Like working out? Looking for a job this summer? You’re in luck. The fitness industry is rapidly expanding and gyms are offering more classes and looking for more teachers. Like any industry, however, there is a lot of competition. There are old-timers who have their loyal clients, workout fanatics that can spend all day looking fit and helping others to become fit, and the celebrity fitness instructors with high esteem. However, there is still a place for you. Here are some steps to entering the fitness world.
Step 1: Look into certification tests. While not all gyms require certification, this gives you a huge advantage over others.
Step 2: Figure out what you want to get certified in. You will need to be CPR & AED certified to acquire any fitness certification so start there. This is easy to do. It is a 1-day class that usually takes 2-4 hours depending on where you take it. Once you have this certification you can go on to choose the discipline you want to specialize in, try looking at AFAA or ACE online for different offerings. Maybe you want to just get your group exercise certification and do boot camps (you can organize your own local boot camps no gym required), or maybe you’d rather get your TRX, or step aerobics, or personal trainer certification. There are so many different things you can choose from. Depending on what you decide will determine the length of the study time needed. When I got my personal training certification I needed about 2-3 months of study time, but they suggest many months. Schedule a test date!
Step 3: Look for openings. There are two ways to go about this. You can approach your local gym and ask if they’re looking for substitute teachers or trainers. Or maybe there is a class you are dying to take there that they don’t offer! The second approach is to apply for jobs at a big gym. Make sure you let them know when you will be getting your certification.
Step 4: STUDY, STUDY, STUDY.
Step 5: Were there openings? Did you find a job? Maybe you weren’t able to get a full time job somewhere, but you were able to take a part time job. That’s great! If you want to continue in the fitness industry you’ll need to build up your resume and make strong client relationships with clients in order to develop a career.
Pros:
- A Growing and an increasingly popular industry
- Flexible hours
- Easy way to stay fit
- Good pay
- Cute/comfortable clothing
- Free gym membership
Cons:
- Expensive to acquire and maintain certifications depending on which test
- Can be hard to establish a following
- Not only popular industry, but popular job meaning competition