With over 62.9 million health and fitness clubs in North America alone, the health and fitness industry has undoubtedly become one of the most popular across the continent.

According to Statista, the industry generates over $80 billion U.S. dollars in annual revenue globally. At this level of prosperity, health and fitness can offer a wealth of career opportunities.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone who’s passionate about the mechanics of the human body, working in the health and fitness industry is a career choice that can change the lives of others for the better. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether you should begin building a career in health and fitness.

Find Your Passion and Learn More About It

Do you love what nutritious food can do for one’s body? Are you an avid runner? Is completing a good workout one of the highlights of your day? Whatever you are most passionate about, the core of any career in health and fitness is bettering the well-being and, in effect, the lives of those who you interact with.

Gaining an understanding of the field you’re interested in is important before embarking on any career path. With that said, it’s also crucial to recognize that new insights will surface over the course of your career; the health and fitness business involves learning continually and adapting to changes. Just as new procedures and performance standards are constantly renewed in other areas of business, the underlying sciences and safety recommendations in your field are also subject to change.

Check If Your Field Requires Certification

Certain fields may require you to obtain a certification prior to accepting clients. For example, a career in yoga requires that all instructors take a 200-hour training program. Depending on your state or province’s regulations, a personal trainer may require certification, but it’s also possible to train clients privately without a certificate.

Be sure to conduct research on your field and determine whether there are prerequisites that you need to complete. It is worth noting that certain states and provinces may have specific requirements unique to your location.

Understand the Business Aspects

Beyond the day-to-day elements of your desired field, it’s also important to recognize the business aspects embedded in the health and fitness industry. Depending on your career path, it may be as simple as applying for a business license with your local government. However, if you’re planning on starting your own yoga studio, for example, you’ll need to consider finding an attractive location, applying for any related permits to operate your new business, hiring staff, managing the finances, and marketing your business to the community. Whether you’re joining the team at an existing facility or becoming your own boss, it’s vital to gain a deep understanding of the business aspects.

Once you begin accepting clients, managing and scheduling will be an important part of your business. Xplor Recreation’s gym management software helps business owners manage and market their fitness centers, using our powerful yet easy-to-use software system. Learn more about Xplor Recreation’s gym management software.

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