A fitness director is in charge of the management of a gym or fitness center. He or she is in charge of hiring instructors, scheduling classes, purchasing equipment, and keeping track of finances. The majority of fitness directors have worked as group instructors or personal trainers in the past. Employer-specific educational requirements for becoming a fitness director vary, but many professionals have degrees in physical education, business administration, or both.
The fitness director oversees the work of personal trainers and group exercise leaders. The director assigns work schedules to employees and determines when classes will be held. He or she keeps up with the latest fitness trends to ensure that gym patrons have access to the best equipment and workout routines. Some fitness directors, particularly those who work in small clubs or gyms, devote at least some of their time to class instruction.
A large part of a fitness director’s job entails administrative tasks that are common in most businesses. He or she is in charge of the patron’s files, which include billing and payment information. The director sets membership fees as well as wages for hourly and salaried employees. Analyzing past sales figures and researching the success of competing gyms are used to make budget decisions.
The fitness director is also in charge of ensuring that the gym complies with local building codes and occupational safety laws. He or she ensures that all equipment is in good working order and that safety rules are clearly posted for all members to see. The director is more likely to get more business if the gym is kept clean and safe.
While there are no specific educational or training requirements for becoming a fitness director, most employers prefer to hire fitness directors with relevant degrees. An individual with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical education has expert knowledge of exercise science, human health, and personal training procedures. Many aspirants to the position of fitness director choose to pursue degrees in business administration to prepare for the various managerial responsibilities that come with the job.
A fitness director is typically certified in a variety of physical education disciplines. A professional can earn certification in personal training, health fitness, clinical exercise, and physiology, among other specialties, completing training courses and passing written exams. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in the United States is one of many professional bodies that offer certification. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming certified the ACSM or another organization can visit their websites or speak with the directors at their local fitness center.