Passionate about fitness and helping others? Then a career as a personal trainer in the Great Lakes State could be for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Michigan, you need:
- To be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While Michigan does not legally mandate all these things, they are the established industry standards and the typical minimum requirements to get started in the fitness industry.
By equipping yourself with nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you increase your trustworthiness and appeal to individual clients and gyms in Michigan.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Michigan is 18, in most cases.
Most personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old, along with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) certificate to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Michigan
Personal trainers in Michigan typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Plus, personal trainer certification programs usually require this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual studio or gym, you may also need additional training, such as child and infant CPR and/or first aid. These are often offered by the same providers (like the American Red Cross) and are sometimes bundled within the same course as the adult CPR/AED classes.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or via a combination of the two. The majority of trainer certification agencies, however, require a hands-on practical evaluation that can only be done in an in-person or hybrid course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class visit:
*The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) states that all personal trainer certifying bodies accredited by the NCCA must require CPR/AED certification.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Michigan
Most fitness centers prefer hiring personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited training program. Many recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs offer this accreditation.
Pro Tip: Some CPT programs have an open-book or remote exam option. These exams are typically not NCCA-accredited, and therefore may not be accepted at all fitness facilities.
Some of the most popular personal trainer certifications in Michigan include:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Higher education is not typically required for most personal trainer jobs. More advanced or specialized positions, however, may prefer those with degrees in business, health, or exercise-related fields.
Some community colleges and universities also offer non-degree programs designed to help you launch your fitness career.
- Maycomb Community College – offers a non-degree program that provides CPR and First Aid training as well as preparation for passing an NCCA-accredited CPT exam.
- Northwestern Michigan College – offers an extended education program that prepares you for the ACE CPT exam.
- Lansing Community College – offers kinesiology and fitness instructor programs.
Michigan Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you are typically responsible for obtaining liability insurance in Michigan.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their liability policy, if you’ve been hired as an actual W2 employee. However, the company could still want you to have your own liability policy regardless of the facility itself’s coverage.
Suppose you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor. In that case, you need your own personal trainer liability insurance to help protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, and other actual or perceived damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Michigan
Personal trainer pay in Michigan averages $25.89 per hour, with some of the best areas for personal trainers listed as: Lansing ($28.67/hour), Detroit ($28.30/hour), and Ann Arbor ($26/hour)*
Average cost Michigan personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.02/month
If you hire others or operate as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in Michigan, you may need workers compensation insurance
*Source: ZipRecruiter
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Michigan
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Anywhere between one and eight months, depending on how much time you have to study each day. Most programs range from 3 to 6 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Michigan?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the course) for the course itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Can I Gain Experience as a Personal Trainer?
- Offer to sub for classes at local gyms
- Volunteer to lead groups at community health and fitness events, expos, and festivals
- Ask if you can shadow other established trainers
- Log some hours behind the desk or on the floor at fitness centers
- Conduct individual or group exercise sessions with friends and family
How Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
In addition to applying for jobs online, engage with your network and talk with hiring staff at local gyms, community centers, and other fitness studios.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, spas, and other studios, such as:
- The Training Factory, Okemos
- Alluma Yoga, St. Marquette
- MPACT Health & Fitness, Canton
Resources for Personal Trainers in Michigan
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)
- National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
