How do I get started in a fitness career?

Education is the most important thing to gain before you venture out. How you get that education, and what you plan on doing with it are up to you and your desires. Some fitness jobs require a diploma but a group fitness certification does not. There are lots to choose from so shop around and conntinue to ask questions. Since you mentioned getting into group finess instruction first, You must have a passion for fitness. This is going to go a long way toward brining you a rewarding career. The CPT isn't as difficult to get after getting te group cert as it fleshes out much of what you will have already learned. Best of luck to you in the future.

Thank you all for your responses! I really appreciate it - there's so much I need to learn, but I'm so excited to dive in. I think I'll start by pursuing the Group Fit certification, continuing to write and diving into this website more. While this is a completely new professional field for me, I know how fitness has changed my life like nothing else, and I want to share that.


And thanks, Karen, for the referral! I'll be looking into that.

I would suggest going to the IDEA Convention and become Certified with one of the leading organizations.

I think it's great that you want to pursue a fitness career and congrats on loosing 100 pounds.

I also suggest looking for a specialty, a part of the fitness world that really inspires you and to focus on that.

You don't need a degree and as you get involved with IDEA you will be able to utilize all they have to offer.

hi,

I am also overweight and had health issues that needed to be addressed. I found that changing my diet and lifestyle made all of the difference in my life.
A friend of mine referred me to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and I took the course for an amazing career as a Health Coach.
http://www.integrativenutrition.com/

They have an offer for a free book right now that will give you a good idea of their philosophy, s a holistic approach based on bio-individuality- that every person requires a specific program that will cater to their individual needs. The course will connect you with MANY people in the health and fitness field, and offers an alternative to the mainstream medical profession where people continue to suffer ill health. After completing the course you will be a certified Health Coach. and will help people to find their plan for personal wellness. It will be a positive life changing experience , and you can take it as far as you like or use the information for personal growth. On of the best bargains in the fitness field

If you use my name for a referral (KAREN ANTONE), there is usually a discount if you are referred by alumni

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at pkantone1@yahoo.com

Good Luck to you and I am sure that in whatever path you choose your enthusiam and personal experience will be inspirational to the many people you will help and support
Karen

Hi Britteny. While a formal education is not absolutely necessary to be successful as a fitness professional, it is becoming viewed more and more as something that will distinguish one fitness professional from another - particularly as the movement continues towards relationships between the medical professional and our profession. Also, I think that if your goal is to write more, and become published, it will help in terms of your credibility with your audience, as well as your acceptability with publishers if you have a formal education to supplement your practical experience. I've been writing for publication for many years, and it's been my experience that publishers look at your credentials very closely when considering whether to accept your writings for publication.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

Britteny,

Again congratulations on the tremendous amount of weight loss that you accomplished.
As someone who also has lost a tremendous amount of weight(52pds), I know how hard it was and to keep it off 20 years as you can imagine is even harder.

I couldn't agree more with the previous comments made about education.

First, I can't say enough about education. However, before plunging into education, I would highly recommend and really look at what you want to do within the field of personal training.
How do you want to help people? What type of clients' do you want to work with?
This to me is fundamental before doing anything.

I would then as other has stated look into educational options.
There are some evolving programs within community colleges to become a personal trainer
to just getting certified. It again goes back to how much you want to put into it. Because whatever you put it, you will get out.

When I made a career change from Marketing to Physiotherapy, I decided to become a personal trainer as I thought it would really help me understand exercise, how to help apparent healthy individuals get in better health and be a nice precursor for PT school.

16 years later, it did that and much more.

I would also look at beyond education as to career goals. Establishing both short-term and long-term, which will make things "clearer" for you.

Lastly, also re-examine what you can do with a 2 year degree as compared to just getting certified. At the end of the day, helping people can be achieved in many different ways.
It is the path that you choose that can dictate how much you can make a difference first,
then become compensated for your hard work second.

Cheers

Chris

fitness (I currently write for a fitness blog for college students), be a group fitness instructor (and maybe someday a personal trainer!), and/or work with a non-profit dedicated to wellness. I already have an advanced degree, but not in this field at all! Is going back to school for exercise science the best way to go? Or is it possible to build experience without a formal degree?

Congrats Brittney,

I want to thank everyone for commenting on this page it has helped to motivate me even more and also give me an idea of the route I want to take with my future. I would like to also speak on the fact that being active and healthy isn't only about our weight. I have used my active and healthy lifestyle to help me fight anxiety, stress, addiction and obesity.
This has helped me to develop a goal to start an organization that supports individuals in fragile and challenging times in their lives using an active, healthy and positive lifestyle!!

I am working on an organization called TRIAFFECT Fitness, Health and Wellness. I am at a little bit of a loss for where to begin, but I am still writing and working on a website every day TRIAFFECT-Fitness.com (not yet complete). In the mean time I am an active duty military member. I say this because I want you to know that if it is something you want bad enough you will find the way. Stick to your plan and good luck.

TRIAFFECT Fitness Health and Wellness

Thank you for all the wonderful information.This has really helped me.
Are there any good online degree programmes? I am in Trinidad and not able to find anything in my country that I want to do or have the time for.

Thanks.

Wonderful answers. You can help people every day, just by showing them that being fit is a part of your life. It's not talk, it's just doing. You have accomplished an amazing goal, share with others your triumphs, your struggles, and your continued challenges. More people than you can imagine share your hope.

Take care

Although by now you have figured out the answer to this question, this is the simplest way I can answer it for you:

It is possible to become a trainer and a fitness instructor without any higher education and other background. However, you need to keep in mind that you will be competing with thousands of other people who have the same ideas and inspirations with you for the same piece of the pie. The only way to distinguish yourself form them and succeed in this business is to be educated as much as possible. This field and industry moves very fast and changes in a constant pace. Unless you posses a great understanding about fitness, nutrition and exercise it will be difficult to stay afloat long enough to make a living and be successful. People in this industry come and go very fast, so if you are going to commit to this you will need to be as much prepared as possible. You will no be competing only against other newcomers, but also other very well established trainers who have long experience in this field. You are on the right path, but will need to step it up if you are going to make it.

Best,
Harris