If you love to stay in great shape and enjoy working with people one of the careers in health and fitness may be calling your name. The health and fitness industry always seems to be growing as more and more people know they need to stay in shape for good health.  Getting into one of the health and fitness careers is a popular career choice among many of active and outgoing people.

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Recreation and Fitness Workers

Organized recreational activities make up a large part of society’s lifestyle. Individuals who are interested in this field may want to consider a career as a recreation or fitness worker. The majority of these positions are seasonal in nature. However, there are many opportunities for full-time, year round work.

Career Opportunities

Recreation and fitness workers take on many duties. They must organize, plan, and direct recreation activities. Community centers, parks and recreation facilities, health clubs, theme parks, or other organizations usually employ these workers. Much of their time is spent outdoors in some form of physical activity.

Recreational leaders work directly with participants and handle daily operations. They create schedules, instruct classes, and ensure proper use of equipment. Activity specialists work with larger groups, teaching dance, aerobics, swimming, art, tennis, or some other activity. Recreation supervisors manage these positions. Recreation supervisors serve as a liaison between the recreational leader and the director. The director of recreation and parks is another position available in this field. Directors are often responsible for a number of parks, determine budgets, and advise state and local commissions. All of these positions are meant to be full-time jobs, requiring year-round work.

Other year round work is available as fitness workers. Fitness workers specialize in the exercise arena. Fitness and personal trainers work in gyms or with clients in their homes. They motivate clients by assessing their fitness level, determining the best exercise routine, and recording their progress. Aerobics instructors teach group classes at gyms. Fitness directors oversee operations at a fitness club or gym.

A large number of seasonal work is available in the recreation field. Many high school and college students work in recreation during summer vacations. A job as a camp counselor is a very popular choice. Counselors work with children and teenagers in an outdoor setting. Activities include swimming, hiking, horseback riding, boating, music, art, computers, gymnastics, and tennis. Camp directors supervise camp counselors and handle all administrative duties.

Necessary Qualifications

Most summer jobs will not require any educational degrees or diplomas. Many high school students will work these jobs. Many other positions will require a high school diploma. Full-time professional positions, such as a director of parks and recreation, will require a college degree in parks and recreation or leisure studies. Many colleges and universities offer programs in this field. Accredited programs offer courses in history, park management, community organization, and outdoor recreation.

Certification is often required for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors. The certificate must be renewed every two years. Many workers are required to have CPR training or Lifeguard training, depending on their field of interest.

An outgoing personality is a must in this field. Recreation and fitness workers should be patient and sensitive. Excellent health and physical condition are vital.

Some of this information was summarized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook website. To find up to date information you can visit the website at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos058.htm