From the scenic trails of the Sandia Mountains to the vibrant energy of Albuquerque’s fitness studios, New Mexico offers countless ways to stay active. If you’re passionate about health, wellness, and helping others, becoming a personal trainer in the Land of Enchantment could be your next exciting step.
To work as a personal trainer in New Mexico, 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)
These are not all official legal requirements, but they are the accepted industry standards. Check every box to level up your hiring appeal and build the fitness career you’re aiming for.
Age Requirements for New Mexico Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in New Mexico. It’s a built-in requirement for certifying exams, which calls for a high school diploma or GED.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in New Mexico
Personal trainers in New Mexico 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 entry-level positions, but they can help you stand out. If you’re aiming for a specialized or leadership role (higher earning potential), securing a relevant college degree sets the foundation for your career.
Extra certifications through continuing education also boost your resume and reinforce your reputation as a knowledgeable trainer.
Some higher education programs in New Mexico include:
Explore Personal Trainer Certification in New Mexico
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 popular personal trainer certifications in New Mexico 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 New Mexico Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
In New Mexico, personal trainers are generally responsible for carrying their own liability insurance.
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 Mexico
If you have three or more full- or part-time employees, you are required to carry workers compensation insurance in New Mexico*
According to ACSM’s 2024 fitness index, Albuquerque ranked 25th out of the 100 biggest cities in the U.S. for fitness — making it a great place to build a career where people already value wellness!
Average cost New Mexico personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.63/month
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in New Mexico
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in New Mexico?
To get certified in New Mexico, 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?
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 New Mexico?
Personal trainer pay in New Mexico averages $28.43 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Española: $29.64 per hour
- Clovis: $29.11 per hour
- Roswell: $29.04 per hour
From ZipRecruiter
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in New Mexico?
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:
- Brickz Fitness, Albuquerque
- Open Gym 247, Albuquerque
- Iron Soul Gym, Albuquerque
- Overload Gym, Santa Fe
- Undisputed Fitness, Santa Fe
- 310 Fitness, Las Cruces
Resources for Personal Trainers in New Mexico
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)
