Arkansas is known as both the Natural State and the Diamond State due to its extensive public parks, hiking trails, and the world’s only public diamond mine.
Despite the abundance of outdoor spaces, though, Arkansas has also been ranked the 48th healthiest state in the nation four years in a row. If you’re passionate about fitness and want to help your community improve their health scores, then a personal trainer career in Arkansas might be for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Arkansas, 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 to establish the perfect base for a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for Arkansas Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas
Personal trainers in Arkansas typically need an adult CPR/AED certification. Most certification programs require this certification before taking 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 required for most personal training jobs. However, they are helpful additions to your resume, especially if you want to pursue more specialized or leadership roles.
Obtaining specialty certificates through continuing education courses also helps you stand out in the health and fitness industry.
Some higher education programs in Arkansas include:
- Exercise Science, University of Arkansas
- Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, Arkansas Tech University
- National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT), Arkansas
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Arkansas
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 Arkansas include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get Arkansas Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance in Arkansas.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance if you’re a W2 employee. However, the company might still require you to have your own liability policy.
If you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor, you need personal trainer liability insurance to help protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, property damage, and even perceived professional mistakes.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Arkansas
- If you have three or more employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Arkansas*
- Average cost Arkansas personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.91/month
- Arkansas has never ranked higher than 40th on the United Health Foundation’s 35 years of Health Rankings reports – which may seem like a hurdle for aspiring fitness professionals, but it also indicates there is a significant opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local community residents’ health!
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Arkansas
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Arkansas?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1,000 (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?
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.
What Is the Typical Personal Trainer Salary in Arkansas?
Personal trainer pay in Arkansas averages $20.57 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Fayetteville: $26.89 per hour
- Jonesboro: $21.19 per hour
- Little Rock: $20.21 per hour
From Indeed
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Arkansas?
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, and others like:
- Little Rock Athletic Clubs
- SparkFit, Little Rock
- Clubhaus Fitness, Little Rock and Fayetteville
- The Trim Gym Health and Fitness Club, Jonesboro
Resources For Personal Trainers in Arkansas
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)
