Careers Articles

Financial Freedom in Fitness Who are the high earners in the industry, and what are their secrets to success? "I love the fitness industry, but it just doesn't pay." "I stay in fitness even though the money is so low." "Get out of the fitness business--you can't make a decent income!" Have you heard these comments? Have you uttered them? Committing to the fitness profession does not have to mean a...

By Diane Lofshult Group fitness instructors reveal the businessrelated purchases that gave them the biggest bang for their buck in terms of career success. It has been said that the rich just keep getting richer. Witness, for example, the way celebrities are rewarded with fabulous "goodie bags" at Hollywood award ceremonies or are routinely comped for fourcourse meals at pricey restaurants. While...

Form Follows Function A thought-provoking discussion with physical therapist, trainer, educator, author, coach and inventor Gary Gray. IDEA: What's new and exciting to you in personal training and physical therapy? Gray: We're getting back to the basics, which means we're humble enough to realize we're not inventing anything new. There's really nothing new under the sun. Rather, we're taking advan...

A Day (or a Career?) at the Spa Could you succeed as a "trainer to the pampered"? Spa professionals offer career highlights. By Shirley Archer, JD, MA W Wellness is the watchword for the future. Or at least that's the forecast of Paul Zane Pilzer, an economist who predicts that within the next 10 years, the wellness industry will generate $1 trillion annually. The continued growth and economic s...

Climbing the Wall Between Instructors and Personal Trainers Q: A: Like many other group fitness instructors, I am making the transition to personal training (while keeping my classes). However, I am sensing resistance from the personal trainers at the club where I work. They act as though I have no knowledge, skills or industry longevity. What can I do to climb the wall dividing "trainers" from ...

CREATING YOUR OWN FUTURE What is your outlook for the next 5 years? By D o n n a K o z i k , M B A With so many future needs and so much future opportunity, how do you apply all the possibilities? Be the coach of your own career. "Career coaching takes place at the heart and soul level," says Marla Goonan, a career coach and placement consultant at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD)....

The Personal Tr a i n e r ' s R o a d to Success BY DODY BENKO-LIVINGSTON How do you grow a flourishing business? Map a course that heads you in the right direction. N Nelson Mandela once said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." You have the power to achieve success as a personal trainer--but not if you fail to recognize op...

Wellness W o r k i n g Va c a t i o n s i n F i t n e s s BY LUCIA VITI Picture this: teaching a step class on the sundeck of an oceanfront pool in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica, or stretching into a yoga pose on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, with the warmth of a flaming orange sunset as your backdrop. Pack your bags. Exotic five-star resorts are calling all fitness professionals to the playfu...

Careers E n h a n c e Yo u r C a r e e r by Becoming a Speaker BY CHRISTINE DEHERRERA, MA With solid preparation, a good presentation and a little practice, you can be an effective and inspiring speaker with the potential to change people's lives. As a fitness professional, you are involved in helping others improve their health and well-being. By speaking to community groups, teaching workshop...

PERSONAL TRAINER PROFILE Volunteering to Train Subject: Steven Oberfest Location: New York, New York Company: Underdog Fitness Experience: Fifteenth year as trainer; second year as owner Maverick Strategy: Last year I started volunteering my time to the Burden Center for the Aging in Manhattan. Now I am working with many other groups including Beth Israel Hospital, Ronald McDonald Charities, Neig...