How do I become a fitness and exercise trainer? What educational paths and qualifications are there?

Fitness trainer training

The further training path into the fitness and exercise sector leads you through courses with the school's own qualifications and - building on this - industry-recognized qualifications:

  • School's own degree / certificate "Fitness trainer / movement trainer"
  • Industry certificate "Trainer for exercise and health promotion"

The training courses consist of a theoretical and a practical part. You will learn the theoretical part in courses and seminars. For the practical part, you will be required to complete your own training hours and internships.

The training courses have a modular structure:

Level Requirements for the degree Course modules

1. school certificate
"Fitness trainer"

Completion of all 5 basic modules (GM)

GM 1: Anatomy and Physiology I

GM 2: Training theory I

GM 3: Manage sales and support processes

GM 4: Own movement competence

GM 5: Prepare and instruct standard programs

2. industry certificate
"Trainer for exercise and health promotion"

Completion of all 4 basic modules (BM)

1,000 hours of professional experience

BM 1: Anatomy and Physiology II

BM 2: Training theory II

BM 3: SVEB 1 module Learning events with adults

BM 4: Advanced equipment-based and equipment-independent movement skills

Most providers of further training to become a "fitness and exercise trainer" are based on this modular system.

The courses teach the content of the basic modules 1-5 and some of the individual basic modules of the industry certificate.

Many schools offer follow-up courses that lead to the industry certificate and in some cases to the federal certificate "Specialist in Exercise and Health Promotion".

Requirements for admission to "Fitness and Exercise Trainer" courses

  • Minimum age 18
  • Professional qualification or several years of professional experience
  • Good written and oral German language skills (understand Swiss German)
  • Regular personal training and good health to be able to show off the equipment

Good personal prerequisites are an interest in health and fitness issues, enjoyment of contact with people and the ability to sell products and services.

Provider of "Fitness and exercise trainer (certified)" courses