6 Surprising Non-Qualified Careers in the Fitness Industry
Passionate about the fitness industry? But not quite sure what to do, and you're not sold on becoming a personal trainer? Keep reading for 6 alternative careers in the fitness industry.
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Careers in Fitness Writing
You may have seen some articles in magazines such as Mens Health, Muscle & Fitness, or even Magshop. These businesses need writers. AI-written content is not winning the race on engagement. If you have a flair for words, writing could be for you.
Fitness writers can cover anything from blog articles, to in-depth research papers. You could also start your own fitness blog, work full-time, or freelance as a copywriter.
Fitness writers employed full-time earn on average $71K a year according to Glassdoor. And, self-employed people earn between $27-$88 an hour.
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Careers in Fitness Technology
If you've got some skills in tech then there are a multitude of careers for you:
- App Developer
- Wearable Technology Engineer
- Virtual Reality Developer
- UX Website Design
App developers generally fall into two categories: android or IOS developers. If you've got a knack for coding and can see a problem that needs solving - developing apps can be a lucrative career.
You don't need a formal qualification in information technology to start. And if you're passionate about health and fitness - you can combine the two. Often fitness tech developers are looking to wearable technology. With the explosion of smartwatches, smart t-shirts, and other cool and wonderful developments - it's a lucrative career option.
Fitness is becoming augmented and digital. Products such as Lulu Lemons Smart Mirror or Smart T-Shirts, showcase where the industry is heading.
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Creative Fitness Jobs
Some people dream of creativity and fitness.
You could look at becoming:
- Product designer
- Fashion designer
- Fitness Photographer
- Makeup artist
Product designers in the fitness industry create new workouts, or develop innovative fitness-related products. The process for product design is usually a 5 step method: research, ideation, validation, development, and testing. Product designers tend to be employed full-time or are entrepreneurs.
Fashion labels have exploded in the fitness industry. This makes the market both exciting and challenging. If you have an eye for fashion and fitness there's money to make. You'll need facilities or access to a manufacturer. Some websites allow for drop shipping, which can reduce your initial capital expenses. Fitness influencers are seeing the value in developing fashion products to monetise their fame.
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Careers in Fitness Photography
Does photography and fitness catch your attention? Be prepared to work odd hours. You'll need to have the necessary equipment such as a DSLR or a good camera phone.
You can monetise your photography by:
- Traditional studio photography
- Event photography
- Selling your fitness photos online
You'll need to be handy with a camera. That means you'll need to know the fundamentals of taking a good photo, and be able to edit it to capture the theme appropriately.
To get started educate yourself through formal or informal practice with a camera. It might be a good idea to join a local photography group or enrol in a class. Then you'll want to build a portfolio. You do this by offering your services for free, or at a reduced cost, while you hone your craft. Once you feel you're ready, start marketing yourself in the fitness industry.
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Careers in Fitness Choreography
If you can dance and do fitness then this opens a whole new niche for you. Fitness choreography is about combining your skills or passion in dance with fitness. Some celebrity trainers are famous for getting their singers fit, and also helping them with choreography on camera.
Another avenue for passionate dance/fitness instructors is creating your own choreography. Les Mils had to start somewhere, now it's a household name. Then Zumba came along. Someone with a vision had to create these and turn them into a marketable product. That person could be you.
It's also not limited to dance. PLC (Premium Lifestyle Club) was originally known for creating choreographed hit-style workouts. And to a certain extent so was CrossFit.
To get started in fitness choreography you don't need a qualification as such. But it would help. Check out the FIT College fitness courses to get an education that is respected by the industry.
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Careers in Fitness Motivational Speaking
If you have a knack for public speaking then motivational speaking could be for you. You don't need formal qualifications, although studying the great orators of our time - is a good idea.
Monetising your motivational speaking comes in many forms. From starting your own podcast or YouTube channel. To formal paid invites to speak at events.
One thing is true when it comes to motivational speaking - it's a craft and you'll need to spend time honing it and building your reputation in the industry.