Reena Jhaveri takes a look at what it takes to be a fitness manager
Field overview
Fitness has become such an important aspect of many lives, that there are ways in which most individuals are looking at spending time, effort and money to improve fitness. Research says that an individual spends about `2700-3000 per year on an average on personal health and fitness, and this does not include specific medical expenses like doctors’ fees and medicines.
The health and fitness market in India pegged to be upwards of a whopping `3000 crore, which is growing roughly at 15% pa. Even though currently it is in its nascent stages, the industry is fairly fragmented since the majority of the market appears to be dominated by a large number of small time gyms.
With fast-paced lifestyles becoming the norm of the day, some sort of fitness regime is advised for everyone. Increased concern and awareness of health has also caused others to look at exercise as a way of life rather than just a one off thing. As a result a large number of gyms and fitness centres have mushroomed across the country, even in the smaller towns.
The increased need of the youngsters and others to look good is also fuelling this industry, which creates further opportunities. A recent report by PWC says “The growing wellness industry has attracted a large number of domestic entrants and international players. Established players are pursuing revenue maximisation through product and service diversification and are exploring new global and domestic markets. Franchising is emerging as a popular option for scaling up.”
A profession that has recently emerged as a lucrative option in the sector is that of a fitness manager. It is a managerial function performed in the fitness sector, which is quite satisfying, according to those who are working in the sector.
To get there
This is a niche field which requires a unique combination of qualities and personality traits, especially in the field of fitness, as well as some knowledge about management as well. Although a couple of diploma courses are on offer in a few institutes, worthy candidates are hired on the basis of knowledge and experience. They then pick up the finer aspects and details on the job, since no theoretical course can teach you the aspects that you learn through experience.
For those looking at a career in fitness, employers prefer a degree in physical education or a certificate in a course for fitness training. For physical education, programmes are available at the bachelor’s as well as master’s level.
BPCA’s College of Physical Education, Mumbai offers the following degree programmes. You can log on to bpcacpemumbai.org for further information regarding the eligibilty, course fee and structure for each of these courses.
Apart from these, private institutes like Gold’s Gym University, Mumbai and Symbiosis Institute of Health Science, Pune offer diploma courses in fitness management.
The basic qualification expected to work in this field is at least graduation since it is a managerial post, and there are certain characteristics needed for the job. Graduates and post graduates from other fields are also hired after they demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the field of fitness, their commitment to health and exceptional communication as well as team skills.
The market
Since the health wave is picking up, job opportunities come by often. However, you need to be good at your job. You could be working at sport clubs, health centres or even medical centres, in addition to the friendly neighbourhood gymnasium. Basically, as a fitness manager, you will be handling the entire facility, so that the day-to-day functioning of the set-up is hassle free. You have to deal with the staff, talk to the customers, look into managing the equipment and handle any other situations that arise on the job.
One of the main duties could be supervising the classes, as well as looking into the progress of individual clients, depending on the services that are promised to the client. Fitness managers are also involved in improving the target of the centre – that is in marketing and sales – which is essential for driving the business. You could be attracting new customers as well as ensuring that the existing ones also remain loyal. A major part of the duties also includes financial operations, including daily expenses, and in the larger picture, looking at the major revenue on a weekly or monthly basis.
Some of the procedures are in place, whereas other may be needed to put in place by you. However, you will have a team that you can bank on, so you also need to know how to work with others.
Remuneration
This is an apt career for those who are interested in fitness, and know what goes into keeping healthy (apart from the medical needs). According to a few fitness managers who are enjoying their work, this could be a good option for those who love sports and want to turn their obsession with training and fitness into a fruitful career. The other aspect is the satisfaction that one feels after having helped someone achieve a fitness goal, which is usually not easy.
Apart from that, in the future, there seems to be tremendous potential in the field, since those who choose to be healthy are choosing to do it the right way, with the correct guidance. That’s why, until the human race wants to be fit, health and fitness centres and gyms are here to stay, and jobs will be created.
Even though specialised knowledge is expected from those who want to join in, the starting salary is a decent `3.5 lakh to `4 lakh per year. With experience and expertise, this figure can go higher, as there will be many opportunities for growth along the way. Once you are set in the field, you can create a reputation for yourself.
A student says
Siddhant Patwardhan, Pursuing his BPEd
For a few years now, I have lived with a silly question from almost everyone I know, friends and family alike – “You are pursuing a course in physical education, so are you becoming a PT teacher in a school?” I don’t have a problem with the question, I would, in fact, be proud to be a PT teacher somewhere, helping students to find their fitness parameters and develop individual programmes. The problem is the tone of the question, as if it is a career that is demeaning, and I did not get into it through choice but rather because I had no choice!
I just wanted to lay these facts straights, since even today, the profession of a fitness trainer or manager is looked upon as something you pursue over and above your ‘regular’ profession!
I think aspirants should be aware of what they want, and how they want to do it. Every profession in the world is unique and you need a blend of all of them to have a working system. As far as this course goes, the training is rigorous, and you get a taste of what it takes to be fit and keep others fit through your knowledge. It is an essential aspect for anyone who aims at becoming a fitness manager.
In the field
Aman Ojha, Manager at a gym
In this field, the most important aspect is your keenness towards making a genuine difference in another person’s life through consistent work towards the body and its health. It is absolutely necessary to understand that it works on two parameters – the input as well as the output. Thus, whatever goes in needs to be geared towards health (at least most of the times) and then you need to think as to how to burn all those calories to maintain a balance.
Another aspect that I have seen, even though I do not personally train the clients who come to the gym is that if you are not fit, and show it, the clients are not likely to take you seriously. It is a profession where you really have to lead by example, not just by force or words.
Every client who walks into the facility is a person looking to invest (rather than spend) in health or fitness, so you have to prove it to them that it is possible, and what better way that to do it through your own example?
An aspirant asks
Shashank Patil, SYBCom student
Even though I have opted for BCom as a formal degree, I am interested in fitness and I want to work as a manager in a gym. I am already working as a fitness trainer, where I go to the clients’ homes and offer my services according to the need and health. I want to have a more structured career in this field, where I can manage many clients together, rather than being a trainer. Please advise. Do you think it will be a respected and paying career? I am afraid because everyone in my home is highly educated and thinks that I am taking an easy way out since I don’t want to study.
Professional Aman Ojha answers: You are on the right track according to me. If you are already training people and have some results to show and tell, it will not be difficult for you to get an entry into the field. You can always work towards obtaining a suitable qualification once you know which way you are headed. For now, I would advise you to keep at the work you are doing with your personal clients, and once you are in your final year, do some ground work and research about the openings in your area and approach them with a few testimonials. Once you join somewhere, you can take some time off to do a part-time course.
According to the needs of the organisation you are working with, you will be able to choose a course. It will help build you resume in this field and towards future development as well.
