The Growing Demand for Certified Personal Trainers in Alberta

More and more people are focusing on their health and fitness these days, and many are looking for personalized plans to help them reach their goals. That’s where personal trainers come in. From Calgary to Edmonton and across Alberta and Canada, fitness buffs look to personal trainers for customized training programs and one-on-one guidance.

Personal Trainer Certification in Canada

There are many options for personal training certifications in Canada to choose from. The three most common certification programs are ACE, CSEP-CPT and NSCA-CPT. Depending on the type of personal training you want to focus on, one certification may be a better fit than another. 

Personal trainer training programs can vary, and it’s important to choose one that fits your career plans. Some programs have more emphasis on anatomy and exercise science while others are more tailored for athletic performance training.

Where you plan to work could also be a factor. ACE, for example, is an American certification, although it is also widely accepted in Canada as well. If you want the option to work abroad, this certification may be a good fit for you.

As the demand for certified personal trainers continues to grow, completing a well-regarded certification can help you stand out to both employers and clients.

Personal Trainer Careers

When you think of personal trainers, you may only picture someone working at a gym or offering private sessions. But there are many other career opportunities for people with a personal trainer certification in Canada, especially in Alberta. Some roles may require additional training, but many jobs can be a great fit for those with a personal training certification alone. Let’s explore a few options.

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists measure heart rates, metabolic rates and physical abilities to design tailored plans based on science and an individual’s health. Their programs often focus on endurance, strength training, managing weight loss or gain and fitness goals.

Sports Coach

Athletic coaches work with youth and adults to help them compete in sports. They may coach individuals or teams and focus on building strength, developing skills and helping athletes improve overall performance.

Health & Wellness Coach

A health coach focuses on the overall well-being of their clients. They work one-on-one or in group settings to offer guidance and develop customized health plans based on individual needs. Their programs often include both physical and mental wellness components.

Physical Education Teacher

PE teachers work with children in schools to encourage daily physical activity and play. They lead and teach various sports and activities in a less competitive setting, with a focus on getting kids moving.

Fitness Director

Fitness directors can work in a variety of settings from gyms, community centres and even cruise ships. Some may also work for companies that sell fitness equipment. They manage the fitness programs and staff for the entire facility or organization.

Personal Trainer

A certified personal trainer can work at a gym or run their own business. They might specialize in one type of training, like pilates or bodybuilding, or create a signature program that blends different approaches. Personal trainers assess individuals and develop customized programs to help clients meet their health and fitness goals in both one-on-one and group formats.

With so many settings looking to promote wellness and physical activity, certified personal trainers are increasingly sought after to meet the growing demand across Alberta and beyond.

Demand in Alberta for Personal Trainers With Certification

Personal training can be a rewarding career, no matter what path you take. Employment in this field has been growing, and there’s a moderate demand for personal trainers in Alberta, Canada, especially in larger cities like Calgary and Edmonton. 

Career Outlook

With a growing interest in health and fitness, along with a steadily increasing population, the outlook for personal training careers in Alberta is promising. While the field can be competitive due to its popularity, unemployment rates in this occupation remain lower than average in Alberta. Job turnover may vary depending on the employer and work environment.

Certified personal trainers often work in gyms, community centres, schools, senior centres and rehabilitation facilities. Others find opportunities in less traditional settings, such as the travel industry or in roles where they support fitness equipment sales or health product promotions. Across the industry, the average hourly wage ranges from $17 to $24, offering a stable starting point for many.

Certification Requirements

While Alberta and Canada do not legally require a personal trainer certification, most employers expect it, making certification the industry standard. In addition to meeting job qualifications, a personal trainer certification ensures you receive essential education and hands-on training, which is key for working safely and effectively in the health and fitness field.

Become a Personal Trainer in Just 10 Months!

Now that you’ve learned about the demand and career opportunities for personal trainers, are you ready to start training to become a personal trainer? 

MaKami’s 10-month Personal Trainer certification program is available at both our Calgary and Edmonton campuses. This blended program combines online and in-person learning and students earn their American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification, giving them the skills to start working as a personal trainer in less than a year.

Learn more about our program and get pre-approved today!