As a qualified Health and Fitness Coach, there are several career opportunities available to you. You can pursue a rewarding a range of part-time or full-time roles, such as:
- Bootcamp instructor
- Exercise facility manager
- Frontline reception
- Group exercise
- Personal trainer
- Sales
- Small business ownership
Note that these roles are not mutually exclusive, many people in the industry hold more than one role, these are just a few ideas to whet the appetite!
Your qualifications are just the beginning of a very exciting career!
INTERACTING ON A DAILY BASIS WITH CUSTOMERS TO GUIDE THEM DOWN THE PATH TO REGULAR EXERCISE AND BETTER HEALTH IS ENORMOUSLY REWARDING. YOU GET BACK A HUGE AMOUNT IN TERMS OF PERSONAL FULFILMENT AND SATISFACTION.Kris Tynan
Starting out in the fitness industry can be both exciting and overwhelming! As you embark on this journey, it's important to think about what kind of role you want to begin with and the structure of that role. Keep in mind that your preferences may change several times throughout your career, but that's what makes this industry so diverse and thrilling!
Let's take a closer look at the different types of business set ups that you may want to consider.
An independent contractor typically operates their own business through a flexible arrangement with another establishment, such as working on a mobile basis, from their own home, in clients' homes, outdoors, or in a small studio setting.
Setting up your business as an independent contractor would see you having the responsibility of setting your business up and having full control. You would remove the requirement to pay “rent” however you would be responsible for the following:
| Obtaining your own NZBN | An NZBN (New Zealand Business Number) is a unique identifier assigned to every registered business entity in New Zealand. Obtaining an NZBN is a simple and free process, and it is a legal requirement for a self-employed or independent contractor. It is used for TAX purposes and also for business transactions. You can register your own NZBN using the following link: https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/ |
| Setting up in accordance with Health and Safety requirements | Health and Safety is a legal requirement that applies to any workplace but is also your duty of care. The main goal of workplace health and safety is to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace, and to promote safe working practices and environments. This includes providing a safe working environment, identifying and managing workplace hazards, and providing adequate training and supervision for your clients. |
| Becoming a REPs trainer. | Joining REPs can offer benefits such as recognition and credibility in the industry, access to professional development opportunities, and potentially increased job opportunities. So while it is not legally required, becoming a REPs registered trainer may be beneficial if you are looking to establish yourself as an independent contractor. |
| The set up of finance trackers, taxation documents and processing. |
Setting up finance trackers, taxation documents, and processing systems is essential for independent contractors to manage their finances, comply with tax laws, and operate their businesses effectively. Xero and MYOB are among the many popular software tools that can be used to manage your finances. |
| Marketing procedures and associated costs | Effective marketing can help independent contractors to differentiate themselves from their competitors and highlight their unique skills and offerings. They can develop a realistic budget and allocate resources effectively to achieve their marketing goals. This can help them to build their brand, attract new clients, and ultimately grow their business. |
| The purchasing and maintenance of equipment. | You will need to purchase any equipment you plan to use with your clients during their training. You are responsible for ensuring they are in good working order and clean for each training session. |
As a start-up independent contractor, it is important to consider the initial set-up costs before committing to starting your own business. While it may be exciting to start a new career, taking the time to weigh the costs and benefits of setting up your business can help ensure that you are financially prepared and able to succeed in the long run.
This type of business setup is when a personal trainer operates their own business within another exercise facility. This could be a large gym or a smaller studio space.
It's important to note that this is different from being an independent contractor. As a self-employed personal trainer, you would typically have a licensed contract-based agreement with the facility. This agreement would require you to pay a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly fee or a percentage of your session fees to the facility.
Rent may cover the use of facility's premises and equipment. However, it's also for the benefit of having access to their client base. This arrangement can help you to build your business and expand your client base more quickly than starting from scratch on your own.
Additionally, some facilities may offer in-house training and support for trainers. This could include marketing tips, sales and client management training, and opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration with other trainers.
Overall, this business setup can be a great option for personal trainers who want to start their own business but don't want to take on all the risks and costs of operating independently. By leveraging the resources of an established facility, you can focus on building your business and providing high-quality training to your clients.
As an employee at a fitness establishment, you would be responsible for supporting and consulting with gym members, performing exercise consultations, and assisting with day-to-day gym operations. Depending on your employment arrangement, you may also conduct personal training sessions outside of your regular work hours.
In this case, the gym would charge clients an additional fee for personal training services, and you would receive a portion of this fee in addition to your hourly rate. This type of arrangement can be particularly beneficial for new personal trainers who want to gain exposure to gym operations and potential long-term clients.
As you know, REPs (Registered Exercise Professionals) have a goldmine of information for exercise professionals like yourself. From career tips to industry insights, they've got you covered. And that's just the beginning!
If you're looking to dive even deeper, we highly recommend checking out their comprehensive document that's jam-packed with everything you need to know about Working in the New Zealand Exercise Industry. So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to discover a whole new world of valuable resources!
