Have a question? In order to work as a personal trainer in Michigan, you will need the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a GED or the equivalent
- Have an updated adult CPR/AED Certification
- Get a certification from a recognized personal training organization
Personal Trainer Certification Michigan
Here are the best personal training certification options in Michigan:
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA-CPT)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF-CPT)
- National Personal Training Institute (NPTI)
Please take the quiz and out which certification makes the most sense for your specific Michigan personal trainer career goals.
Personal Trainer Certification Michigan Cost
In Michigan, the cost of obtaining a personal trainer certification varies based on the type of certification you choose and usually ranges from $449 to $999.
Do you need a license to be a personal trainer in Michigan?
You do not need a certification to work as a personal trainer in Michigan, however, a majority of gyms and health clubs will only hire personal trainers who have a nationally accredited certification.
Personal Trainer Schools in Michigan
Having a kinesiology certification in Michigan will give you a competitive edge. From my research, here are some of the personal trainer schools that you can consider in Michigan:
- Adrian College Exercise Science and Physical Education
- Albion College Kinesiology
- Alma College Integrative Physiology & Health Science
- Andrews University Physical Therapy
- Aquinas College Kinesiology
- Calvin College Kinesiology
- Central Michigan University Physical Education and Sport
- Central Michigan University Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
- Concordia University- Ann Arbor Exercise Science
- Cornerstone University Kinesiology, Science and Mathematics
- Eastern Michigan University Health Promotion and Human Performance
- Grand Valley State University Movement Science
- Hope College Kinesiology
- Lake Superior State University Kinesiology
- Michigan State University Department of Kinesiology
- Michigan Technological University Kinesiology & Integrative Physiology
- Northern Michigan University Health and Human Performance
- Oakland University Exercise Sciences
- Olivet College of Health and Human Performance
- Saginaw Valley State University Kinesiology
- Spring Arbor University Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
- University of Michigan School of Kinesiology
- University of Michigan Flint Physical Therapy
- Wayne State University Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Studies
- Western Michigan University Human Performance and Health Education
If you haven’t yet, be sure to take the quiz to find out the best personal trainer certification for your career.
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make in Michigan?
A personal trainer in Michigan can earn an annual salary range of $47,624 to $81,101, depending on factors such as city, academic and professional qualifications, other skills that may add value to the business, and experience. Here is the salary report.
Make sure to check out the general guide on how to become a personal trainer.
State Fitness Rating
Before you become a personal trainer in Detroit, I’d like you to consider Michigan’s fitness profile.
This will give us an initial idea of the size and level of activity the local fitness market currently operates.
For this, I’ve used data gathered from exercise.com. The two principal statistics I’ll examine are obesity and top gym availability.
Obesity data shows us how healthy the population is. It’s one of the best indicators of how well a population has adapted to health and fitness lifestyle protocols.
Adopting these protocols amounts to engagement with the personal fitness industry, which means jobs and business opportunities for you.
Michigan’s obesity prevalence sits at 32.5%, putting it in 41st place in terms of state rankings.
This high rate of obesity prevalence is not an ideal situation based on what I’ve just explained.
It shows a local population with relatively low engagement with the fitness industry. This means a lower interest in the services you provide.
The second important metric is the top gyms per capita statistic.
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The number of operating fitness facilities correlates to the amount of job and business opportunities available.
Top gyms are categorized as popular commercial gyms. They are an essential metric because they present the most accessible standard in terms of fitness facilities for the general public.
They are easy to use, widespread, and affordable compared to the more specialist fitness clubs and gyms.
Top gyms include franchises like:
- Orange Theory Fitness
- Planet Fitness
- Snap Fitness
- YMCA
- LA Fitness
- Gold’s Gym
- Crunch Fitness
- Anytime Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness
Michigan has a total of 516 top gyms to a population of 9,928,300 local residents.
That means for every 100 thousand locals, there are 5.2 gyms available, leaving Michigan in 33rd place in terms of state rankings.
While in the lower half of rankings regarding gyms, there is still plenty of opportunity for someone applying for work.
Michigan has a state ranking of 42, making it one of America’s ten least fit states.
This can be seen as a challenge from a personal training perspective, but challenges are often the source of opportunity.
Fitness Market Makeup
Your average Michigan fitness consumer will probably be concerned with the fundamentals only.
That would likely be healthy weight loss due to the rampant obesity statistics.
Regarding weight loss, nutrition is pivotal, so you’ll likely deal with many clients requiring nutritional support regarding personal trainer jobs in Warren.
A trip to Detroit will show you there are some potentially unique opportunities for fitness trainers.
Detroit is a major metropolitan city with an athletic heritage as well.
This could lead to diversity in terms of clients and population groups you might deal with.
The opportunity for personal training in Michigan is very vast if you have a well-defined training program.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Michigan
Personal trainer certification in Warren and other cities is needed to get a job as a personal trainer in Michigan.
Overall here are my top 2 best personal trainer certificates in Michigan. Ensure you have all or any of them when you decide to become a personal trainer in Grand Rapids and other areas.
Possessing a personal trainer certification in Michigan gives you access to the best personal training jobs in Michigan.
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| Gold Standard Cert | Most Popular Cert | Best Study Materials |
| A Good Option | A Good Option | Best CPT for you? |
Personal Trainer Jobs in Michigan
Michigan has a low engagement in the local fitness industry; however, with at least 500 gyms, there is ample employment opportunity for a fitness or athletic trainer.
Employment at a local fitness facility would require you to have your personal training certification in Michigan in check.
By now, an intending Michigan trainer should at least have or be in the process of getting a personal trainer certification in Grand Rapids, Warren, or Detroit.
Once you get the job, you’ll have the opportunity to earn an income and grow in skill and reputation, given the personal trainer career outlook.
Consider gym employment as a launchpad for a self-sustained venture as independent professional trainers.
Once you achieve this level, you will have the power and freedom to decide how to offer your services to the market as personal trainers in Michigan.
Make sure to consider implementing an online training component in your business. This is the fastest-growing sector in terms of the health and fitness service market.
An online personal trainer has the potential to interact with clients on one on one basis via different social media channels.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to take the quiz to find out the best personal trainer certification for your career.
Best Cities to Be a Personal Trainer in Michigan
Detroit is by far the largest and most commercially active city in Michigan. With a population of 670, you can expect most opportunities for personal training jobs in Michigan to lie there.
Next, we have Grand Rapids, with a much lower but still sizable population.
Lastly, I’ll mention Warren City. It is the only other city in Michigan with over 100 thousand residents.
These are the three cities you should be concerned with if you are given a choice of personal trainer jobs in Michigan.
Outside of that, it would be a hard grind, but not entirely impossible, to find success.
| City In Michigan | Population |
|---|---|
| Detroit | 670,031 |
| Grand Rapids | 201,013 |
| Warren | 133,943 |
| Sterling Heights | 132,438 |
| Ann Arbor | 119,980 |
| Lansing | 118,210 |
| Clinton Charter | 100,471 |
A quick search on google for “personal trainer jobs grand rapids mi” or “personal trainer jobs Michigan” will give you insight into the personal training job outlook.
Personal Trainer Salary in Michigan
A personal trainer in Michigan can expect a mean annual salary of $62,527.
Personal trainer salary in Michigan is barely more than the national average of $61,802, according to salary.com.
That is a good figure to work with. However, what you earn depends on how much you must spend.
That’s why we will look at the quality of life rating and discover the cost of living and other things.
Make sure to check out the full guide on personal trainer salary.
Quality of Life Rating
Right away, Michigan is one of the most affordable states in the US, so income is considered; it’s a good place to be as a PT.
Beyond that, however, the state ranks pretty low.
Many of Michigan’s woes are based on the downsizing of its industrial prowess. Once a global hub of manufacturing, especially in the Detroit auto industry, the state has seen a decline in many areas.
I’ll give Michigan a 5.5/10 QoL rating.
Methodology
I used the following methodology when reviewing how to become a personal trainer in Michigan.
- The population of the state and its major cities.
- The obesity figures as compared with other states.
- Personal trainer certifications that are available in Michigan
- Availability of personal training schools & colleges.
- Career prospects for personal trainers.
- Earning potential for certified PTs.
- Quality of Life (QoL).
Final Words on How to Become a Personal Trainer in Michigan
Michigan is a state with a generally low engagement in health and fitness.
It won’t be my first choice if you’re considering relocating.
However, if you are bound by fate to the state, there is enough opportunity and the potential to earn a decent salary.
There are also numerous educational opportunities to upskill and optimize your odds.
FAQs on How to Become a Personal Trainer in Michigan
How to become a personal trainer in Michigan?
To become a personal trainer in Michigan, you should have the following:
– A high school diploma
– A CPR/ AED certification
– First Aid certification
Enroll with an accredited certification program, write and pass the certification exam, and undergo continuing education to update yourself.
In addition, a degree in an exercise-related field.
What is the best certification for personal trainers?
The best certifications are:
– The American Council on Exercise (ACE)
– The American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)
– Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
– The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
– National Council on Strength and Fitness(NCSF)
– National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
– National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
What does the average personal trainer make in Michigan?
Personal Trainers in Michigan have the potential to earn an average of $62,527 as of May 27, 2021.
This salary range, however, depends on the city of residence and factors such as education, skills certifications, and years of experience on the job.
References
https://www.exercise.com/learn/ten-fittest-states-in-the-us/
https://www.americankinesiology.org/SubPages/Pages/Kinesiology%20Institution%20Database
Tyler Read
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