Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
Offered by ACE, this certification teaches you how to develop weight management programs for clients that cover nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change. In this job, you work with clients to overcome barriers to health and fitness, so you're not just taking clients through workouts and sending them on their way.
To become a Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, you must already have an ACE certification for Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor or Clinical Exercise Specialist Certification.
For more info, visit the ACE website for requirements and exam dates.
Group Fitness Instructor
Group fitness is a popular career choice because you can do it part-time and teach whatever kind of class interests you the most. Income will vary depending on where you work and how many classes you teach. Some of the options include:
- Hi/Low Aerobics
- Step Aerobics
- Kickboxing
- Strength Training
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
There are many certification options out there for group fitness, so check out my Fitness Careers page for certifying organizations.
More Career Options
If you're feeling ambitious, you could always go for an advanced degree at a university in something like Sports Medicine or Exercise Science. These degrees will allow you to pursue careers or other degrees such as:
- Athletic Trainer
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Dietician
- Exercise Physiologist
- Biomechanist
- Sports Coach
- Physical Therapy
You'll also find there are a wide variety of certifications that can take you above and beyond personal training. Becoming a Health and Fitness Specialist, a Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist or even a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer will give you the education you need to work with special populations who require more focused help. You can learn more about these certifications at The American College of Sports Medicine.
The great thing about fitness is that it offers plenty of options for career choices, whether you want to pursue a degree or ease into it by getting a certification. Many people get into exercise and get so excited about the results, they can't wait to share that enthusiasm. If you're one of those people, take a chance and give fitness a try.
