Contemplating a career in exercise?
January 5, 2012
If your New Year's resolution has you hitting the gym and loving it, you might want to consider a career in the fitness industry.
Those who enjoy working with other people and are passionate about exercise may be perfectly suited for a career in this field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are several different types of fitness careers available including personal trainers, group exercise instructors and fitness directors. Depending on what type of position you have, you may work one-on-one with clients, lead group classes, design fitness programs and manage other fitness professionals.
This industry is also well-suited to moms who want a job they can schedule around their children's schedules, as many of these positions are part-time.
Those interested in this type of career may pursue a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology or another fitness-related field. While some employers won't require a degree, those who have one may enjoy increased job opportunities, including opportunities for growth into management positions. The BLS reports that college courses in management, business administration, accounting and personnel management may be helpful for those who wish to pursue management opportunities in the fitness industry.
Mothers who want to pursue a bachelor's degree that will help them with a career in exercise may qualify for single mother scholarships, other scholarships for mothers, grants for parents and other financial aid to help pay for their education.
However, most fitness instructors are required to be certified, regardless of whether or not they have a college degree. Becoming certified is something that can be done before or while you're pursuing your education. It usually involves a written exam as well as a practical component.
If you're looking for information on how to become certified, experts suggest choosing an accredited program such as one available through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The curriculum will depend on the certification program.
Highly trained fitness instructors will be in demand by consumers in the upcoming year, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Educated and experienced fitness professionals claimed the top spot in the group's 2012 fitness trend survey, which polled more than 2,600 health and fitness professionals worldwide. This marks the fifth consecutive year that trained professionals earned the number one spot on trends for the upcoming year.
The BLS reports that the job outlook for fitness professionals is positive over the next several years.
"Employment of fitness workers is expected to increase 29 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations," the organization reports.
