What Type of Job Can You Get at a Gym?

To work at a gym you don’t need to be a personal trainer. There is a big misconception that the only available job positions are for personal trainers. Yes, this is a popular and necessary job position at all gyms. However, if you’re not certified as a personal trainer and still want to work at a gym you can. Every gym has many positions to fill in order to operate effectively. In this article, we take a look at the different job opportunities available within a gym.

Gym Departments

It’s important to first understand just like most businesses a gym has different departments. These departments include managers and employees. Since there are various departments that gyms can be broken into there are many positions that need to be filled. The most common departments are:

• Front of house or front desk

• Personal training

• Group exercise

Front of house refers to the front desk and operations of the gym business. This includes front desk associates, membership sales, and even the managers. The personal training department includes trainers, fitness consultants, and managers. Larger gyms will sometimes have exercise physiologist and nutritionist positions as well.

Group exercise sometimes falls under the personal training department, though it is usually its own department. This department is commonly managed by the Assistant General Manager and a Lead Group Fitness Instructor. Positions include other group exercise instructors who are certified to lead large group classes, specifically certified Zumba, yoga, and group exercise instructors.

Job Positions at a Gym 

Let’s break down what each position entails. Some require certifications and experience while others require little to no gym background or certifications.

Front Desk

The front desk position at a gym is typically an entry level role. The person working at the front desk is usually the first point of contact for gym members and visitors. This requires excellent customer service skills. The duties of a front desk employee can include greeting members, checking in guests, answering phone calls, handling member inquiries, and maintaining cleanliness. 

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, along with basic computer skills. This employee interacts with members, staff, and sometimes vendors. They report to the operations manager or general manager. With experience and demonstrated competence, a front desk employee can advance to roles such as membership sales or assistant manager.

Membership Sales

A gym membership sales role requires an individual with strong sales and interpersonal skills. The primary responsibility is selling gym memberships to prospective members. This can involve conducting facility tours, explaining membership benefits, and negotiating contracts. They may also handle member cancellations or changes to membership plans. 

Most gym sales roles require a high school diploma or equivalent. Also some sales or customer service experience. They interact primarily with prospective and current members and report to the sales manager or general manager. Career advancement can include roles in sales management or general management.

Assistant General Manager

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is a mid-level management position that assists the General Manager in the overall operation of the gym. The AGM will oversee staff scheduling, member relations, facility cleanliness, and even sales efforts. This role usually requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, fitness, or a related field. 

The AGM interacts with all gym staff, members, and sometimes vendors or corporate representatives. They report directly to the General Manager. With experience and success in the role, the AGM can advance to a General Manager position.

General Manager or Operations Manager

The General Manager (GM) or Operations Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the gym. This includes overseeing staff, managing budgets, dealing with maintenance issues, and ensuring high-quality customer service. The GM interacts with all staff, members, and corporate representatives, and usually requires a degree in business or a related field. Some gyms may also prefer several years of management experience.

They report to the gym owner or a regional manager if the gym is part of a larger franchise. By demonstrating competence and success, a GM can move into higher-level roles within a larger organization, such as regional or area manager.

Learn more: Gym Manager Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer works one-on-one with members to help them achieve their fitness goals. This can involve creating customized workout plans, teaching proper exercise techniques, and providing motivation. Personal trainers need to be certified through a recognized organization.

They interact with clients and sometimes other fitness professionals, and they generally report to a Personal Training Manager or GM. A personal trainer can advance their fitness career by specializing in certain types of training, working with specific populations, or moving into management. For example, a strength and conditioning specialization can help a trainer work more with performance based clients and athletes. 

If you want to become a personal trainer make sure you know which certifications gyms accept. 

Group Fitness Instructor

A group fitness instructor leads exercise classes for groups of members. They plan and choreograph workouts, instruct participants on correct form, and provide motivation. Group fitness instructors need to have a certification in their specific class type. These include yoga, cycling, and Zumba. 

They interact with class participants and other fitness staff, and they typically report to a Group Fitness Manager or GM. Instructors can advance by becoming popular with members, which can lead to opportunities to teach more classes or at larger venues. They can also move into fitness management roles. Learn the best practices for teaching group fitness classes. 

Nutritionist

A nutritionist (or nutrition coach) at a gym provides dietary and nutritional advice to members. They create personalized meal plans, educate members about healthy eating, and monitor their progress. Nutritionists usually require a degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, and many are Registered Dietitians. 

They interact with clients, other fitness professionals, and sometimes healthcare providers. Nutritionists often report to a wellness director or GM. They can advance their careers by obtaining further education or certifications, specializing in specific areas of nutrition, or moving into management.

Exercise Physiologist

An Exercise Physiologist uses their understanding of the human body and its response to exercise to develop fitness and rehabilitation programs. They may work with members who have chronic diseases or injuries, or those who want to improve their athletic performance. 

This role requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Exercise Physiologists interact with clients, healthcare providers, and fitness staff. They typically report to a wellness director or GM. Career advancement can come through specializing in specific areas, further education, or moving into research, teaching, or management roles.

Fitness Consultant

A fitness consultant provides advice and guidance to members about their overall fitness program. They can help members set and reach goals, and advise on the use of equipment and fitness techniques. A related degree or certification, along with fitness industry experience, is typically required. Fitness consultants interact with members, sales staff, and fitness professionals. They usually report to a fitness director or GM. Advancement can include moving into personal training, management, or specialized consulting roles.

Personal Training Manager or Fitness Director

A Personal Training Manager oversees the team of personal trainers at a gym. They hire, train, and manage trainers, and may also handle scheduling, payroll, and performance monitoring. A bachelor's degree in a fitness-related field and personal training certification are usually required, along with management experience. 

Personal Training Managers interact with trainers, members, and other gym management personnel. They report to a GM or regional manager. They can advance by moving into higher levels of management or by transitioning into corporate roles in larger fitness organizations. 

Not quite ready to be a personal trainer manager but want to get a job as a trainer? Check out this article on how to break into the fitness industry with no experience. 

If you want to grow within your gym and advance your gym job, you can. You can become a Certified Personal Trainer with ISSA. Become the expert in your gym and the resource for members. Earn the credential that proves you can help them get results.