The most common disease affecting people in the U.S. – including heart disease and cancer – are also the most preventable, according to the CDC. Often, lifestyle changes such as losing weight and getting active can help prevent illness and early death, and fitness professionals can play an important role in making them happen. Whether you are an ace at CrossFit, bodybuilding is your thing, or you dream of helping others achieve their best through personal training, you may have considered making a switch from your current job to embark upon a career in fitness so you can improve the live of others. But before you quit your current job to kickstart your new career path, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
It’s Never Too Late to Begin
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that people are more likely to change jobs when they are younger and well educated. Just because this trend exists does not mean you have to be part of it, but it is important to make your professional change wisely. Firstly, your finances should be able to withstand a pause in work for a few weeks, months, or longer – indeed, as long as it takes to obtain your official fitness certification.
Comparing your current and future earnings is one of the most important steps you can take. It will determine whether or not the switch is beneficial. Speaking to your financial advisor is important, since you can discuss options such as going freelance, opening a fitness business, or working part-time in your current industry and part-time in fitness. Meeting financial obligations should be top priority.
Choosing a Course That Will Make a Difference
Becoming accredited is a good way to boost interest in your CV, but there are many courses available, some of which are even offered online. If you wish to obtain a high-level job – for instance, in professional training of elite athletes, then a degree and even an MBA in Sports Management will be required. If you want to become a personal trainer, meanwhile, obtaining an NCCA, DEAC, or NBFE certificate is key, as these are considered top-level bodies. Do your research into the difference between different certificates – including price, number of hours involved, and expected earnings.
Selecting a Speciality
In addition to general fitness courses, factor in specialist courses in the areas you wish to teach if relevant (Pilates, CrossFit, etc). Within the personal training industry, there are also various specialities that can really help you cater your services to your chosen market, such as strength training, children’s fitness, and sports training, to name a few. Because child obesity is rife in the U.S., youth fitness specialists can make a significant difference in the lives of many, but children’s workouts have a specific set of needs and they need to be motivated in a different way. Specialist training can help you up the fun factor of workouts while ensuring children learn a host of different sports-specific skills that will enhance their wellness as a whole.
Enjoying your working life is much easier to do when you are dedicating your time and effort to something you love wholeheartedly. If your passion is fitness, therefore, it is never too late to make a career change – provided you have crunched numbers and it is feasible. Think of how to bolster your CV by studying and specializing in an area with a big enough demand to guarantee employment and build up your client base consistently through networking and practice.
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Sally Perkins
