3 Reasons Why Fitness Careers Will Continue to Grow; Even in This Economy
Dave Goldstein, VP of Business Development
Even with most Americans tightening their financial belts these days, careers in the fitness industry are continuing to grow.
I recently attended the 2009 IHRSA tradeshow in San Francisco, CA and found some compelling reasons as to why right now - is the best time to become a personal trainer.
1. Most people won't sacrifice their health to save money.
According to the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009; “Fitness careers are expected to increase 27 percent over the 2006-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. These workers are expected to gain jobs because an increasing number of people are spending time and money on fitness, and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees”.
Even in the current economy, people are seeking viable outlets to keep themselves in shape, both mentally and physically. In order to achieve these results, they actively seek the guidance of certified, professional personal trainers.
2. Getting started is inexpensive, and easy.
Starting or enhancing your career as a NCCA accredited personal trainer doesn’t require 4 years of school, or extensive vocational training – only an internal passion to help others achieve their health and fitness goals and become successful in the process. Most trainers can make between $15.86 per hour with top earners averaging $56,750 per year or more, (Bureau of Labor statistics, May 2007.)
Simply put; by investing $325 and obtaining a Basic Personal Fitness Trainer certification – it would take 20.5 hours of training clients at $15.86 per hour to make your initial investment back! It goes without saying this is a projected average and depends on the demographic in which you live.
Even if you make $10 per hour – it would only take 32 hours of training clients to make your investment back – where else can you find that kind of ROI?
3. A Flexible Schedule
If you currently work out at a gym you may have noticed trainers usually work a set schedule. This schedule is generally set by the trainer and client time-slots are filled accordingly. Personal Trainers may have the ability to work as much or as little as they want – depending on the guidelines of the club they work at. What better way is there to supplement an income, do something you love and maybe, receive a complimentary membership to the gym in which you work at; another added benefit.
About NESTA:
NESTA’s mission since 1992 is to educate the most sought after personal trainers in the industry not only as an NCCA accredited program provider but by providing their students with the insight required to bridge the gap between certification and real-world, in-club application. NESTA is the only 4-year certification in the industry and the exclusive education provider to Polar Electro – the leader in heart rate monitor technology. The NESTA manuals are environmentally friendly and delivered on an interactive CD-ROM. This is designed to save on printing textbooks and pass those saving onto their students. NESTA education provides trainers with the ability learn through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning processes at the same time.
