In a time when more people are choosing to be proactive about their health, now is a great time to work in the fitness industry. For some fitness jobs you’ll need a college degree and certification while other fitness jobs might require some vocational courses and certification. Before entering the fitness industry you need to figure out which aspect of this career interests you the most and what your strengths and weaknesses are. While you should consider the salary of certain fitness jobs, don’t let it be your main reason for choosing a particular job.

Athletic Trainer

Sports fans who are fitness buffs will like this job because their primary responsibility is to train athletes for upcoming games through a variety of exercises and good nutrition. The athletic trainer is also able to diagnose and offer treatment to athletes who suffered injuries during their games. For this position you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine or physical therapy along with certification depending on the state you live in. While in college, get an internship with a local sports franchise where you can work alongside an athletic trainer. Use the contacts established at your internships to land an entry-level job in this field.

Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is someone who looks over patients’ injuries and comes up with effective plans to help patients rehabilitate themselves through counseling and daily exercises until the patients are fully recovered from their injuries. For example, a patient who recently dislocated her shoulder might seek treatment from a physical therapist. Or if a patient suffered a physical injury due to a stroke, he would meet with a physical therapist. Physical therapists usually hold at least a master’s degree and they must be licensed by the state they live in.

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer is similar to an athletic trainer but who works with regular people. He is responsible for helping clients achieve weight loss through a series of fitness workouts. Most personal trainers work in a gym but others visit clients’ home for sessions.  To become a personal trainer you can take state-accredited courses and obtain certification from the American Council on Exercise.

School PE Teachers

With the concern for childhood obesity growing in our nation, schools are seeking innovative ways to inspire children to live healthy lives. The physical education teacher plays an important role in this effort and if you care about this issue, then physical education is a neat job. You would hold classes with the emphasis on various workouts and sports activities for your students. To enter this career you will need a bachelor’s degree in physical education or exercise science and a license from your state.

Weight Loss Counselor

A weight loss counselor is someone who offers advice to patients who struggle with losing weight. You’ll usually find weight loss counselors at weight loss centers or at private clinics and they hold weekly sessions that involve the discussion of ways that people can change dietary habits, food journaling to track success, specific exercises that work and methods of how to keep the weight off after it has been lost. A master’s degree in counseling would be required for this job. In conclusion, these fitness jobs are rewarding and assist people in improving their longevity.