Tips to Build a Sustainable Fitness Career

If you told my 18-year-old self that I’d have a long, successful career as a fitness professional, I wouldn’t have believed you. Though spending my days in stretchy pants at the gym sounded great, I wasn’t confident I could carve out a niche for myself in a crowded industry. Now, after 19 years working in the fitness industry—over half of my lifetime—I look back and marvel at how the industry, myself and my clients have transformed.

Trainers often ask me how to stand out in a competitive, ever-evolving space. Here are my top three essential tips for anyone looking to excel in the industry.

EDUCATION

The fitness industry is unique in that there is no clear path to becoming a fitness professional. At the beginning of my career, I met trainers who were uncertified yet recruited by the gym owner because they looked the part. Today, one viral video on social media platforms can propel fitness enthusiasts to kickstart a career.

However, fitness professionals have a responsibility to their clients to stay abreast of the rapidly growing knowledge field to help their clients achieve goals. With guidance changing rapidly, the need for scientifically educated fitness professionals is at an all-time high. I was fortunate to begin my career as a Certified Personal Trainer through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and started with a fundamental knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, fitness assessments, program design, and coaching techniques to help my clients change behavior.

NASM’s Optimum Performance Training model helped me to create and adapt evidence-based programs for a wide variety of clients, from my first day on the job. Achieving measurable results built my credibility and enhanced my clients’ trust. As my skills and business grew, I pursued continuing education through NASM to better serve my clients. NASM’s reputation for being the “trainer of trainers” gave me an edge to succeed.

COMPASSION

As fitness professionals, we often work with clients in their most vulnerable phases of life. While one’s state of health is a complex subject, CPTs play a large role in helping clients become more physically active, make healthier nutrition choices and learn more about strategies to be well.

As health is a dynamic condition, fitness professionals need to practice compassion for their clients: It can be challenging for someone who has never experienced chronic illness or disease to empathize with someone starting a health journey, but I’ve found this is one of the most important “muscles” I’ve ever flexed.

In 2022, I became an NASM Certified Wellness Coach and enjoyed the opportunity to sharpen my coaching abilities with a well-being mindset. And there is a great deal of opportunity with this population: The pursuit of health is a worthy goal, which is driving more people to work with a fitness professional than ever before.

COMMUNITY

When I think back on my experiences as a fitness professional, the inspiration I’ve gained from my community has helped me to elevate my skillset and be accountable towards my goals. Working with clients in small groups, teaching exercise classes, or holding a monthly social hour for clients to connect with other like-minded people has helped inspire and motivate my clients. I’ve also found the connection to other fitness professionals to be essential to my personal growth. In 2018, I became a Master Trainer for NASM, and that has opened many doors in my career.

As the role of fitness professionals continues to morph, set yourself up for success with a solid education, a strong community and compassion for others. It’s a joy—and a responsibility—to help people improve their lives!