Indiana is known for its athletic history — NBA legend Larry Bird, the classic underdog movie Hoosiers, and Notre Dame sports. If you’re interested in contributing to the health and fitness community (without being a professional or Division I athlete), a personal trainer career in Indiana could be an ideal fit for you.
To work as a personal trainer in Indiana, 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 hit the perfect layup to a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for Indiana Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Indiana. 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 Indiana
Personal trainers in Indiana 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 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 Indiana include:
- Exercise and Kinesiology, Indiana University
- Exercise Science, Indiana Tech
- Fitness and Wellness, School of Public Health – Bloomington
- Nutrition, Fitness, and Health, Purdue University
Get Indiana Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Many gyms, studios, and fitness centers prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. Most recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs have 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 Indiana include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Washington Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance in Indiana.
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 Indiana
If you have any employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Indiana*
Average cost Indiana personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.23/month
Fort Wayne and Indianapolis ranked 83rd and 94th, respectively, out of 100 on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2024 Fitness Index – indicating you have a significant opportunity to make a meaningful positive impact on other Hoosiers’ health!
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Indiana
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
Personal trainer pay in Indiana averages $24.17 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Carmel: $30.65 per hour
- Indianapolis: $30.60 per hour
- Fishers: $29.53 per hour
From Indeed
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Indiana?
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:
- Taylor Made Fitness, Indianapolis
- Workout Anytime, Noblesville
- The Pit Barbell Club, Evansville
- LONGevity Fitness, Fort Wayne
Resources for Personal Trainers in Indiana
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)
