking on the role of a counsellor or therapist.
  • context Refer clients to professionals when needed.
  • context Foster a positive and inclusive fitness environment.
  • context Encourage clients to set realistic goals and celebrate progress beyond weight loss.
  • administrative Follow safe work procedures and comply with all regulations.
  • requirement Understand your rights as a worker.
  • general Report any injury or illness immediately to the supervisor or manager.
  • administrative Report unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to the supervisor or manager.
  • administrative Know where the first aid equipment is located and follow first aid procedures.
  • requirement Participate in the health and safety committees or as a representative.
  • ppe Use personal protective equipment as required by the employer.
  • requirement Learn about chemical hazards, WHMIS, and SDSs, including consumer chemical products.
  • requirement Prioritize self-care and seek peer support.
  • requirement Know when and where to get professional support.
  • requirement Establish work-life balance.
  • administrative Know how to report a hazard and follow good housekeeping procedures.
  • requirement Fact sheet first published: 2025-03-27

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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries

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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
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Diseases, Disorders, Injuries Dermatitis, Irritant Contact
10 practices Open →

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Lifting, pushing, pulling

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Lifting, pushing, pulling MMH - General Practice
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Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

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Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)
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Noise

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Noise Noise - Basic Information
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Pandemics

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Pandemics Good Hygiene Practices - Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses
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Radiation

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Radiation Ultraviolet Radiation
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Shiftwork

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Shiftwork Extended Workday: Health and Safety Issues
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Shiftwork Rotational Shiftwork
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Sitting, standing, …

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Sitting, standing, … Working in a Standing Position - Basic Information
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Stress

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Stress Work-Life Balance
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Stress Workplace Stress – General
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WHMIS/GHS/SDS

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WHMIS/GHS/SDS WHMIS - Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Personal Trainer
HAS_ISSUE 12
HAS_REQUIREMENT 28
LINKS_TO 26
SOURCE_PAGE 1

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Fact sheets 23

PDFs 1

Section indexes 2