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Exercise Intern Jobs in Fargo, ND (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Intern information

See Fargo, ND salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise intern in Fargo, ND is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $33.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exercise Intern vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercise InternPersonal Trainer
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or holding relevant certifications (e.g., CPR, fitness courses)Certified personal trainer certification (e.g., NASM, ACE)
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, gyms, fitness centers, or sports facilitiesPrivate clients, gyms, health clubs, or online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageFitness facilities, sports teams, or health organizationsPersonal training businesses, gyms, or self-employed
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in fitnessSeeking professional fitness guidance or career info

Exercise Interns typically are students or entry-level individuals gaining experience in fitness environments, often working under supervision. Personal Trainers are certified professionals providing personalized fitness coaching to clients. While both roles involve fitness, the intern position is more about learning and assisting, whereas the trainer role is client-focused and requires certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Intern, you need a solid understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, often supported by coursework in kinesiology or related fields. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise equipment, and software for tracking client progress is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate clearly help build rapport with clients and team members. These skills ensure safe, effective exercise programming and foster a supportive environment for client success.

What responsibilities can I expect as an exercise intern, and how do they prepare me for a full-time role in the fitness industry?

As an Exercise Intern, you'll typically assist with client assessments, design and supervise exercise routines, and help maintain equipment and facilities. You'll also have opportunities to shadow certified trainers, participate in group fitness sessions, and contribute to wellness programs. These hands-on experiences will help you develop practical skills, build confidence in client interaction, and gain insights into how fitness facilities operate, all of which are valuable for securing a full-time position in the fitness or wellness industry.

What is an exercise intern?

Exercise Interns are students or recent graduates who assist in the planning, implementation, and supervision of exercise programs, often under the guidance of certified fitness professionals. They gain practical experience by working with clients, participating in fitness assessments, and supporting group or individual training sessions. This internship helps them apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, develop professional skills, and prepare for careers in exercise science, fitness training, or related health fields.
Infographic showing various Exercise Intern job openings in Fargo, ND as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,902 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Sanford Sports Intern - Winter/Spring Semester

Sanford Health

Fargo, ND

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 546 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Work Shift:

Varies (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

0

Compensation:

Starting Rate: $15

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Internship responsibilities will vary and will include typical duties associated with a profession in this type of setting. Duties may include directing clients through athletic and/or fitness performance workout sessions, assisting with physical performance and/or Sanford SCORE evaluations, assisting with large groups, camps, small group, and/or individual training sessions, designing client-specific programs (athletic and/or fitness), equipment maintenance and cleaning, reviewing literature, and any other duties assigned by the Sanford Sports Performance staff. If you are a graduate student, as a final project, you will be required to present, at a staff meeting, on a topic of choice (exercise, nutritional, rehab, or speed strength related.

Summary

Contribute to the Sanford Sports operations and processes as a coach helping athletes increase athletic performance services including in athletic development for all ages, sport-specific skill instruction, orthopedic and sports medicine, and sports science research.

Job Description

Work collaboratively with Sanford Sports leadership, coaches and team to, enhance personal knowledge and skills to support healthy communities with athletic opportunities. Assist in the completion of projects, while working directly with athletes and teams to develop hands-on skills related to sports performance, athletics and overall health and wellness. Attend training and development opportunities, learning about various processes and functions within the Sanford Sports team. May work with Sanford Sports Academy, Sports Performance, Sports Nutrition, Sanford Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy and Mental Performance teams within the Sanford Health care system.

Qualifications

Current enrollment or recent graduate of an Associate or Bachelor's degree program from an accredited college or university enrolled in Exercise Science or similar degree.
Knowledge of sports performance, strength and conditioning coaching, or training or coaching preferred. Previous coaching experience preferred at any level including sports coach, personal training, group training, etc.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.


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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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