The responsibilities of a health fitness specialist vary depending on his or her education and training as well as the environment in which he or she works. A health and fitness specialist typically assists clients one-on-one or in small groups with everything from dietary advice to personal training sessions or group fitness classes. Someone interested in pursuing a career as a health fitness specialist may opt for a specialty that necessitates additional training. Working as an athletic trainer, for example, typically requires a master’s degree, so keep this in mind as you plan for the future.
A fitness center or other health center is the most common place for a health fitness specialist to work. This person could work as a personal trainer as well as a fitness class instructor. As a personal trainer, he or she will meet with clients one-on-one to assess their current physical fitness abilities, ask about their fitness goals, and then design a customized program to help them achieve these objectives. The health fitness specialist will design classes and programs ahead of time as an instructor, and then teach them in regularly scheduled group meetings.
To work as a health fitness specialist, you’ll need at least a two- or four-year college degree. For certain areas of expertise, additional certifications are available, and many fitness centers will require these of their instructors or trainers. Individuals with these degrees or certifications may work in a variety of settings, including rehabilitation centers, senior centers, and hospitals. To ensure that the advice they are giving is backed up medical and health training and knowledge, these types of environments may require additional education in areas such as physical therapy or nutrition.
Careers in health and fitness at a higher level, such as registered dietitian or athletic trainer, necessitate additional education. Because the amount of knowledge required to perform these jobs is much more extensive, a master’s degree or higher is usually required. For someone interested in a career in health and fitness, there are numerous options; however, it is critical that anyone in this field enjoys working with and helping others. Those in the health and fitness industry should also be committed to maintaining their own levels of health and fitness so that they can serve as positive role models for their clients.