Fitness specialists work one-on-one or in groups, providing diet advice, personal training, or group fitness classes. They typically work in fitness centers or health facilities and require at least a two- or four-year college degree, with additional certifications available. Higher-level careers require additional education. It’s important for these professionals to enjoy helping others and maintain their own health and fitness.
The professional roles of a fitness specialist can vary depending on their education and training, as well as the environment in which they work. Typically, a health and fitness specialist works with clients one-on-one or in small groups, helping them with everything from diet advice, personal training sessions or group fitness classes. Someone who wants to pursue a career as a fitness specialist might choose a specific specialty that requires additional education. For example, working as an athletic trainer typically requires a master’s degree, so this is something to keep in mind when planning ahead.
The most common area for a fitness specialist to work is within a fitness center or other health facility. This person can work as a personal trainer and as a fitness class instructor. As a personal trainer, he or she will meet one-on-one with clients to assess their existing fitness skills, ask them about their fitness goals, and then create a personalized program to help them reach those goals. As an instructor, the fitness specialist will design classes and programs in advance and then teach those classes in regular group meetings.
This type of fitness specialist typically requires at least a two- or four-year college degree to be eligible for a job. Additional certifications are available for certain areas of expertise, and many fitness centers will require these from their instructors or trainers. Sometimes individuals with these degrees or certifications also work in other settings such as rehabilitation facilities, senior centers or even hospitals. These types of environments may require additional education in areas such as physical therapy or nutrition to ensure that the advice they are providing is backed up by health and medical knowledge and training.
Higher-level careers in fitness, such as those of a nutritionist or athletic trainer, for example, require additional education. This is usually required at Masters level or higher because the amount of knowledge needed to perform these tasks is much more extensive. There are many different career opportunities for someone interested in a career in health and fitness; it is important that anyone in this field legitimately enjoys working with and helping others. In addition, health and fitness professionals must commit to maintaining their own levels of health and fitness to set a positive example for their clients.
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