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The job market may be tough, with Gen Zers especially struggling to secure work — and some dropping out of the job market altogether.
But one industry is showing promising growth: fitness. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for fitness trainers and instructors will grow 7% from 2025 to 2035. That equates to approximately 68,000 job openings each year.
For personal trainers, having a four-year college degree isn’t necessarily a requirement. Online training and certification programs provide aspiring personal trainers new ways to break into the industry. The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is among them, and students can complete their programs in as little as 12 weeks.
According to ISSA’s latest Fitness Hiring Report, the industry actually faces a readiness gap.
Gyms need more than trainers who know how to design customized workouts and coach clients. They’re also looking for professionals with business skills who can attract new clients and retain existing ones. It’s not just about working out; it’s about building a clientele that brings business to the gym.
According to the report, about 94% of ISSA gym partners would use a platform that delivers pre-vetted, job-ready trainers — and in response, ISSA designed an advanced program to help close that gap.
Earlier this year, ISSA announced its fully revised Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Nutrition Coach certifications, which are available in English and Spanish.
The new program moves beyond a traditional textbook curriculum in favor of a coaching-first approach. Students learn through scenario-based decision-making exercises, interactive anatomy training, simulated client case studies, and a video library, alongside live, instructor-led support.
The result is a more holistic approach to education, which is meant to prepare them for every element of the personal training business.
“ISSA is bigger than certification,” said Warren Heffelfinger, ISSA CEO. “We are building a connected workforce ecosystem, and these updated programs ensure our pros are market-ready from day one.”
Beyond the training program, ISSA students are also given access to Career Connect, ISSA’s talent platform linking certified coaches to more than 23,000 hiring gyms across the globe. Every offer includes a 100% job placement guarantee or your money back — for U.S. based students who meet the requirements.
ISSA offers a range of programs tailored to specific career goals and budgets. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) courses start at $599, while Elite Trainer bundles cost around $950 and include additional nutrition coaching and strength and conditioning courses.
For a limited time, ISSA offers flexible payment plans that let students get started with a $1 verification, with the option to cancel within seven days.
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This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.