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Exercise Specialist Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Performance Intern - Fall 2026

Edmond, OK ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

As a Performance Specialist Intern You Will: * Learn from best in class human performance ... Enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program specializing in sport science, kinesiology, exercise ...

As a Performance Specialist Intern You Will: * Learn from best in class human performance ... Enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program specializing in sport science, kinesiology, exercise ...

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Exercise Specialist Intern information

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$14

$30

$51

How much do exercise specialist intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise specialist intern in the United States is $30.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of clients and fitness programs will I typically work with as an Exercise Specialist Intern?

As an Exercise Specialist Intern, you will often work with a diverse range of clients, including individuals with varying fitness levels, ages, and health conditions. Your responsibilities may involve assisting with assessments, developing personalized exercise plans, and supporting group fitness sessions under supervision. Interns frequently collaborate with experienced specialists, physical therapists, and other health professionals to ensure safe and effective programming. This exposure helps you gain hands-on experience with different populations and learn how to adapt exercise protocols to meet specific client needs.

What does an Exercise Specialist Intern do?

An Exercise Specialist Intern assists certified exercise specialists and fitness professionals in developing, implementing, and monitoring exercise programs for clients. Their responsibilities may include conducting fitness assessments, demonstrating proper exercise techniques, and providing guidance on safe and effective workouts. Interns often work with diverse populations, including those with chronic conditions or specific fitness goals, under supervision. The role provides valuable hands-on experience and helps interns develop the skills necessary for a career in exercise science or related fields.

What is the difference between Exercise Specialist Intern vs Personal Trainer Intern?

AspectExercise Specialist InternPersonal Trainer Intern
Required CertificationsCPR/AED, basic fitness certifications (e.g., ACE, NASM)CPR/AED, basic fitness certifications (e.g., ACE, NASM)
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, hospitals, fitness facilitiesGyms, fitness clubs, private studios
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, clinical, wellness settingsCommercial fitness industry, gyms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Exercise Specialist Interns typically work in healthcare or rehabilitation settings, focusing on injury prevention and recovery, while Personal Trainer Interns usually work in gyms or fitness centers, emphasizing general fitness and training. Both roles require similar certifications and serve different industry segments, but they share overlapping skills and certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Specialist Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Specialist Intern, you need foundational knowledge in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, typically supported by progress toward a degree in kinesiology or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise programming software, and CPR/AED certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and effective communication help build rapport with clients and support their fitness goals. These skills ensure safety, effective program delivery, and positive client experiences in a supervised internship environment.
What cities are hiring for Exercise Specialist Intern jobs? Cities with the most Exercise Specialist Intern job openings:
What states have the most Exercise Specialist Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Exercise Specialist Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Specialist Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Specialist Intern jobs are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Specialist Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Fall 2026 Internship Fitness Specialist

Aquila | On-Site Health & Fitness Management

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Aquila's Fitness Specialist Intern Fall 2026 will gain first- hand experience by assisting members in safe and effective exercise programs and perform a wide range of duties in a health/fitness center, under the supervision of the site manager. The program provides students with a well rounded experience in the fitness industry, in a professional setting.


We currently have openings for Fall 2026 interns for our Washington, DC, Suitland, MD and McLean, VA locations. Fall internships normally run from the end of August/beginning of September through beginning of December. Start and end dates, as well as internship hours, are flexible. We require minimum of ten (10) intern hours a week, maximum of forty (40) hours a week, to qualify for the fall program.


As a Fitness Specialist Intern, you will have the opportunity to learn and perform the following:

  • Assist in educating members concerning safe exercise techniques
  • Assist to perform exercise assessments and prescribe exercise upon American College of Sports Medicine guidelines
  • Conduct safe and effective assessments including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and body composition analysis; evaluate and interpret data and identify high risk participants and special populations
  • Aid members โ€“ spotting and equipment usage
  • Assist in the maintenance, cleanliness and safety of all equipment
  • Adhere to departmental and club policies and procedures
  • Adhere to clientโ€™s policies and procedures
  • Assist in wellness and fitness promotions and external events
  • Perform daily administrative duties under the supervision of the site manager or fitness specialist
  • Assist in memberships: monthly, internships: signing members up, sending out reminders of payment
  • Help teach group fitness classes in different styles: step, strength, circuit, Pilates and/or yoga
  • Helping clients/members with fitness related questions. Performing tours of the facility
  • Personal Training shadowing and writing out mock PT sessions
  • Assisting with newsletter, articles, and monthly bulletin board


Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship and does not provide wages. However, at the completion of the program Aquila sponsors an ACE certification exam for the candidate. The program has to be completed in full. The exam fees are paid by Aquila.


Requirements:


  • Must be an undergraduate Junior or Senior majoring in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health Promotion or very closely related major.
  • Must have at least a 2.75 GPA



Also, the following are required:


  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Customer service oriented
  • Knowledge of fitness training principles
  • Computer knowledge: Microsoft Office Products & Internet


All candidates must be able to complete a background check and/or a federal security clearance check.


Aquila is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other characteristic protected by law.


EOE Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities