Opportunities in the field of fitness training are growing rapidly. A large of number of fitness enthusiasts are entering the market. The fitness training industry is expected to grow by 27% in the next few years. The rising awareness towards a healthy lifestyle is the main reason for a growing demand for Fitness Trainers.
In fact, modern work environment has led to a sedentary lifestyle with little scope for physical exercise. This has resulted in a large section of the society, especially in urban areas, falling prey to deadly maladies such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and so on. The only way out is to keep ourselves fit by adopting a suitable fitness regime.
Fitness has emerged both as a lucrative business opportunity and a sustainable career option. What is exciting is that modern-day health clubs are not merely sweat shops where fitness enthusiasts pumped iron or bench pressed away their worries. Those were the days when ‘bodybuilding’ was in vogue. In the recent times, the concept of fitness has undergone a revolutionary change. Fitness training is a promising career choice for people who are passionate about health and fitness. It is a profession, which is not only rewarding but also satisfying.
What does a Fitness Trainer do?
The role of a fitness instructor is a multifaceted one. The first and foremost responsibility is to guide trainees to get healthy. Other than gym/exercise routine, fitness trainers also have to provide guidance regarding posture, dietary intake, food supplements (if required), latest fitness techniques, and so on. Furthermore, they have to cater to the special needs and requirements of their clients. Overall, the career path of a fitness instructor is all the time saturated with excitement and verve.
Eligibility Criteria:
Having a certification from a recognised organisation is a prerequisite for entering into the fitness field. Many organisations offer a variety of fitness training courses with written and practical examinations. The duration of these certification courses ranges from 2-3 months and can cost anywhere between Rs.10,000-30,000. Most certifications expire in 2-3 years and need to be renewed.
Employers usually require a qualification from a recognized body such as the REP, Register of Exercise Professionals. Fitness trainers also need certificates in first aid to show that they know how to perform CPR as well as public liability insurance. An A level qualification in Physical Education or Sports studies is a start to gaining qualifications and is backed by gaining a BSc in sports studies, health and fitness management, sports science or any other related field.
Skill Required:
- Have the motivation to keep healthy and fit and encourage others to do the same
- Have the patience and ability to work with different people and be able to explain things to them clearly
- Be aware of good safety practices and maintain a healthy work ethic
- Possess knowledge of different lifestyles, different types of diet, and the working of the human body
- Individuals who wish to become fitness trainers should also be energetic and have a lot of stamina
- They must also be aware of how to use different exercise equipment and tools
- Knowledge of latest trends and fads in the fitness industry
- Good communications skills will be a plus point for any fitness trainer
Courses in Fitness Training:
- Bachelors in Physical Education
- Masters in Physical Education
Colleges offering Physical Education Courses:
- Lakshmibai National College Of Physical Education, Thiruvananthapuram
- Indira Gandhi Institute Of Physical Education And Sports Sciences, New Delhi
- Amity School Of Physical Education And Sports Sciences, Noida
- BPCA’s College Of Physical Education, Mumbai
- Lakshmibai National Institute Of Physical Education, Gwalior
- Chandrashekhar Agashe College Of Physical Education, Pune
- VNS College Of Physical Education And Management Studies, Bhopal
- Jyotiba College Of Physical Education, Nagpur
- Ishwar Deshmukh College Of Physical Education, Nagpur
- University College Of Physical Education, Bangalore University, Bengaluru
Job Opportunities:
- Fitness trainers or PE teachers in Government Schools/Colleges
- Sports Authority of India
- Gymnasiums
- Hotels & Communities
- Health/Fitness Clubs
- Educational institutions
- Spas
- Sports Centres
- Freelance/ Personal fitness trainer
- Celebrity fitness trainer
Salary:
At the entry level, a professional may not get too much. However, with experience and time a fitness instructor can on an average get a monthly salary in the range of Rs.15,000 to Rs. 25,000. This may considerably go up depending upon the reputation of the centre, the locality in which the fitness club is located, the clientele, number of students. Fitness trainers associated with celebrities, ones who are successfully running their own fitness clubs or those associated with multinational fitness chains can easily earn over Rs. 1 lakh every month for their services.
(Edvantage Point is India’s go-to platform for education-related products and services. We are into admissions management for schools, career advice and counselling services for students as well as recruitment services).
