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We are looking for fun, unique, and interesting education & career opportunities befitting a Moon Goddess. Your suggestions are encouraged! Please send an e-mail with your suggestions to pam@howtobeamoongoddess.com

Fitness & Exercise Careers

The fitness industry is one of the fastest growing job markets. It is fun, active, and helps other people better their lives. There are three basic types of teaching in fitness and exercise:  Group Fitness Instructors, Personal Trainers, and Wellness Consultants.

Group Fitness Instructor

Group fitness includes aerobic dance, step aerobics, kickboxing, group weight training, Pilates, yoga, resistance ball class, stationary cycle classes, and any combination of the imagination. Some of the forms of group fitness are dependent on music, rhythm, and movement and others use the musical aspect as background. So it is possible for a "non-dancer" to be a group fitness instructor.

The attraction of teaching group fitness comes from a combination of the social aspect of the class, the excitement of the music and the energy present in a group, and the performance aspect.

All group fitness instructors are responsible for teaching multiple students at the same time. They must be able to multi-task while teaching group fitness. If the class is dance based, the instructor must be able to lead the class with good cueing of movements, watch the class members for safety and give corrections as needed, use the music and rhythm, and motivate the class with a fun and energetic atmosphere (and smile!).

Other non-dance based forms of group fitness demand that instructor have constant attention on the students' exercise form and safety, correction as necessary, as well as motivation and making the class enjoyable.

Group instructors usually work part time because of being active participants in the classes. However, an instructor who is  able to teach many forms of group exercise can increase the number of hours he or she can teach and not be overworked.

Training and certification are part of the education process.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers teach and coach one person at a time, although some trainers will work with couples or small groups.

Most of the training time is spent with weight training. Personal trainers go into more depth with individuals than a group instructor can. The personal trainer follows a method of interviewing and evaluating the client's needs. Simple fitness assessments help determine the level of fitness a client is starting at and track the progress made over time. Personal trainers design specific fitness programs for each individual client.

The training sessions are focused on the exercises that will help the client reach his or her goals. The trainer gives attention to the safety in each exercise while motivating the client to progress

Personal trainers may see a client once a week or for every exercise session. Other fitness related topics are often discussed during training sessions, such as basic nutrition, goal setting, changing habits, and so forth.

Personal trainers may work part time or full time since the trainer usually does not exercise with the client, with the exception teaching specific techniques or for motivation. It is very important for a personal trainer to have proper training and certification.

Wellness Consultant

Wellness consultants addresses health problems before they occur and assist people in taking control of their health by learning about diet and lifestyle choices and their impact on health, wellness and longevity.

A Wellness Consultant is very complementary to a personal trainer. This  adds the other behavior change issues a client may have:  smoking cessation, healthy eating, stress management, goal setting. Wellness consultants usually do not teach the actual exercise sessions. Wellness consultants often coach by phone. Many consult with groups, such as employees of a business.

Fitness professionals are passionate about health, live a healthy lifestyle and set an example for others. They want to help other people enjoy good health. Many fitness professionals get trained and certified in al three areas of group instructor, personal trainer, and wellness consultant.

Scope of Practice

Basic certifications prepare the fitness professional to work with generally healthy people who want to get fit. Individuals who have medical problems are referred to their physicians for medical clearance before entering a fitness program. Most fitness professionals are not doctors, nurses, psychologists, or registered dieticians. It is important to give advice only within one's education. A referral list of health and medical resources is very important for the fitness professional. Fitness instructors who desire to work with clients who have medical concerns must get advanced training or a college degree.

Do you want to earn a personal training certification, a fitness instructor certification, an aerobics instructor certification, or a wellness counsultant certification? Do you want to learn how to be the best personal trainer, fitness instructor, aerobics instructor, or wellness consultant possible? Do you want to maximize your career and earnings as a certified personal trainer, fitness instructor, or wellness consultant?

NAFC

Training, Certification, and Continuing Education for Personal Trainers, Wellness Consultants, & Group/Aerobics Instructors

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