Fitness Management & Personal Training

A degree to shape minds, body, and health

When you major in fitness management and personal training, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of movement, physical activity programming, and nutrition.

You’ll work with real clients and build your knowledge through research projects, internships, and opportunities to study abroad.

Graduates from this program are getting the country in shape at clinics, health and fitness clubs, community centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports organizations, and businesses nationwide. They have the power to change lives through their jobs as personal trainers, health coaches, and fitness directors at every level.

And the career track has double rewards. While you’re helping others live well, you’re also helping yourself—daily exercise can be part of the job.

Explore the fitness management and personal training curriculum

What jobs can you land after graduating?

  • Clinical or exercise physiologist
  • Coach
  • Community program director
  • Corporate wellness manager
  • Corporate wellness specialist
  • Fitness facility director
  • Fitness or performance coach
  • Group fitness instructor
  • Group fitness lead
  • Health and wellness coach
  • Health club director
  • Health or fitness specialist
  • Medical sales representative
  • Personal trainer
  • Physical activity director
  • Sports performance trainer
  • Strength & conditioning coach
  • Teaching sports professional
  • Wellness woordinator
  • Youth sports director

Can graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees?

Yes! Most recently, students successfully have been admitted to advanced programs at IU Indianapolis in both the public health and kinesiology master's programs. Another recent grad was admitted to Palmer College of Chriopractic to pursue a chiropractic doctorate. 

Plan, practice, and repeat

Kinesiology students look at the chalkboard for a fitness planning discussion in class.

Get training expertise

As part of your plan of study, you'll learn the foundations of personal training, from learning principles of fitness to effective application techniques. By graduation, you'll have completed the courses for a certificate in Personal Training and be prepared for a national certification.

A kinesiology student high fives an elementary student after completing a kids' run

Learn in the community

Opportunities for community engagement are waiting for you all over downtown Indianapolis. You'll gain career-building experiences by teaching fitness classes, giving fitness evaluations, or helping children with disabilities to develop coordination, confidence, and self-esteem.

A kinesiology student coaches a fellow student during a planking exercise

Put your skills to use

Our fitness management and personal training curriculum adds real-world experiences to your academic education with two required internship courses. You'll train your own clients and make incredible connections in the field, preparing you for career success.

Careers in fitness are really showing some gains

The increasing national awareness of the importance of healthy living is creating more opportunities than ever for fitness professionals to have in-demand jobs with flexible schedules.

13% growth

through 2028 is expected for jobs in fitness training and instruction.

33.6% increase

since 2008 in health & fitness club membership according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.