Are you passionate about fitness and dreaming of turning that passion into your career? You're in the right place! Whether you're considering a career change or just starting to explore the vibrant world of fitness, there's never been a better time to dive in.
In this article, we will share some of the best fitness careers. Keep reading to learn more!
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Career In Fitness
- Polish your resume. Before you leap into the fitness industry, make sure your resume stands out. Consider enlisting the help of top resume writing services. These services specialize in crafting resumes that highlight your unique skills and experiences, ensuring you make a strong first impression on potential employers.
- Connect with a like-minded community. A new career path is exciting, but it can also be daunting. That's where finding a supportive community comes in. Join The UnBREAKable Community where you'll find a network to exchange ideas, find mentorship, and gain inspiration.
- Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. When you're ready to start your job hunt, job posting sites like ZipRecruiter are invaluable. With its easy-to-use interface and vast database of job listings, ZipRecruiter simplifies the search process. You can find a wide range of positions in the fitness industry, from personal trainers to wellness coaches, ensuring you find a role that matches your skills and ambitions.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
6 Of The Best Careers In Fitness
1. Personal Trainer
Median National Salary: $61,014/year
Education Required: High school diploma and certification through an accredited program
Job Duties: A personal trainer is responsible for creating customized fitness programs, providing exercise instruction, and offering guidance on nutrition and lifestyle choices to help clients achieve their fitness goals. They use their expertise in exercise science, fitness training, and motivation to support and educate clients, promoting overall health and well-being.
2. Physical Therapist
Median National Salary: $96,695/year
Education Required: Doctor of Physical therapy (DPT) degree
Job Duties: A physical therapist is responsible for assessing patients' physical conditions, developing treatment plans, and providing rehabilitative care to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. They use their expertise in anatomy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or manage chronic conditions, promoting overall physical well-being.
3. Nutritionist
Median National Salary: $54,137/year
Education Required: Associate degree or bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A nutritionist is responsible for assessing clients' dietary needs, providing personalized nutrition plans, and offering guidance on healthy eating habits to improve overall health and well-being. They use their expertise in nutrition science, dietary analysis, and behavior change to educate and support individuals in making informed food choices and achieving their nutritional goals.
4. Sports Massage Therapist
Median National Salary: $71,679/year
Education Required: Certification through an accredited program
Job Duties: A sports massage therapist is responsible for providing specialized massage treatments to athletes to help prevent injuries, promote recovery, and enhance performance. They use their expertise in sports medicine, massage techniques, and anatomy to address muscle tension, improve flexibility, and support athletes in achieving their physical and athletic goals.
5. Health Club Manager
Median National Salary: $57,500/year
Education Required: High school diploma
Job Duties: A health club manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a fitness facility, including staff management, facility maintenance, and member services. They use their expertise in fitness management, customer service, and business administration to ensure the smooth operation of the club, create a welcoming environment for members, and promote a positive and healthy experience for patrons.
6. Fitness Apparel Designer
Median National Salary: $65,444/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A fitness apparel designer is responsible for creating and developing athletic clothing and activewear that is both functional and fashionable. They use their expertise in fashion design, fabric technology, and market trends to design and produce apparel that meets the performance and aesthetic needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job In Fitness
Working in the fitness industry is both rewarding and demanding, requiring a unique set of skills and qualifications to succeed. Here's what you need to thrive in this field:
- Certification and Education: Most fitness careers require some form of certification or education. Personal trainers, for example, should have certification from accredited organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Specialized areas, such as nutrition or yoga, have their own certification requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills: The ability to connect with and motivate others is crucial. You'll be working closely with individuals who have diverse backgrounds and fitness levels. Strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to inspire are key to helping your clients achieve their goals.
- Physical Fitness: While you don’t need to be a world-class athlete, maintaining a good level of physical fitness is important. It not only helps you perform your job effectively but also serves as a positive role model for your clients.
- Adaptability: The fitness world is always evolving, with new trends and research emerging regularly. Being adaptable and willing to continue your education is essential to stay relevant and offer the best advice and training to your clients.
- Business Acumen: For those looking to open their own fitness business or work as freelancers, understanding the basics of business, marketing, and customer service is vital. This includes knowing how to market your services, manage finances, and create a positive customer experience.
Best Places To Find A Career In Fitness
Job Posting Sites
Job posting sites are the first stop for many fitness professionals looking for new opportunities. Platforms like ZipRecruiter offer a wide range of listings from gyms, wellness centers, and private clients seeking personal trainers, fitness instructors, and wellness coaches. These sites are great because they aggregate a large number of opportunities, making it easier for you to find positions that match your qualifications and interests. Plus, they often provide valuable resources like company reviews and salary benchmarks.
For more information, read our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Professional Fitness Associations
Joining professional fitness associations can be a game-changer in your job search. Organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) not only offer certification and continuing education but also host job boards specifically for their members. These associations are fantastic for finding specialized positions and connecting with industry leaders, which can lead to opportunities that aren't advertised on traditional job boards.
Fitness Industry Conferences and Events
Attending fitness industry conferences and events is an excellent way to find career opportunities while also staying up-to-date on the latest trends and research. These events often feature job fairs or networking sessions specifically designed to connect employers with job seekers. Plus, they provide a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers through face-to-face interactions.
Local Gyms and Wellness Centers
Don't overlook the value of stopping by local gyms and wellness centers in your area. Many of these establishments prefer to hire locally and may not advertise their openings on large job boards. Visiting in person allows you to get a feel for the place, introduce yourself to the management, and potentially find out about job openings before they're widely advertised.
The Bottom Line
Now that you've explored some fitness careers, it's pretty clear there's something out there for everyone. Whether you're all about personal training or you're leaning towards wellness coaching, the right opportunity is waiting.
If you're ready to get serious about finding your next gig in fitness, ZipRecruiter is the place to go. They've got tons of fitness jobs listed, and who knows? Your perfect match might be just a click away. Find your next opportunity on ZipRecruiter today!
