When it comes to career options in the field of fitness, Personal Trainers come pretty high up the chain for choice! Gone are the days when Personal Trainers stuck to the gym floor, doling out diet plans and monitoring clients' movements. Today’s Personal Trainers are better qualified, more highly skilled and much more career driven.
Whether you’re taking your first step on the fitness ladder, or have been qualified for years and are thinking of a fresh challenge, as a certified fitness professional, the opportunities are endless.
Providing you've chosen a reputable course provider whose certification is recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (like ours!), your Personal Training career could take you anywhere in the world.
We take a look at some of the most popular options to give you a little fitspiration for your fitness career...
Most top Health Club chains won’t accept job applications from Personal Trainers without a recognised Personal Trainer qualification. So, once you’re qualified, you’ll open doors into the growing number of leading Health Clubs across the world. Whether you’re designing and monitoring fitness programs or working with gym-goers to achieve specific goals, you’ll gain tonnes of experience and be well positioned to grow your client base as you network the gym floor.
Health Club management requires a strong understanding of fitness, what makes gym-users tick, business operations, marketing plus health & safety. All skills a great Personal Trainer will have. So, if you see yourself managing a Health Club, as opposed to working within one, your Personal Training certification stands you in good stead.
Many Health Club Managers start their careers as Gym Instructors or Personal Trainers and work their way through the ranks. Due to in-depth training and brand requirements, most clubs also like to promote from within to ensure they retain the very best level of service and staff that live and breathe their values. Along with a healthy salary, you may also receive target-related bonuses and incentives for club membership sales.
Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose and treat injuries. You may be employed by educational institutions, such as the NHS in the UK or work privately, with clients ranging from amateur athletes to A-list sports stars. Whilst this role requires specific training and skills, a Personal Training certificate or Strength & Conditioning qualification will certainly help you get there.
Most luxury hotels today have their own fitness centres, some even having well known gym chains inside their premises. Not only might you expect to enjoy the perks of a 5-star resort (think free meals, discounted rooms and spa products), you’ll also get to interact with affluent, distinguished clients which can also be very financially rewarding. Plan your career carefully and you could find yourself enjoying year round sunny climates!
As employers work harder to motivate their staff to stay in shape, more businesses are incorporating fitness centres into their workplaces. Not only does this ensure staff maintain great health (and fewer days off sick!), it’s also a great perk for employees.
As a qualified Personal Trainer looking to build your own business, working in corporate offices not only opens up opportunities to grow your client base, but usually pays very well too!
Weekend fitness breaks are becoming increasingly more popular. Usually hidden away in a picturesque location with a postcard-picture lake, weekenders are joined by personal trainers and fitness reps who organise plenty of activities to keep them on top form. For those that love the outdoors, and especially those that have qualified as an Outdoor Fitness Coach, this is definitely one for your wish list. Again, many fitness retreats offer paid travel, accommodation and meals, not to mention breathtaking views, and a good helping of crispy fresh air!
As cruise holidays have also soared in popularity in recent years, it’s no longer just the holiday choice for the wealthy. And with an abundance of all inclusive gourmet food on board, many holidaymakers make the time to hit the gym whilst sailing the seas. There are plenty of opportunities for personal trainers who have a good pair of sea legs, however you’ll need to ensure your sales technique is top notch – how much you earn will depend on your skills, the type of cruise and the clientele on board.
With the fitness industry projected to continue its mammoth growth over the next few years, employment statistics predict an above average increase in personal training jobs on an international scale.
So if you’re wondering where your Personal Training career will take you, in the words of Shakespeare... the world is your oyster.
© Wordsmithery provided by Siân on behalf of Focus Training Ltd, UK.