Employment

Working in the health and fitness business can seem a glamorous profession - finding employment at something you enjoy, in an active, healthy environment - but there are also downsides. The pay is not always great, and the hours can be unsociable - just think of how long your local gym is open each day! But if you want something different from the 9 to 5, it's a field worth considering.

One of the most popular routes into employment in the profession is as a personal trainer, but be aware that employment of this kind requires certification. The good news? Many training courses are on evenings, weekends, or via distance learning, so you can train while continuing in your present job.

Another good possibility is working in a gym or club. With the growth of health clubs, there is a need for both hands-on workers and also Health Club Managers - if you are organized and have leadership skills, the latter could be for you. Other popular careers include coaching, or working as a physiotherapist or osteopath.

As this is a people business, almost any job in the fitness industry requires good customer skills. Other desirable attributes would include the willingness to work flexible hours, good communication skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team. Routes into the field almost all require some type of training and certification, from university degrees through to qualification in individual sports. Fortunately there are many different training providers these days, with schedules to suit almost anyone. So why delay? Start thinking about your new career in fitness today!