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Group fitness instructor vs life skills trainer

The differences between group fitness 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 fitness instructor and a life skills trainer. Additionally, a group fitness instructor has an average salary of $35,867, which is higher than the $30,822 average annual salary of a life skills trainer.

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

Group fitness instructor vs life skills trainer overview

Group Fitness InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Yearly salary$35,867$30,822
Hourly rate$17.24$14.82
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs38,45739,666
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a group fitness instructor do?

A group fitness instructor is responsible for creating fitness programs for a group with the same fitness goals, tailoring special instructions to engage the group and helping each individual achieve their healthy lifestyle objectives. Group fitness instructors monitor each trainee's progress, adjusting exercise routines and diet plans as needed, and ensuring that the group follows the training disciplines during fitness sessions. They must have excellent knowledge of the fitness industry, including the latest routines to provide options and a wide range of fitness programs.

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 fitness instructor vs life skills trainer salary

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

Group Fitness InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Average salary$35,867$30,822
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $54,000Between $22,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyBridgewater State University-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between group fitness instructor and life skills trainer education

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

Group Fitness InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorKinesiologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Group fitness instructor vs life skills trainer demographics

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

Group Fitness InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 29.5% Female, 70.5%Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage13%13%

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

Group fitness instructor example responsibilities.

  • Lead group exercise classes in cycling, bootcamp and outdoor fitness.
  • Attain certifications in aerobics, fitness and aquatic exercise, CPR and a.
  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Design and lead fitness classes involving Pilates, yoga, circuits, and resistance training appropriate for all fitness levels.
  • Follow guidelines for teaching group fitness through AFAA certification.
  • Design and teach strength, bootcamp, stretching, and spin classes
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Group fitness instructor vs life skills trainer skills

Common group fitness instructor skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Yoga, 15%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 7%
  • AFAA, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
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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