About Sports & Fitness
Any individual, business or organisation that provides services related to physical health, exercise and body maintenance is considered part of the fitness industry. While gyms, personal trainers and fitness centres are the best-known elements of the industry, it also includes cross-fit, yoga, Pilates, food and supplement companies and even fitness-related equipment and apparel.
Sports & Fitness in Australia
Australia’s fitness industry has exploded in recent years and now includes just over 24,000 registered fitness professionals and 1,065 businesses.
The average working week in Australia’s fitness industry is 39.5 hours and while rates of pay vary depending on the role, personal trainers currently earn an average of $62,056 per year. The average age of Australia’s fitness professionals is 39 years old and Victoria has the highest number of fitness instructors per capita, followed by New South Wales and Queensland.
Sports & Fitness Courses Available
Sports & Fitness courses make getting the training you need easy, with many providers Australia- wide offering a huge range of in-class and online fitness courses.
Certificate
Certificate level programs are ideal for those new to the industry, covering everything from the foundations of exercise science and nutrition through to exercise planning, instruction and first aid. Many TAFE Certificate programs can be completed in less than six months and are a great pathway into entry-level roles such as gym floor instruction. Some Certificates in Fitness include the Certificate III in Fitness- Gym Instructor, as well as higher-level certifications like the Certificate IV in Fitness specialising in Personal Training. These cover everything you need to know to get a solid start in the industry, and are a great formation to build on higher qualifications.
Diploma
Those looking to become a personal trainer, step into fitness management roles, or even start their own business, will be well served by a diploma level qualification. Aside from getting a solid foundation in what interests you most, you’ll also develop a wide range of business skills, such as how to manage clients, train staff and market your business effectively. Diplomas in this industry can around a year to complete but are essential in developing a firm knowledge base and create the expertise needed to have a successful career in fitness. While some are conducted in- class, some fitness classes online provide the convenience of studying where you want, but also typically include a work placement in the industry.
Bachelor Degree
If you’d like to play a role in fitness research, science or education, investing in a bachelor degree is a practical move, as this provides you with a fantastic mix science-based theory and real-world practice. A Bachelor of Applied Fitness, for example, will cover everything from human anatomy, nutrition and kinesiology right through to the latest fitness management practices. If you want to focus more on management and coaching, some bachelor degrees offer the chance to specialise in administration. These are great for career prospects in managing your own fitness company or being a high-level coach.
TAFE courses are approved by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), so whether you’re looking for personal training courses in Melbourne, sport and recreation programs in Sydney, or a fitness course online, your credentials will be widely recognised.
The Future of Fitness
According to Australian Government data, there’ll be as many as 37,200 fitness instructors working across the country in the next three years, so skilled and educated graduates can expect to find plenty of opportunities.
This is especially true for those who are up-to-date on the latest technologies impacting the industry, such as the wide array of fitness apps and smart wearables now available.
Is a Career in Sports & Fitness Right for You?
To enjoy a successful career in this highly competitive industry, you need to have a passion for health and fitness and be genuinely interested in helping average people achieve their goals.
Clear communication is essential, patience is a must, and having a knack for motivating people will certainly help as you’ll need to strike a good balance between being a hard taskmaster and providing continuous encouragement.
Most of each day will be spent taking your clients through their paces and you’ll need to invest plenty of time staying up to speed on the latest research, techniques and technologies. Staying fit and healthy yourself will also be particularly important, as this will play a big role in convincing others to follow your lead.
If you’re ready to take your fitness skills and knowledge to the next level, you’ve come to the right place, because at tafecourses.com.au you’ll find a huge range of in-class and online fitness courses to choose from.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the broad range of health, fitness and personal training courses available and choose a course to suit your style and schedule to get you started today!