a career in phyiscal education

I am a graduate. I am passionate about working-out and hence want to make a career as a fitness instructor or a trainer. What exactly is the work profile of a fitness trainer, could you please help me with the courses available and the opportunities for a woman in this field?

Working-out utilises every muscle in your body and helps to calm your mind apart from being fit. If you are passionate about staying fit and also help others stay fit, then a career in fitness could be the right choice for you. However, as always only passion would not help and you need to also have a thirst for knowledge and know some basics in this field. You will have to educate yourself with the courses available in this field and read books related to fitness.

Start with choosing the exercise routine you would like to specialise in, such as: Aerobics, yoga, pilates, boxing, kickboxing, etc. Yogasanas and outdoor activities bring about flexibility. Boxing, kickboxing and other forms of martial arts are exercises which are basically for self-defence, flexibility and self-confidence. To be equipped with quality training you can pursue a regular academic program in physical education. There are varied levels of courses offered in physical fitness. The A level would be doing a B.Sc in sports science/sports studies or health and fitness management.

You can opt for a certification course in yoga/sports science/physical fitness and complement this by doing a certification in Naturopathy. There are professional courses available like the Reebok Instructor Certification programme or the Nike Aerobics Course, refer this website for further information, www.reebok-training.com/The basic courses are generally hours based. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is a body set up by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to help promote a sport throughout the country. Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education is a prominent institute that offers courses in sports and athletics coaching run by SAI.

There is always a need for fitness trainers in schools, colleges, universities, spas, sports and fitness clubs, government institutions and other organisations, especially in the gym. To get into the depth of fitness you can always pursue a Masters or a PhD.

Your work profile would be:

Guiding trainees to stay fit Administer their practice If it is personal training then you’ll have to customize sessions for each trainee. Consider the safety awareness of each participant; you will always have to be on your guard, as you cannot afford to go wrong anywhere as it will impact their health. You will need excellent communication skills with an ability to respond with compassion.Other than the above you would be required to guide your trainees with their dietary intake and food supplements.

This is a field which requires a constant update of the fitness equipment and also knowledge in exercise programmes, because there never would be a moment when you can say ‘I know it all’. Above all these you will first have to remain fit and healthy and possess lot of stamina and energy. Regarding the career prospects in this field, the demand for trained fitness trainers has increased manifold with the increase in the physical and psychological stress on the human body.

This is basically a result of the modern lifestyle, the contemporary work environment and the sedentary way of life. You can start your journey by first assisting a senior trainer/instructor once you complete your course, just like it is with other work profiles you will gain experience with time. You can then think of setting up your own gym, take up classes at an educational institute and also become a personal instructor.

Fitness world is a world which is expanding widely as everyone is dedicating time to keep themselves healthy. The demand for fitness trainers will always see an upward trend so go on and hone your passion. All the best.

Schools should initiate physical activity for:Proper physical growth

Schools that provide physical education from an early age have understood the importance of all round growth. Physical education helps in development and keeps children fit from an early age. Obesity is a problem among many children and this can be partly solved by stressing on physical education. Encouraging physical education in schools will help children stay active. Children who are enrolled in some form of sport or the other reap the benefits in the long run.

Growing future sportsmen

Some children show signs of interest in sports from an early age and these prodigies should be encouraged and given the proper amount of guidance in schools. In India several children are restricted from playing sports, despite showing signs of early excellence. With proper support and systems in place children will be able to bring out the best in themselves and they may even go on to represent the country at some point in the future. Thus, encouraging physical education is important and schools must realise the potential benefits that can be achieved from just a few hours of activity every day.

Escape from routine

Physical education in India also serves to distract the children from a set routine and provides an escape from the tedious hours in a classroom. Short periods of physical activity can be a good way to relieve some of the pressure that is bound to build up in a classroom.

Stress relief

Children have to cope with different types of pressure in a classroom and also among their friends, and engaging in some form of physical activity can be a good way to relieve some of this stress.

Confidence building

Excellence in some form of sport or physical activity will boost the confidence of children. Introverted children will be able to express themselves through sports and this is one of the main aspects of physical education in India. Children who are allowed to take part in inter schools games and sporting events, meet new people and this builds confidence and also builds a sense of companionship. Children who take part in team sports will be able to visualise themselves as being a part of a group and this will be beneficial in the future. Physical education in India has to be encouraged and schools have to understand the importance of having a separate hour for physical activity.

By:shehre banu