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!
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
[email protected]
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
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