Louisiana is known for Mardi Gras, music, food, and football. However, it also has a reputation as one of the least healthy states in the U.S., with high rates of inactivity, smoking, and obesity. If you’re passionate about fitness and helping your community improve their health, a personal trainer career in Louisiana might be for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana
Personal trainers in Louisiana 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 Louisiana include:
- Kinesiology and Science in Sport Administration, Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Exercise Science, University of Louisiana
- Kinesiology-Exercise Science Concentration, Southeastern Louisiana University
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Louisiana
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like most states, as a trainer, you are typically responsible for obtaining liability insurance in Washington.
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 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 Louisiana
If you have any employees, including part-time, full-time, or seasonal workers, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Louisiana*
Average cost Louisiana personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.46/month
New Orleans ranked 52nd out of 100 on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2024 Fitness Index. Plus, Louisiana has consistently ranked as one of the least healthy states in the nation for years – indicating you have a significant opportunity to make a meaningful impact on other Bayou State residents’ health!
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Louisiana
How Much Does It Cost To Become a Personal Trainer in Louisiana?
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.
What Is the Typical Personal Trainer Salary in Louisiana?
Personal trainer pay in Louisiana averages $25 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Shreveport: $29 per hour
- New Orleans: $28.17 per hour
- Lafayette: $28 per hour
From ZipRecruiter
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Louisiana?
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:
- Fit Therapy, New Orleans
- Split Second Fitness, New Orleans
- RockBox Fitness, Multiple locations
- Crystalized Fitness, Lafayette
Resources for Personal Trainers in Louisiana
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)
