IHRSA 2008 Employee Compensation & Benefits Study

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) surveys its members on a regular basis to assess the state of the profession.

The most recent survey, undertaken in 2008 and reflecting the views of 91 clubs who responded, included some interesting insights from a health career standpoint.

For example, when asked what qualities club operators look for when hiring staff for fitness/athletics departments, the participants responded as follows:

Friendly personality: 80.2%
Motivating: 75.8%
Takes initiative: 63.7%
Self-discipline: 56%
Inspiring: 52.8%
Organizational skills: 51.7%
Schedule flexibility: 49.5%*

*(multiple responses allowed; percentages refer to the percent of clubs responding)

Among fitness careers that require certification, participants noted the following:

Fitness director
Group exercise/aerobics director
Personal training director
Personal trainer
Specialty personal trainer
Fitness center personnel/instructor
Group exercise instructor
Pilates instructor
Yoga instructor

Among those positions, survey respondents reported that the top fitness certifications were:

Personal Trainer
First Aid/CPR
American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certifications
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certifications
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certifications

Among general fitness center personnel, however, the primary certifications are:

First Aid/CPR
ACE Certifications
ACSM Certifications
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certifications

Bottom line: If you’re considering a career in personal training and fitness, make sure you have all the certifications that add to your value as a potential employee—including CPR, AED and first aid courses offered online.