Land of 10,000 Lakes, 4,000+ miles of paved bike trails, and a large and dedicated football fanbase — Minnesotans like to get out and get active!
Empower your local communities to keep hiking, biking, swimming, and playing by becoming a personal trainer in Minnesota.
To work as a personal trainer in Minnesota, 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 a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for Minnesota Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota
Personal trainers in Minnesota 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
While a four-year degree isn’t required to start as a personal trainer, higher education in fields like kinesiology and exercise science can help advance your career, especially if you want to pursue leadership roles or specialized positions.
Some higher education programs in Minnesota include:
- Exercise Science, Minnesota State University
- Health and Wellbeing Sciences, University of Minnesota
- Associate in Exercise Science, Normandale Community College
- Personal Training Certificate program, North Hennepin Community College
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Minnesota
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 Minnesota include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get Minnesota Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance in Minnesota.
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 Minnesota
- Personal trainer pay in Minnesota averages $28.73 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include Minneapolis ($30.62/hour), Maple Grove ($30/hour), and Duluth ($29.13/hour)*
- Average cost Minnesota personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.87/month
- Minnesota includes two of the top ten healthiest cities on the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) 2024 Fitness Index. It also ranked 4th overall on the 2024 America’s Health Rankings report – indicating residents of the Gopher State invest in their health and fitness!
- If you have any employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Minnesota*
*From ZipRecruiter
**Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Minnesota
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Minnesota?
To get certified in Minnesota, it costs between $400 and $1,000 (depending on the organization) for the course itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
It takes between one and eight months, depending on how much time you study daily. Most programs range from three to six months.
How Can I Gain Experience as a Personal Trainer?
- Sub for classes at local gyms
- Volunteer to lead groups at local events
- Ask if you can shadow other established trainers
- Work some hours behind the desk or on the floor at fitness centers
- Conduct small group or 1:1 sessions with friends and family
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Minnesota?
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:
- Studio ME, Minneapolis
- Elev8 Wellness LLC, Richfield
- Ripple Effect Community Fitness, St. Paul
Resources for Personal Trainers in Minnesota
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)
