If you have a passion for fitness and wellness, then you might well be looking to turn it into a profession. There’s always a need for more trainers and instructors, as well as dieticians and others that can help people live their healthiest life. However, if you want to get into the industry, you need to make sure that you’re the best fit for it. Here are some of the challenges and factors you should keep in mind.
It’s a hard hustle
Working in fitness, especially as a personal trainer or instructor of some kind, isn’t going to make you rich. It can definitely pay well, as you can see from the salary range of the average yoga instructor, but it takes time to build a brand that attracts high-paying clientele to get there. What’s more, if you’re freelancing or working in most gyms, you’re not going to get paid if you’re not working.
Your work environment isn’t often your choice
You can freelance, which means going out on your own and usually working with clients in your own space or at their homes. If you’re working with a gym or studio owner, however, then they are going to be the ones dictating the tone and pace of the environment. As such, you have to be careful in looking for a place that matches your own training philosophy.
You have to work for your qualifications
Knowing your stuff and being able to maintain your own fitness is not enough. When it comes to teaching others, you have to be able to demonstrate that you are fully equipped and capable when it comes to your discipline. If you’re looking at a career in yoga, you need to find a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. If you’re not willing to put in the time to get your qualifications, few are going to want to work with you.
You need to continuously research and learn
It’s not over once you have the training and qualifications that you need to start working, either. Clients will be looking to you for ongoing advice and information and you need to be able to provide it. From the best approach to weight loss to how to set and reach specific fitness goals, you should always be learning the latest in the pursuit of health and fitness.
You should build off of it
A lot of people work solely as an instructor or trainers, but as mentioned, you don’t get paid when you’re not working. As such, you might want to look at ways to build up passive income in fitness. This can include selling plans and guides that correspond with your training or even building a brand that sells merchandise. There are a lot of opportunities for growth in the field, but you have to have some business savvy to find them.
The points above aren’t meant to scare anyone away from a career in fitness. Rather, it’s important to know what you’re getting into so you can be not just physically prepared, but mentally prepared, too.