Health Club Owners and Managers

High School

High school courses that will give you a general background for work in health club ownership or management include business, marketing, health, mathematics, physical education, and computer science. Speech and writing classes will help you hone your communication skills. Managing a school club or other organization will give you an introduction to overseeing budgets and the work of others.

Postsecondary Training

A bachelor's degree is generally required to own or manage a health club. Many owners and managers first work in lesser positions within the fitness industry to establish backgrounds in health or exercise science. The competition for jobs and increased complexity of owning and managing a facility (keeping the club in business and profitable) requires a strong background in business and finance. Many owners and managers hold a master's degree in business administration or sports facility management.

Certification

Many colleges and universities provide undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in fitness training, business, accounting, and business management that will be useful to aspiring health club owners and managers. Contact schools in your area to learn what type of programs are available.

Other Education or Training

The National Retail Federation offers classes and other continuing education opportunities that may be of interest to health club owners and managers. Topics include customer service, management issues, sales training, and marketing. Contact the federation for more information.