How do I get started in a fitness career?
After losing 100 lbs and developing a passion for life-changing fitness and wellness, I would like to pursue a career in fitness where I can help others change their lives, too. I would like to write about 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? I want to make a difference but I’m not sure where to start!
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?