Group exercise instructor vs life skills trainer

The differences between group exercise instructors and life skills trainers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a group exercise instructor and a life skills trainer. Additionally, a group exercise instructor has an average salary of $34,348, which is higher than the $30,822 average annual salary of a life skills trainer.

The top three skills for a group exercise instructor include CPR, yoga and kids. The most important skills for a life skills trainer are medication administration, therapeutic recreation, and medical appointments.

Group exercise instructor vs life skills trainer overview

	Group Exercise Instructor	Life Skills Trainer
Yearly salary	$34,348	$30,822
Hourly rate	$16.51	$14.82
Growth rate	19%	19%
Number of jobs	33,704	39,666
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age	37	37
Years of experience	12	12

What does a group exercise instructor do?

A group exercise instructor is responsible for leading fitness training and programs for different class groups. Group exercise instructors develop correct conditioning techniques, as well as observing the proper form of the student from their movements and exercises. A group exercise instructor also recommends nutritional foods and beverages that would help the students maintain a healthy lifestyle and development. They identify each student's strengths and weaknesses and develop comprehensive training programs to address their needs.

What does a life skills trainer do?

Life skills trainers are personal health professionals who provide training assistance and supervision to patients, such as personal care, financial management, and social integration. These trainers are required to assist their clients with disabilities with daily living activities while documenting their behaviors and personal hygiene. They can organize therapeutic activities for individuals or groups to maximize their quality of life. Life skills trainers must also assist in meal preparation as well as perform tasks that include glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, and diabetes management.

Group exercise instructor vs life skills trainer salary

Group exercise instructors and life skills trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Group Exercise Instructor	Life Skills Trainer
Average salary	$34,348	$30,822
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $53,000	Between $22,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Massachusetts General Hospital	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between group exercise instructor and life skills trainer education

There are a few differences between a group exercise instructor and a life skills trainer in terms of educational background:

	Group Exercise Instructor	Life Skills Trainer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Psychology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Group exercise instructor vs life skills trainer demographics

Here are the differences between group exercise instructors' and life skills trainers' demographics:

	Group Exercise Instructor	Life Skills Trainer
Average age	37	37
Gender ratio	Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%	Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	13%	13%

Differences between group exercise instructor and life skills trainer duties and responsibilities

Group exercise instructor example responsibilities.

Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
Create classes base on high intensity cardio and strength training using a wide array of fitness equipment.
Instruct a group of up to 50 people in exercises ranging from strength training to Zumba.
Maintain up keep and cleanliness of the facility, restocking cleaning supplies, cleaning fitness equipment, and re-racking weights.
Instruct classes and individuals in mat Pilates as well as on equipment including reformer, barrel, chair, and cadillac.
Group equipment classes including springboard.

Life skills trainer example responsibilities.

Train and experience at managing challenging classroom situations using CPI methods and positive behavior reinforcement practices.
Deliver individual counseling and perform crisis intervention duties including reporting suicidal patients.
Cultivate a culture of community by providing community integration at a residential rehabilitation facility for persons with severe brain injuries.
Acquire CPR and life skills certifications.
Perform when and if need for first aid and or CPR.
Assist clients with proper ADL needs, such as showering, providing meals, and cleaning rooms.

Group exercise instructor vs life skills trainer skills

Common group exercise instructor skills

CPR, 36%
Yoga, 14%
Kids, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
AFAA, 6%
Zumba, 4%

Common life skills trainer skills

Medication Administration, 17%
Therapeutic Recreation, 16%
Medical Appointments, 9%
Direct Support, 8%
Rehabilitation, 6%
CPR, 6%

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Group Exercise Instructor vs Life Skills Trainer

Updated January 8, 2025

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