Fitness Directors

To explore this career, be sure to get fit yourself! If your school offers exercise classes or some other after-school fitness program, sign up and note what you like and dislike about instructor methods or the environment. If there is an affordable gym or health club in your community, take a tour and even a sample class or two. Some clubs offer guest passes for a small fee so prospective members can try out a facility before committing to a membership.

While at the facility, talk to an instructor, manager, or trainer about his or her job and work environment and how to best break into the industry. This way, you can learn about what goes into developing, running, and maintaining a fitness program.

You may even be able to obtain a part-time job at your school or community recreation and fitness center. This would give you the chance to see if you enjoy working in fitness.