Kickboxing instructors can work with a high school diploma or with a degree in a fitness training field, and may require CPR and professional certification. They work in a variety of settings, including health clubs, martial arts centers and workplaces.
Essential Information
If helping people improve their health while having fun sounds enjoyable, a career as a kickboxing instructor may be something to look into. Kickboxing instructors teach group fitness classes at health clubs, workplaces, martial art centers and private residences. They must create appropriate and challenging workouts to satisfy clients and keep them safe. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for this career field; associate's and bachelor's degree programs are also available for aspiring fitness trainers. Having a degree may increase employability, but it is not always required. Along with physical abilities, some certification may be needed.
| Required Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Certification | CPR certification required; additional professional certification preferred |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 15% (for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors) |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $40,510 (for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Duties
Kickboxing instructors aim to increase the strength, flexibility and cardiovascular capabilities of their clients by leading dynamic classes. They create routines that include punching, kicking and blocking. Speed and heavy bags are often used, but classes may be taught without equipment.
Instructors keep their clients safe and increase physical fitness. By demonstrating proper biomechanics, they can prevent injuries among their clients. Instructors must ensure that participants are challenged but not over-exerted. This may mean modifying workouts for individuals and creating groups of the same ability level. Many employers require fitness instructors to have CPR certification to further ensure safety.
Kickboxing instructors must be able to keep their clients engaged and motivated. Leadership skills, patience and the ability to demonstrate a variety of exercises are necessary. Both physical and intangible flexibility are required for the job, since instructors often work with a variety of groups and settings.
Many instructors spend time outside of their classes preparing routines and coordinating music for their workouts. They may design programs for individual clients or groups.
Outlook
Because more businesses and individuals are incorporating fitness into their workplaces and schedules, demand for fitness workers is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow at a rate of 15% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many available positions for fitness workers are part-time. Instructors who stay abreast of new techniques and possess certification may find work more easily. Individuals who attend a 4-year program and hold a bachelor's degree in the field of health and fitness may also have an edge.
Salary
In May 2020, the median national wage for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors was $40,510, according to the BLS. In the same year, most salaries in that field ranged from $21,640-$76,550 (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported in 2020 that approximately eleven percent of these professionals were self-employed.
Kickboxing instructors teach group fitness classes and design programs focused on boxing, kicking and blocking, while ensuring the safety of their clients. They should be physically fit, have strong leadership skills, and may need to hold CPR and professional certification. Kickboxing instructors can be self-employed or work part-time, and demand for fitness trainers and instructors is predicted to be much faster than average, with growth of 15% through the year 2029.
