Career change suggestion
Hi! I have been a group fitness instructor for over 17 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately the good gyms have closed down and no gyms nor independent studios offer proper facilities. Also the demand for group classes has reduced drastically. So i am forced to make a change and dont know which direction to go in other than personal private training. I hope i can get some better ideas!
Hi Brinda,
I’m not familiar with the market in your country and city, so giving you a good answer might not be easy (not that there is an easy answer to your question). Have you tried any of the big hotels in your city? Maybe you can work out a deal that will be beneficial to both you and them (either getting a contract with one or multiple ones) by working as an independent contractor or even as an employee. Of course offering a class at an outdoor location or at a local community center (if those are available there) is always another way to go.
Maybe someone else can give you a better answer or ideas. Good luck!
Best,
Harris
You might look to see what the requirements are to teach within a school environment. There may be multiple options…. I know where I am there are people who run summer programs, who run after school programs, and people who teach within the schools. There are also programs within universities that are part of the degree program, and programs run by the school that are not credit but are for the students, and in some cases programs that may be part of research studies or rehab offerings….and in each of these cases the requirements for training and certifications and the people who run them and how one applies are all different. it is hard to say, as Harris says, as the structure may be different there.
Do some brainstorming of places where you might use your skills, of places that offer programs that are doing well, and of what extra training might make you more marketable in areas of interest to you.
good luck
Hello Brinda Desai,
You could look for community programs offered at schools, senior centers and the park systems. Everywhere you go, try to get the word out of what you have to offer. Have you been able to ask your former students to help spread the word?
Good luck to you.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit
Hi Brinda,
Since you’ve been teaching fitness classes for many years and enjoy it, you should look for opportunities within your community. Think about how you could offer your services to local businesses… Corporate fitness jobs are rising and you could do some lunch time or after work classes–fitness or presentations. Another example would be to find a company where workers do repetitive tasks and offer to do a lunchtime or after work stretch class to reduce on-the-job overuse injuries. How about outside classes (bootcamps or hiking) if the weather permits? You could also try your local community center, schools, country club, spas, churches, or apartments to teach classes.
Adding a personal trainer certification would be worth your investment as a next possible step for you.
Hope these suggestions help you and good luck. Keep us posted!
Christine