By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist
One third of adults in the United States are overweight and 33 percent of those adults are obese, according to a 2004 survey by the National Institutes of Health. It's no small wonder that millions of Americans resolve to slim down each New Year. With a career in fitness training, you can be part of America's solution to obesity.
The number of personal fitness trainers in the US has grown with America's waistlines. In the 1970s, the career of fitness trainer was virtually unknown among average Americans. Today, weight loss gurus like Oprah Winfrey have popularized the notion of hiring personal fitness trainers to hone better health and a slimmer physique. They work in fitness centers and gyms, hospitals, and spas, or are hired by individuals seeking one-on-one weight-loss support.
Fitness Training Education
To become a personal fitness trainer, you'll likely need some sort of formal credential. Many fitness trainers earn
a bachelor's degree in physical fitness, fitness training, nutrition, or another related discipline. Other fitness trainers go through a shorter academic program that results in a certification, but they may not benefit from getting more in-depth instruction in nutrition and biology.
Careers in Fitness Training
You may be surprised with the variety of careers in fitness training. Most of us identify fitness trainers as people who assist in weight-loss or strength-building programs at neighborhood gyms. But fitness trainers may also work for athletic organizations, like professional football teams or the U.S. Olympic team. They also work as independent consultants, helping individuals or organizations on a contractual basis, setting up large fitness programs for spas, or teaching families about sustainable diet and exercise.
Your career in personal fitness training can be a great opportunity to pursue a passion while doing something worthwhile helping people lead healthier, fuller lives. What's more, it's a great way to keep your own health on track. Find out how your love for healthy living can translate into a career in fitness!
Source
National Institutes of Health
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.
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