Job Reviews
Health & Fitness Jobs
The public's continuing struggle with obesity along with the health and fitness industry's responses has created significant growth in the industry. Many fitness centers provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellness: Nutrition, fitness, stress-reduction, weight-loss and nutritional supplements. These days, many fitness centers cater to specific demographic groups such as women, teenagers or seniors. The active lifestyles sector includes golf courses, marinas, skiing facilities, bowling centers and other recreational settings.
The International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association (IHRSA) estimates about a third of the health clubs in the United States are "express" fitness centers, offering 30-minute express workouts. The 18-34 age group accounts for the largest portion of health club membership and seniors are the fastest-growing segment.
Health & Fitness Employment - Employer Reviews
- American Taekwondo Association Careers
- Bally Total Fitness Careers
- Cookie Cutters Careers
- Elizabeth Grady Careers
- Fit for You Careers
- GNC Careers
- Golds Gym Careers
- Gymboree Careers
- Jenny Craig Careers
- LA Fitness Careers
- Lucille Roberts Careers
- O2 Fitness Careers
- Skin NV Careers
- Spa 23 Careers
- University of Nebraska Medical Center Careers
- Workout World Careers
- YMCA Careers
- YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago Careers
- The U.S. fitness centers sector has about 22,000 companies and nonprofits that operate about 30,000 fitness and recreation centers (First Research, 2011 report)
- Total U.S. health club industry revenues in 2008: $19.1 billion (survey of International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association members)
- The 50 largest companies in the U.S. fitness centers sector account for about 30 percent of revenue (First Research, 2011 report)
- The number of U.S. health club members in 2009: 45.5 million (survey of International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association members)
- The YMCA operates about 2,600 fitness centers and community centers operate about 2,500 fitness centers (First Research, 2011 report)
Health and Fitness Industry Employment Background
Many fitness jobs are part-time jobs. Some fitness instructors work on a contract basis with fitness centers. Many workers have multiple jobs, performing personal training or teaching at several different fitness centers and at the homes of clients.
Fitness workers employed in small facilities, with a small number of employees, may be involved with a variety of tasks besides fitness training, such as signing up new members, tending the front desk, giving tours of the facility and creating posters and flyers.
Fitness workers teach and help people with exercises such as weightlifting, aerobics and Yoga. They help people improve their physical condition.
Personal trainers work one-on-one or with a few clients at a gym or the client's home. They assist clients in evaluating their physical fitness level and help them establish and meet fitness goals.
Group exercise instructors conduct group exercise sessions which typically include aerobic exercise, stretching and muscle conditioning.
Health and Fitness Industry Employment Statistics
- In 2008, there were about 261,100 fitness worker jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS))
- In 2008, approximately 61 percent of all group exercise instructors and personal trainers worked in fitness and recreational sports centers, including health clubs (BLS)
- About 9 percent of fitness workers were self-employed in 2008 (BLS)
- Average annual revenue per worker in the US fitness centers sector is approximately $35,000 (First Research, 2011 report)
- About 3 percent of Group fitness instructors and specialty instructors are salaried (IDEA Health & Fitness Association)
Health and Fitness Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 29 percent employment growth for fitness workers from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increase in demand is due to the public concern for becoming physically fit and staying healthy as well as people spending more time and money on personal and family fitness. Also, more companies recognize the benefits employees receive from health and fitness programs.
The BLS projects the aging baby boomers, concerned with being healthy and physically fit, will be the main driver of employment growth for fitness workers. The BLS projects job opportunities should be available in a wide array of settings in the recreational sector including parks and outdoor recreational facilities and golf courses.