Adaptive Fitness Coach part time

Special Strong; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Free Adaptive Fitness Certification

Job summary

Special Strong is seeking a part-time personal trainer to coach individuals with disabilities in adaptive fitness programs. You will lead 1:1 sessions and small group formats, tailored to each athlete's needs, with sessions scheduled around your availability.

The role emphasizes meaningful impact, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training. Training includes certification opportunities to support success with clients and families in the western Chicagoland area.

Qualifications

• CPR and AED certification required.
• Approved Personal Training Certification (NCCA preferred).
• Ability to travel within a 15‑mile radius.
• Prior personal trainer experience.
• Experience working with individuals with special needs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coach and motivate athletes/clients with special needs in 1:1 training sessions and group formats.
• Update and review client profiles; prepare for upcoming workouts.
• Maintain communication with athlete parent/caregiver to ensure sessions are scheduled and completed.
• Conduct fitness assessments and re-assessments regularly.
• Work at participating on-site locations within your assigned area.
• Travel within a 15-mile radius of the job posting location.

Skills

Personal trainer experience

Experience with special needs

Travel readiness

Education

CPR and AED certification

NCCA-certified Personal Trainer (preferred)

Job description

Turn your passion for fitness into a purpose-driven career. If you’re a personal trainer who wants more than counting reps and chasing transformations—this is for you. At Special Strong, you’ll work with individuals impacted by autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, intellectual disability, and other cognitive/physical challenges—helping them build strength, confidence, independence, and pride through adaptive fitness. Every session you coach is an opportunity to inspire… and sometimes truly change a life.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• A Reward Like No Other – making a real difference by empowering individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.
• Competitive Pay Above Industry Standard – We pay trainers 30% higher than typical fitness jobs, because we value expertise, care, and professionalism.
• Flexibility That Fits Your Life – This is a part‑time role with flexible scheduling—build your schedule around work, school, parenting, or life. You tell us when you are available and we schedule around you.
• FREE Training That Sets You Up for Success – We provide comprehensive training from day one, including hands‑on instruction and guidance so you feel confident coaching adaptive athletes. We also provide FREE Adaptive Fitness Certification through our learning platform.
• Stable Clients + Strong Relationships – Our athletes stay with us 4x longer than typical personal training clients—meaning more consistency, deeper relationships, and more secure hours.
• Work Close to Home (Local Suburbs) – All opportunities are in the western Chicagoland area, with continued expansion into new areas. We partner with local gyms and training studios, so we're likely close to home. We partner with several independent gyms and training studios througout the greater western Chicagloand. Our training locations (Check out our locations here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R9WXaYxQBv9kz463A) allow us to provide our services in more areas than ever before, including Chicago (northwest and west side) / Downers Grove / Elmhurst / Elmwood Park / Forest Park / Glen Ellyn / Hinsdale / LaGrange / Lombard / Naperville / Oak Brook / Oak Park / River Forest / Schaumburg / Villa Park / Westchester / Western Springs / Westmont / Wheaton.

Responsibilities

• Coach & motivate athletes/clients with special needs in private 1:1 training sessions & in group format
• Update and review client profiles; prepare for upcoming workouts
• Maintain communication with athlete parent / caregiver to ensure sessions are scheduled and completed
• Conduct fitness assessments and re‑assessments regularly
• Work at participating on‑site locations within your assigned area
• Travel within a 15‑mile radius of the job posting location

Qualifications

Required:

• CPR and AED certification
• Approved Personal Training Certification (NCCA preferred)
• Ability to travel within a 15‑mile radius
• Comfortable working with our special needs population Preferred (but not required):
• Prior personal trainer experience
• Any experience (parent, family member, volunteer or professional) working with individuals with special needs - (This will be highly prioritized.)

Ready for a Trainer Job That Means Something?

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Special Strong Corporate.