Physical fitness – Bikiran Foundation

Overview

Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. – John F. Kennedy. Fitness trainers work with individuals to meet their fitness goals by designing individualized plans or them. They demonstrate the exercises, different for different purposes as well as provide information regarding the nutrition, and healthy lifestyle to their clients. They also monitor their client’s progress. They also work with large groups in gyms, aerobic sessions, clubs, hospitals etc

Professional Opportunities

Fitness instructor

⦿ They work with individual as well as groups to help them achieve their fitness goals. They use combination of various exercise such as aerobics, weightlifting, karate, spin cycling, kickboxing, yoga, etc. They are specialized in one form, and they work in big hotels, gyms, health clubs, spas, fitness centres, cruise liners, tourist resorts etc.

Personal Trainer

⦿ Personal trainers train and work with individuals on one-to-one basis. They generally work at gym, though some clients might prefer training at their place. The workout is specifically tailored to suit the specific health and fitness requirements of the client.

Aerobics instructor

⦿ They generally conduct group sessions that involve aerobics, muscle conditioning and stretching exercises. These classes are conducted in a gym, club or at your own studio.

Sports instructor

⦿ Sports instructor coach and train professional and non-professional athletes on a one-to-one basis or in a group in an academy. They instruct, organize, train and lead athletes specialized in outdoor and indoor sports. Their job also includes monitoring their progress, and instructing them to follow the right diet. They also provide them self-defense training such as karate, judo or taekwondo.

Yoga and Naturopathy expert

⦿ Yoga and naturopathy experts are trained in yoga techniques and they work in yoga/fitness institutes. Now a days hospitals also employ them as consultants or instructors.

Teacher

⦿ Fitness instructors after completing their post-graduation/ higher education are eligible for teaching jobs in various colleges and educational institutions.

Clinical exercise specialist

⦿ They work with patients, and assists them to recover from injuries and physical ailments. They generally work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and Ngo’s.

Career Path

Stream

⦿ Clear Class XII in any Stream (Sports participation is recommended)

⦿ Clear Class XII in any stream (Sports participation is recommended)

Graduation

⦿ Pursue B.P.E or B.P.Ed integrated course 1-3 years

⦿ Pursue Graduation in field of human anatomy -health education/sports etc.

⦿ Pursue B.P.E or B.P.Ed integrated course for 3-4 years

After Graduation

⦿ Pursue certificate courses in fitness

⦿ Pursue M.Ph.Ed. for 2 years

⦿ M.P.Ed. for 1-2 years

Important Facts

⦿ Sports players or interest in sports is given preference.
⦿ Must have passed class 12th or senior secondary examination with at least 45%-55% marks.
⦿ The minimum age limit is 17 years.

Work Description

⦿ Help the clients to develop a fitness regime which is best suited for them.
⦿ Understand the body structure and functioning of the client to ensure right workout plan.
⦿ Maintain the fitness of the clients.
⦿ Make use of different techniques such as workout machines, tools or postures.
⦿ Demonstrate exercises and the correct way to carry them out.
⦿ Monitor the clients to avoid accidents and injuries.
⦿ Work with different organisations such as schools, hospitals, gyms etc.
⦿ Promote fitness and good physique techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros
⦿ One of the biggest positive point of being a fitness trainer is that you will get the knowledge of the healthy lifestyle, exercises, nutrition, etc.
⦿ You will meet people on daily basis.
⦿ Gym trainers have flexible timings, with less working hours.
Cons
⦿ It is a field which would not bring much money in the initial years, especially if you don’t have the required qualification.
⦿ Satisfying each and every client requires lot of determination and energy.
⦿ The work of a trainer is not that respected in India.