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Taking advanced fitness courses or having a speciality is highly recommended nowadays, especially since competition is getting stiffer by the day.
Becoming an expert in a specific training style or catering to a select group of clients can be your ticket to establishing a thriving practice.
Nowadays, people do not mind paying extra for the services of a fitness instructor, fitness trainer or fitness coach who can competently provide their needs. Furthermore, your perceived value is going to increase when you train clients in ways that only a few fitness instructors can.
Having a specialty can also benefit your marketing efforts. It enables you to have a more targeted approach. As you already probably know, marketing plays an integral role in the success of a fitness instructor’s career.
To add, finding these advanced courses is not difficult these days as several training centres in Ireland offer them. What’s more is that the selection is very diverse. You’d certainly find one that fits your interest or need.
Are you now convinced that having a specialty can be good for your personal training career? If you are, read on to learn some tips on choosing a specialty.
Know what your options are. As mentioned earlier, there are different fitness specialty courses being offered – kettlebell training, indoor cycling, pre and post-natal exercise, strength and conditioning, etc.
By doing some research, you would know what your options are. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about each programme of study – what it is about and what it requires. Doing these things can be very helpful, especially if you have no idea what to specialise on.
People go to gyms or enlists the services of a fitness instructor for various reasons. Some do so primarily to lose weight. Others train because their job requires them to be fit just like professional athletes.
Why is this important? As a fitness instructor, interacting with people is an integral part of your job. You must be comfortable dealing with your clients; otherwise, it can be challenging to build a good and productive working relationship with them.
Are you more comfortable working with males or females? Are you more effective with younger or older people? Do you like the challenge of training athletes?
The aforementioned questions can help you narrow down your options. For example, if you work well with older people, then maybe you can specialise in prescribing exercises to older adults.
This is one of the most important things you should consider when choosing a specialty. Picking a field that you are interested in can be an advantage. You’d be more passionate about it – driven to continuously learn and improve your skills.
So, find out what area or field excites you. Is it training athletes or avid sports enthusiasts to improve their skills? If yes, some advanced courses you can take are those that focus on strength, conditioning, balance and speed, to name but a few.
Another good strategy you can use is to determine a need in your community. Find out what people are looking for. Determine what the demographic is in your area.
For example, if you are in a business hub where young professionals abound, setting up a studio or a centre that offers the latest training style or method is a good idea. Those belonging to this group are very adventurous, willing to try the latest exercise craze such as indoor cycling.
Also, demand for exercise methods that integrate the mind, body and spirit like Pilates is high amongst this group of people. This is because they are looking for ways to manage their stress.
Basically, this is all about filling a need in your community. With this strategy, you wouldn’t have difficulties finding clients. They would be the one going to you or your studio because you have something they want.
Having a specialty can benefit your career in a lot of ways. Just remember, however, that it takes time to build a thriving business. On top of earning the needed qualifications, you’d need to put in the time and effort to become a successful fitness instructor.
Planning to become a specialist in a particular area of health and fitness? We offer top-rated advanced fitness courses in Ireland. Call us today on 01 882 7777!
