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Aerobic instructors and fitness trainers typically obtain certification in the fitness field. A variety of certifications are offered by various organizations including weight training, aerobics, and personal training. Workers typically must recertify every two years, which is usually accomplished by attending continuing education classes. Certain certifications such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, and first aid are often required to become a fitness worker.

A bachelor’s degree in physical education, exercise science, or in a fitness or health related field is now being required to be a fitness worker by a growing number of employers. While some employers require certification and a degree, others will substitute certification for a college degree. To obtain promotion to fitness center or heath club management positions, experience, along with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education, exercise science, or a related area of study are all required. It is common for fitness trainers to also work as personal trainers or to eventually open their own health clubs or fitness centers.

To obtain a career in fitness or recreation, it is essential for workers to have impeccable physical fitness and health. A motivational, outgoing, and caring personality is also important because of the personal interaction each job requires. A summer job, volunteer experience, or part-time work can be helpful in obtaining a full-time career as a recreation worker. Managerial and supervisory positions require managerial skills. These skills can be gained by taking college courses in accounting, administration, personnel management, and business administration.

The recreation field is very competitive due to the large number of job applicants, yet limited number of career positions in contrast to the large number of seasonal entry-level jobs. Those with part-time recreation or seasonal experience and training are more likely to obtain staff positions. Administrative and supervisor positions typically are offered to those with graduate degrees. A fitness worker has more opportunities for employment than a recreation worker because of the rapidly growing size of the industry; however, job openings are available for recreation workers as well as fitness workers every year because of the rapid turnover of workers leaving the occupation.

As people spend more time and money on fitness and recreation, and as businesses increasingly offer wellness, fitness, and recreation programs to their employees, job availability for fitness and recreation workers is expected to increase as much or more than the average occupation through 2012. The average growth of the recreation field reflects civic, social, and local government growth. These organizations are responsible for providing jobs for over 50% of the industry. However, restrictions on local government budgets may cause inhibited growth of employment for recreation workers during the 2002–2012 projection period. In contrast, fitness careers are growing faster than average, as fitness activities, personal training, and aerobics instruction continue to gain popularity.

For those wanted exposure to the recreation field, numerous seasonal, temporary jobs are available. College or high school students with the necessary personal qualities are perfect for these positions since formal education is not required. Although the salary is lower than in most other fields, employers usually have no problem acquiring student labor as many people enjoy working in the outdoors and the overall work environment.

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