There are many reasons why people start to love their fitness routines. They may have achieved incredible weight-loss success, seen a tremendous increase in their health and wellness, or experienced a greater sense of peace and strength. In many cases, these personal ties to fitness cause them to be more passionate about their goals and able to inspire others as well.

A fitness career is an excellent choice for anyone excited about exercise and strength training. Fitness instructors spend time speaking and teaching a practice that they love while also generating needed income. Along with that, teaching fitness allows them to enjoy a great deal of desirable locations, depending on what they want to teach. For instance, they can gain access to various gyms, beautiful outdoor arenas, and even their own home if they take a virtual route. Best of all, they get to continue with their own fitness goals at the same time that they help others.

Types of Fitness Instructors

If you are interested in a career in fitness instruction, here are the types you can choose.

• Personal Fitness - Personal trainers generally plan and execute workout plans that they have tailored specifically for their clients. They meet with the client to discuss the goals they are trying to reach and to evaluate their current health and fitness capabilities. From there, they create a customized routine for the client to execute as the trainer monitors the progress. Personal instructors have the option of marketing their services to individuals, as part of company wellness packages and to gym members. Some personal trainers also train as dieticians to become well rounded advisors.
• Group Fitness - Group fitness instructors coordinate and direct exercise classes for a group rather than one person. These sessions can involve stretching, muscle strengthening, or aerobic conditioning. Along with that, group instructors will select music suitable for the pace and intensity of the class and build an engaging routine that can use bodyweight or equipment like dumbbells, stationary bicycles, stackable steps, dance bars, and balance balls.

Fitness Instructor Training

The need for skilled fitness instructors has tremendously increased over the years. As more people take charge of their health and wellness, they look for properly trained professionals to help. This time can be perfect to start a career in fitness. 

Any person making a journey into fitness instruction can begin by selecting a certifying program that best fits their needs. They should also ensure it's accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This approval is the standard of excellence in the world of fitness.

Once they have chosen one or multiple certification programs, they can move on to study and get certified. The amount of time it takes depends on the kind of credentials they choose. Some get completed in a day or weekend, while others can take months to finish. However, it is crucial to get all required prerequisites fulfilled before the exam, such as an updated CPR/AED certification with an in-person skills review.

Job Prospects

Becoming a certified fitness instructor is not an easy process, but it is worth the effort. Once the exam gets passed, any person that has done this work can proudly bear the title of a fitness instructor.

They will receive a certificate as well as an ID card to carry with them. From there, newly accredited instructors can start applying for fitness instruction jobs. To uncover the best one, they will need to decide on the environment they want to teach in. For instance, they can choose a health club, gym, studio, or corporate wellness program. Also, they can start their own program online or within their community.

As they move along their career, fitness instructors must keep their certifications current along with their CPR status. The number of credits needed depends on where they obtained their certification. These continuing credits are also important to stay current trends as the fitness industry continues to thrive.

Once someone starts their job as a fitness instructor, they have a fantastic chance to promote healthy behaviors in others. They will get more people to move their bodies, achieve their goals, and have a better quality of life. It may be nerve-wracking with their first class, but they should keep going despite their fears. The more they teach, their ability to perform confidently in front of others will increase. To find even more success, they should connect with a mentor and attend classes held by other instructors. And most importantly, they should remember the joy and passion they feel about fitness and continue to share it with others.