When the idea of changing jobs has got you spinning in circles
- what options are available to you?
If you're unsure about changing careers - then you're not in the minority! Changing careers is a huge step; therefore we've whipped up this website to kick things off with an extensive selection of information on likely routes.
Why not Click the career titles to read more...
There are many alternatives to choose from when looking at fitness training and courses on well-being. Before you limit yourself to one particular certification or skill, why not look at how much demand there might be for that type of training in your area? However, the demand for all types of fitness related guidance and teaching is evident nationwide. So if you've set your heart on making it big in this industry, then get certified and work hard - and there's every chance you'll succeed!
Do Your ResearchIf you've already started looking at training options, you might have picked up that some of the courses are like chalk and cheese - in other words, they're very different!
Regard your exploratory searching of different training providers as your first piece of coursework! Finding the best company for you will be worth the effort - even if it takes all day, dedicate that day to your future by going through what the different sites say about methods and qualifications.
Here are some pointers to help you think about which area of the fitness industry you might like to consider - Working as a trainer or instructor means different things to different people, because there are so many aspects to learn about. Teaching the best cardio workouts is only one small part of it - to be sure you'll need that in your repertoire (especially if you're working in a gym). However, a pro should expect to have knowledge of many other things as well.
Modern fitness training should be much more scientific. For example, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, anatomy and kinesiology are all relevant. Followed by food science and technology, which covers health and weight issues. Add to that equipment, strength training, cardio and group workouts. Of course there are also many health and safety requirements to be familiar with. Oh, and if you're thinking of setting up your own business you'll probably need some coaching on business plans and admin, sales and marketing, finance, communication, legal requirements and client contracts. Phew...
The great thing is everyone has to start somewhere, and you'll find many individuals become specialists in one particular field and stick with that quite successfully.
How about diet and food science? Our food all has a different nutritional content - discover which nutrient groups feature in which foodstuffs and what role they play. Study the digestive system, metabolism and how we absorb food. Progress to weight management, where you'll cover lifestyle, life stages, calorific values etc. Plus there are things to learn about exercise to calories burned, sports nutrition and healthy eating.
Take personal training, which is something many people are looking for today. A good course for a personal trainer will contain a scientific element to cover the physiological elements of fitness. This will give you the confidence to advise accurately.
You might already attend your local gym several times a week, and have a hankering to become a professional gym instructor. Look for practical courses that will give you a deep understanding of your professional requirements. You'll need a good grounding in how to assess the fitness level of clients when they first join, and how to create the right level and pace of training. And naturally you'll expect to learn advanced skills relating to designing exercise routines, machinery, weights, resistance training and cardio training.
The treatment and prevention of injuries can be a valuable add-on to your health and fitnesscareer. Some fitness experts extend their offering by getting into things like sports massage, yoga, pilates etc.
You could train to carry out health and fitness assessments, and perhaps bolt this onto your specialist area. In other words, learn how to carry out a range of different tests to measure how fit a person is. These would include cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, endurance, muscle strength, posture, blood pressure, body composition analysis and risk factors for heart disease.
No matter which part of the fitness or health business you get involved with, you will be in a position to build a career based on how much you can inspire others to get to the peak of good health. We all feel more rewarded in our work when we know we're doing something that gives a noticeable benefit to those we're working with.
In addition, you can't help but add benefit to your own attitude and fitness when you're working with others to boost theirs. Discover what training you might need NOW to clinch that ideal career.