More and more people are making their
health a priority in their day-to-day life. What better way to stay fit than actually work in the profession? For those of you who are fitness enthusiasts, here are five
jobs you have to try:
Fitness Director
In the fitness world, the title of “fitness director” can be a bit vague as the job title can mean different things at different places. Some fitness directors manage group exercise classes at a fitness center while other fitness directors manage personal trainers and handle office related duties, including sales. When applying for these jobs, make sure to look at the job description so you know what the company is specifically looking for. Most places prefer a fitness director to have a bachelor’s degree in physical education or another health field. According to
Payscale, the median
salary for fitness directors is $40,669.
Fitness Apparel Designer
Hey, it takes a level of
passion to stitch up sweatpants and shorts for a living! Apparel designers at major brands such as
Adidas or
Nike usually have fashion degrees from institutions such as the
Parsons School of Design or
Fashion Institute of Technology. An average day of work for apparel designers involves meetings with different departments, researching, sketching and designing custom team athletic gear and working out so they know firsthand the comfort level of the attire while in the gym. As for an average salary,
Indeed lists fashion designers in the U.S. as making an average of $53,309 per year.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors guide their students through mediation, breathing, posture and stretching techniques. There's no required bachelor's degree for this job, but potential instructors are required to complete training under a registered professional with the Yoga Alliance. Requirements include being fit and flexible. As with any instructor role, patience is a plus and yoga instructors are always encouraged to maintain a
calm disposition. Yoga studios have grown in popularity over the years, creating even more opportunities to teach (especially during evenings and weekends).
Glassdoor reports the national average yoga instructor salary to be $37,900, but yoga instructors who
travel for private sessions earn more.
Sports Coach
Coaches physically train athletes and also provide mentorship, guiding them to their full potential. (Coaching is a method of fitness for the
mind and soul!) Prospective employers include fitness centers, professional sports teams, colleges and universities. Professional sports coaches with a background in tennis, football or basketball can earn just as much as the top athletes that they are coaching. Requirements include a degree in sports science, sports
management or prior experience working as a sports coach.
Personal Trainer
Last but not least, the role of an independent
personal trainer is an obvious choice when it comes to careers in
fitness. This job can be rewarding as personal trainers get to witness the transition of their clients in their weight and wellness journey. Many personal trainers are goal-oriented and strive to get their clients in tip-top shape. Most trainers start out working for a gym or fitness center. Then, after building a clientele, most personal trainers will work independently where they get to pocket their hourly rate instead of giving a portion to the gym or fitness center. The requirements for becoming a personal trainer include completing an
ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam, though some places require personal trainers have a bachelor’s degree in
kinesiology, exercise science or other health specification. According to Salary.com, the salary range for personal trainers is from $41,531 to $70,700.
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Leesa is a writer and blogger who loves to travel. She currently spends her time between New York and Florida. See more of her writing at leesadavis.com.