FITNESS SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 11, 2025 – The Fitness Specialist holds certifications such as CSCS, ACSM, and AFAA, with experience in fitness testing and programming, and demonstrates strong technical knowledge in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and proper exercise techniques. With a background in teaching adult exercise classes and a commitment to fitness, this specialist excels in interpersonal communication, customer service, and motivating others to achieve their health goals. The role also requires skills in conducting health risk appraisals and low-level strength and conditioning tests, ensuring members' safety and progress.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Fitness Specialist Resume
  • Fitness Assessments
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Personal Training
  • Group Instruction
  • Virtual Instruction
  • Facility Maintenance
  • Data Management
  • Fitness Screening
  • Chart Documentation
  • Policy Implementation
  • Customer Service
  • Goal Setting
  • Health Coaching
  • Staff Management
  • Community Relations
  • Feedback Monitoring
  • Meeting Leadership
  • Center Leadership
  • Technique Coaching
  • Schedule Coordination

Summary of Fitness Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Physical Education with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience working in personal physical training.
  • Current certification in ACSM, ACE, or NSCA
  • Experience in exercise program implementation.
  • Experience working with older adult populations
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
  • Ability to work with residents who are experiencing changes to their physical and mental health.
  • Ability to write research-based fitness articles for the newsletter.
  • Able to design personal training plans and maintain progress reports for residents who have paid for personal training.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with members in a positive, service-based manner.
  • Ability to multitask and maintain a controlled and professional demeanor.

2. BA in Kinesiology with 3 years of Experience

  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification.
  • Hold ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist Certification and other industry-related certifications (CPT, CSCS, etc.)
  • Experience in the field and specific experience working with older adults
  • Ability to teach basic fitness and aquatic classes
  • Ability to prescribe exercise safely and accurately for older adults using ACSM guidelines
  • Ability to communicate and understand instructions in English.
  • Must know about all Microsoft Office software programs.
  • Must maintain a courteous, friendly, and helpful attitude with residents and staff members always.
  • Demonstrated ability to educate and motivate individuals toward safely achieving fitness goals
  • Be outgoing, energetic, able to perform in front of an audience, and possess the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals

3. BA in Human Performance with 1 year of Experience

  • Experience in the Exercise/Personal Training industry, including work with special populations
  • Hold ACSM, NASM, OR ISSA Certifications
  • High degree of motivation, detail orientation, and positive, upbeat energy
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Exceptional work ethic, enjoys and excels in a team environment.
  • Thorough understanding of science-based progressive training programs
  • Experience creating customized training programs for clients based on consistent assessment results
  • Thorough knowledge of injury prevention and post-rehab recovery, disease prevention and management, special conditions and limitations, high-performance athletes, as well as the geriatric population
  • Motivating and educating clients to reach their individual goals
  • Successful completion of Fitness Together Certification (written and practical)

4. BA in Exercise Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Certification through the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Certified Personal Trainer or Health Fitness Specialist, or Clinical Exercise Specialist
  • Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
  • Hold certification through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a Group Exercise Instructor (within one year of employment)
  • Experience in fitness testing and programming
  • Demonstrates the technical knowledge of basic kinesiology, exercise programming and exercise physiology to include their application to instruct members about proper exercise techniques.
  • Experience teaching adult exercise classes.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills (both verbal and written) and motivational skills to interact in a highly effective manner with members and the BF&H staff.
  • Possesses a personal commitment to positive fitness and health practices by presenting an image consistent with a fit and healthy lifestyle.
  • Demonstrates strong customer service satisfaction skills.
  • The technical expertise to perform health risk appraisals, low-level strength and conditioning testing, and evaluations.
Relevant Information
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