With people across the world becoming more health conscious than ever, there are many options in the physical fitness arena that you can take up as a career. These include physical education coach or teacher, fitness or aerobics trainer.
Physical education instructors conduct physical training classes and coach students in games and athletics. A number of institutions and universities impart physical education at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, that is, bachelor of physical education (BPEd) and master of physical education (MPEd).
You can even opt for a degree in yoga and naturopathy (5.5 years) or a one-year diploma in yoga and naturopathy (DYN) which is approved by the ministry of health and family welfare.
There has been a rapid growth in the fitness arena with the number of new spas, gyms and health clubs doubling every year, driving the requirement for qualified practitioners like aerobics instructors, personal and corporate trainers, yoga instructors, spa therapists etc.
Fitness trainers instruct groups or individuals in various exercise routines such as aerobic exercises, weights, and flexibility training, and the correct use of various training apparatus and gadgets such as trampolines, weights, rowing machines, etc. There is a growing demand for trained fitness experts to work in gyms, big hotels, health clubs, fitness centres, spas, tourist resorts and even cruise liners.
Fitness professionals are today employed in a big way in schools, colleges, sports authorities, corporate offices and other recreational institutions. There is also an increasing interest in new exercise routines such as kick-boxing, Pilates, tai chi and so on, as also a range of fitness equipment to deal with almost all parts of the body.
Fitness specialists are in great demand, especially as personal trainers who work with individuals and groups, sportspersons, film stars and celebrities as their personal instructors, or for those suffering from specific health problems. Personal trainers work with clients on a one-on-one basis, either at a gym or at a client’s home. They can also set up their fitness centre or gym.
There are short courses and certification programmes run by private gyms and health clubs like Talwalkar’s in Mumbai to train fitness experts. Companies like Reebok and Nike offer professional courses in some major cities. The Reebok instructor certification programme covers theory and practical sessions over two-three months, after which you qualify with a training certification.
There are also a number of different exercise regimens such as kung fu, karate, judo, yoga etc. It is important to ensure that the trainers are 'belted' or certified trainer/experts.
-- Usha Albuquerque
Source: hindustantimes.com