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Fitness Industry

Over the past few years the Health & Fitness Industry has seen significant growth worldwide and is now one of the larger employment sectors. In New Zealand, the fitness industry has traditionally been strong with several organizations leading the way in programs and services.

The types of roles in the fitness industry include:

Personal Trainers - these staff are qualified in developing and instructing clients on a one to one basis to achieve their goals. Personal trainers may also instruct small groups both in fitness centre facilities and outdoors. There is also a growing opportunity for trainers to liaise with other health professionals to provide exercise rehabilitation services as part of a team management approach to health and wellbeing.

Exercise Consultants - these staff are qualified to conduct client screenings and instruct exercise sessions to generally healthy clients in a fitness centre. They would also liaise with personal trainers and other health professionals when more advanced programming is required for clients with specialized needs.

Group Exercise Instructors - These staff lead groups of participants in specific styles of exercise, often incorporating music to enhance the experience.

There are many other employment opportunities in the fitness industry including customer service, administration and management, sales and sports coaching.

Australasian qualified fitness staff are highly sought after in many other countries, enabling them to travel and work.

Fitness NZ and REPs NZ

In New Zealand, the fitness industry is overseen by Fitness New Zealand and REPs NZ. Fitness New Zealand is the industry association and can be contacted at http://www.fitnessnz.co.nz

Fitness New Zealand provides useful information on the fitness industry and how it operates.

REPs NZ can be contacted at http://www.reps.org.nz REPs is the registration body for exercise professionals, fitness facilities and education providers in New Zealand. Insurance can also be obtained through your registration with REPs NZ.

Fitnation courses are accredited with REPs NZ.

It is recommended that you choose an accredited course as most employers would favour it when selecting staff. Completion of an accredited fitness course ensures you have obtained the required skills and knowledge to be able to be a personal trainer.