Work-it-out!

Working out is not just a fashion fad, but one sure way to stay healthy

POPULARLY known as the 'gym', the old fashioned gymnasium has taken a whole new meaning now. With many of us leading sedentary lifestyles, the need for regular and rigourous exercise has become a necessity. There is also an increase in health consciousness with high premium on outward appearances. Fitness has therefore emerged as a distinct field of employment today. Qualified fitness professionals have come to the forefront to cater to persons with related needs and requirements-

Fitness instructors

The instructors need to have a good knowledge of the human anatomy, especially musculature. They suggest the right exercise programme for a person.

This includes aerobic activity, weight training and dietary advice. To be a professional fitness instructor, you can take up related courses from reputed institutes. Reebok India Co offers research-based programmes that are developed by the Reebok University especially for professional sports and fitness instructors.

The programmes are conducted in all the metros. The US-based American Council on Exercise (ACE) also offers training and certification for fitness instructors valid for two years.

Group fitness instructors

Persons who teach any form of exercise in a group/classroom setting are referred to as group fitness instructors. The ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification will help if you wish to pursue a career as a group fitness instructor.

Exercise specialists

They work with persons suffering with specific physical ailments. Exercise specialists design the appropriate exercise programme for a patient in accordance with a physician's recommendations.

Experienced specialists interested in expanding their client base by working with individuals who have health challenges and disabilities, should seek the ACE Clinical Exercise Specialist certification.

Lifestyle and weight management consultants - If you wish to make a difference in the daily lives of people through weight- management programmes this is the option to pursue.

ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant certification can give you are good start.

Personal trainers

They are instructors who supervise your exercises and workouts on a one-on-one basis. Daily interaction with clients is the most important part of the job, in addition to business and administrative jobs.

The Ex.ert academy at Mumbai is an ACE exam site. Also BFY Sports and Fitness provides certification and workshops for the fitness professionals at Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune.

There are Bachelor's and Master's level courses available in Physical Education. The premier institution of this kind in India is the Laxmibai National College of Physical Education in Gwalior.

A person with a graduate degree in Physical Education will be eminently qualified to profitably run a fitness saloon or gymnasium.

Being a fitness professional requires you to be physically fit and in the best of shape at all times to be able to impart good training and be the 'role model' for clients. Good communication skills are a must.

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@cxknetworks.com