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Health and fitness doesn’t just have to be a passion; it can also be your career. With more people in the UK than ever showing an interest in fitness, there’s never been a better time to look at ways to make money in this lucrative field. 

And happily, there’s no shortage of career options for people to choose from. From becoming a personal trainer to becoming a fitness-focused social media influencer, the options are wide-ranging — and ever-expanding. In this post, we’ll look at just some of the fitness-related careers that healthy-minded people can consider. If you’re looking for a career change, then give one of the following a try.

Personal Training 

Everyone can reach their fitness goals, but some people need a little bit of help along their journey. That’s where personal trainers come in. Personal trainers work closely with clients to understand their fitness objectives and then come up with personalised plans that help them to reach those goals. They also serve as a motivating force that keeps the individual on the right track. You’ll need to undertake training to become a personal trainer, but once you have, you’ll have the capacity to make a real difference in people’s lives. 

Start Your Own Gym

Another option is to start your own gym. This will obviously require a more significant investment than other options on this list, but it can also be more lucrative. How much you’ll need to start your gym will depend on a number of factors, but in general, you should expect to spend around £70,000 – £125,000 to get everything up and running. You’ll need to think carefully about the location, services, and branding of the gym to get customers. Opening a gym requires a good understanding of the fitness sector as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. 

Nutrition Coaching

All fitness fanatics understand the importance of eating well. It’s a foundational component that allows gym-goers and athletes to reach their physical peak. Since eating healthily is complex, many people require help understanding the dietary approaches they should follow in order to improve their fitness. That’s where nutrition coaches come in. By completing a level 4 nutrition course, you can begin working with clients, offering nutrition advice as well as providing support and accountability. This level of expertise will, of course, make it easier for you to maintain your own physical conditioning, too. 

Yoga Instructor

Yoga has ballooned in popularity in recent years. It wasn’t all that long ago that yoga was a relatively niche activity in the UK, but it’s well and truly in the mainstream now, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds. If you already consider yourself to be a yogi, then working to become a yoga instructor might make a whole lot of sense. Once you’ve gotten your qualifications, you’ll be able to begin offering classes both online and in-person. Most yoga instructors begin their careers by working in an established yoga studio, but once you’ve built your experience and client list, you’ll have the option of opening your own space. 

Massage Therapist

Sports massage therapists are increasingly in demand. They help athletes recover from injuries, and all-around help boost physical conditioning and performance. People of all levels use sports massage therapist services, including those at the very top. All top-level professional sports clubs require sports massage therapists to keep their players in tip-top condition. If it’s a career that interests you, then look at going through the process of getting qualified. You never know what it might lead to — you might even end up working for a Premier League football club.

Become an Influencer

Most of the jobs that we’ve outlined so far can be considered ‘traditional’ fitness-related careers. But there are modern careers that you choose from, too. Becoming an influencer isn’t for everyone, but if you have an outgoing personality, have a good understanding of the internet and what people want, and have a fitness-related interest, then it might be the right option for you. The good thing about becoming an influencer is that you can get started immediately, without spending any (or much) money. You’ll earn an income once you’ve built your audience, at which point you should begin attracting the interest of brands. Note that becoming an influencer can be difficult, so you’ll need to offer something genuinely unique in order to get ahead. 

PE Teaching

Love the thought of teaching the next generation of UK athletes? Then consider becoming a PE teacher. In this role, you’ll guide youngsters through a wide range of sports, helping to nurture their interests and develop their skills. Many PE teachers love their work and stay in the role for the duration of their careers, but there are also ways to progress if you decide to, too. For instance, once you’ve gained experience as a PE teacher, you may elect to move into coaching a specific sport or working in sports development. 

Outdoor Guides

If you’re already spending your weekends engaging in sports in the great outdoors, then why not consider becoming a guide? Many people are interested in going on cycling, hiking, or skiing adventures in beautiful surroundings, but not everyone has the experience or expertise to do so safely. By becoming a guide, you’ll be combining your love of adventure with a desire to help other people have a good time. Plus, there aren’t too many things better than being paid to do what you love. 

Selling Fitness Equipment

Finally, a lucrative career option for people interested in fitness-related roles is to sell fitness equipment. The fitness equipment industry is always evolving, and there are many opportunities for sales-oriented professionals to begin selling equipment to gyms, stores, hotels, and the general public. You’ll need to have a good understanding of the market and the products you sell to be successful, but if you can, then your earning potential will be higher. 

Your love of fitness can remain a passion, but if you’re looking for a job change, then try one of the above.