Fitness careers have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people prioritize their health and wellness. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the fitness industry, there are many entry-level options to consider. To get you started on your path to success, the Lionel University Office of Personal & Career Development has assembled a list of ten entry to mid-level fitness careers, along with their education recommendations and a summary of what each job entails.
Personal Trainer: A personal trainer helps clients achieve their fitness goals by designing and implementing personalized workout plans. Personal trainers typically need a high school diploma, although certification from a recognized organization is usually required. Some trainers also have a degree in exercise science or a related field.
Group Fitness Instructor: A group fitness instructor leads exercise classes for a group of clients. The classes can include anything from yoga to kickboxing to Zumba. Group fitness instructors typically need a certification from a recognized organization, although a degree in exercise science or a related field can also be helpful.
Fitness Club Manager: A fitness club manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a gym or fitness center. They are responsible for hiring and training staff, managing budgets, and ensuring that the facility is clean and well-maintained. Fitness club managers typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration, exercise science, or a related field.
Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. They may also provide rehabilitation services to injured athletes. Athletic trainers typically need a bachelor's degree in athletic training or a related field.
Fitness Writer/Blogger: A fitness writer or blogger creates content related to health and fitness. This can include articles, blog posts, and social media content. Fitness writers and bloggers typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
Exercise Physiologist: An exercise physiologist studies the effects of exercise on the human body. They may work in a research capacity, or they may develop exercise programs for clients with medical conditions. Exercise physiologists typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field.
Health Coach: A health coach helps clients improve their overall health and wellness by providing guidance and support. They may work with clients to develop healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and stress management strategies. Health coaches typically need a certification from a recognized organization, although a degree in nutrition or a related field can also be helpful.
Physical Therapy Technician: A physical therapy technician is responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment only under the direct supervision of the staff physical therapist. The PT Tech assists with the restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease, or physical disability.
Fitness Photographer: A fitness photographer takes photos of athletes and fitness models for use in marketing materials or editorial content. They may also take photos of gym equipment or fitness facilities. Fitness photographers typically need a degree in photography or a related field.
Fitness Apparel Designer: A fitness apparel designer creates clothing and accessories for use in athletic and fitness settings. They may design workout clothes, yoga pants, or running shoes. Fitness apparel designers typically need a degree in fashion design or a related field.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in the fitness industry is a rewarding and fulfilling choice, offering numerous opportunities for growth and personal development. Whether you're interested in working directly with clients, behind the scenes, or in a creative capacity, there are many fitness careers available to you. At Lionel University, we offer degree programs and certifications to help you get started on your fitness career path - in fact, you can even start working in the industry before graduation!
We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with a glimpse into the various career options available. And with the Lionel University Office of Personal & Career Development there to guide you every step of the way, it’s hard to go wrong. Before you know it, with the right education and training, you can turn your passion for fitness into a successful and fulfilling career.
Regardless of the fitness job you’re looking to get, one thing is for certain. Education is important. Businesses want to make sure that their customers are safe, and getting closer to their fitness goals. For each of these jobs, having a Lionel degree on your fitness resume will help you stand apart from the competition. This is in large part because of the elite reputation of Lionel in the fitness education space. History, credibility, and reputation are important when it comes to an exercise science degree program.
Regardless of whether you’re pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, at Lionel you earn multiple specializations along the way. This means you can start working on getting that dream job before graduation day. And, with the help of financial aid, earning your exercise science degree is even more of a possibility. Check out our programs and contact Lionel today!