With the decline in the economy and subsequent layoffs, fitness enthusiasts are considering fitness as a career rather than hobby.  I know this because I get the phone calls and the questions.  Is there a demand for fitness trainers and or/group exercise leaders?  Am I too old (or too young)?  Do I have to be fit and trim?  How do I learn the skills and where can I obtain the knowledge I’ll need to become certified?  What type of certification should I get?  And the list goes on….

First, yes there is a demand for fitness trainers – of all shapes, sizes, colors, fitness levels, etc.  Let’s face it…  Americans aren’t doing very well in maintaining a healthy body weight.  More than half of our population is obese – kids included!  The baby boomers are entering retirement years and have the time and money to pay for programs to get into shape. 

Second, there is no age limit for starting a fitness career.  There are demands for “older” trainers in senior centers, nursing homes, community centers and health clubs.  Fitness professionals who want to work with children have endless opportunities in schools, recreation centers, and an array of fitness centers.   Opportunity abounds – it is what you make it.  (So true…. Isn’t it for everything?)

Third, you do not have to have the perfect body to work in fitness.  You should, however, TRY to be a role model for them.  You don’t have to be perfect – but practice what you preach.  Be mostly good…. Try to live a healthy lifestyle… but it’s ok to have occasional treats, take occasional breaks, etc.  It’s the 80/20 rule.  See notation at the end of this blog.

 
How do I learn the skills and gain the knowledge to work in this field? 

Take a qualified, comprehensive class where you learn anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and the like.  Preferably my class.  J    Seriously, there are many great programs out there that can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed.  But ….. there are also many quacks.  So… how do you know the difference?  Look at the credentials of the teachers.   I, for example, have a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching Human Movement from Boston University.  Sounds good, right?  You may find another who has taken a weekend workshop and now considers themself an “expert”.  You must ask about the credentials of the people sharing the knowledge.  START AT THE BEGINNING.  So many times I hear future fitness leaders ask… what is the quickest, cheapest route??? BUT… then they spend tons of money trying to get the knowledge they lack from workshops and seminars.  It’s a deficit model.  Start at the foundation and learn the underlying principles.   Take your time and do it right.  Then you can take comfort that you are qualified and won’t hurt anyone.    So many times I hear…. “Well, I lift now (or do cardio now), so I know everything”.  Guess what?  That’s helpful – but not a solid foundation.  Get the science behind fitness.  I have a Doctorate degree and I still have a ton to learn.  When you have the knowledge – go for certification.  Which one?  Sadly, this industry is not regulated so there is no “one” to get.  I suggest you ask your employer which one they want.  Different clubs ask for different certifications.  I recommend The Fitness Firm (of course – it’s mine), AFAA, ACE, NSCA, ACSM, NASM.  These are all “worthy” and respected certifications.  Do your homework.  Don’t fall for the scams and buy your certification online.  (That is not to say that there aren’t good on line courses – but if you can get it in 20 minutes for $99 it’s a scam J)  Then, you should ask a trainer if you can apprentice wit6h him/her.  Learn the ropes before you open your own facility.  Baby steps.  I’ll discuss certifications, board exams, licensure, and degrees in my next blog.   Stay tuned.  

Still have questions?  Call The Fitness Firm at 508-347-1039.

The 80/20 rule
80 percent of the time you wear 20 percent of your clothes.
20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work.