What is the Value of “Traditional” Health and Wellness Education?
I’m at the point in my academic career where I’m pursuing college coursework in Exercise Science. I am also studying to become certified through ACE as a Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach. I was looking at the Answers Leaderboard and looking at the “formal” education level of the top 10 answerers. The majority of us either have college degrees or have completed some college. Of the top 10 answerers, less than half have one or more degrees related to fitness or health. It seems as though in this industry, experience (years in the industry) will outpay you faster than higher education. Do you forsee this trend continuing?
In your opinion, what kind of continuing education is “more valuable” or “more easily marketable” today in the world of health and fitness? Were you to hire a trainer for your studio, would you prefer someone with formal education or a trainer with a few (or many) nationally accredited certifications, professional memberships, and plenty of experience? Where do you think time and money would be best spent on continuing education when looking to advance one’s career in the industry?
Aim for a broad scope of professionals.
I would throw in that you should get people that have a background in lifting, running and swimming workouts.
I have met people with doctorate degrees that could explain the bio-mechanics of a squat but couldnt demonstrate one to save their lives.
Bodybuilding and powerlifting are two fields that are highly underrated for being dangerous and extreme, however no one is better than them at maximizing the change of body composition than these people.
The health industry needs to realize that professionals need to have a little sweat and blood in the gym before they can teach others.
Id highly suggest you enroll in extreme lifting regimes for a while to really understand the gym.