New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains, 161 grueling miles of Appalachian Trail, and some of the best fall foliage in the country. It ranked second in the nation for healthy behaviors on the 2024 Annual Health Rankings report. Help Granite State residents maintain healthy habits by becoming a personal trainer in New Hampshire!
To work as a personal trainer in New Hampshire, 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 these are not all official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. Meet these minimums and you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for New Hampshire Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in New Hampshire. This is primarily because being 18 with a high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite for taking the certifying exams.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in New Hampshire
Personal trainers in New Hampshire typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Plus, personal trainer certification programs usually require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms ‘ policies, you may also need to have child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often combined with and/or provided by the same organizations as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or hybrid settings. However, the trainer certification agencies typically require a hands-on evaluation via an in-person or blended course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class, check out:
*The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) states that all personal trainer certifying bodies accredited by the NCCA must require CPR/AED certification.
Additional Education
Higher degrees in fields like kinesiology or exercise science aren’t necessary to start your career in fitness. But, they typically help you advance if you pursue leadership roles or specialized niches.
Some higher education programs in New Hampshire include:
- Health Fitness Professional, Manchester Community College
- Exercise Science, University of New Hampshire
- Applied Exercise Science, River University
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in New Hampshire
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 common personal trainer certifications in New Hampshire include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get New Hampshire Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like most states, as a trainer, you are typically responsible for obtaining liability insurance in New Hampshire.
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.
If you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor, you will need your own personal trainer liability insurance to protect you from expensive claims stemming from — real or perceived — client accidents, injuries, and other damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in New Hampshire
If you have employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in New Hampshire*
Average cost New Hampshire personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.12/month
New Hampshire was ranked number one for the second year in a row on the 2024 America’s Health Rankings Report
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in New Hampshire
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in New Hampshire?
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 Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Personal trainer pay in New Hampshire averages $27.53 per hour. Some of the highest-paying areas for personal trainers include:
- Manchester: $37 per hour
- Portsmouth: $28.55 per hour
- Concord: $26.71 per hour
From Indeed
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in New Hampshire?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk to local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, and others like:
- Ascent Training and Performance, Concord
- On Target Fitness, Portsmouth and Kingston
- The Collective Studios, Londonderry and Bedford
- The Workout Club, Salem and Manchester
Resources for Personal Trainers in New Hampshire
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)
