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Personal Training: The Right Career 'Fit' for You?
Personal Training: The Right Career 'Fit' for You?
 Deb Stanley, 52, of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada has been active in the fitness industry for over 25 years, and is still going strong today. Her fitness career path began in 1981 when she obtained her Fitness Leadership certifications from the YMCA and Fanshawe College in Ontario.
"It was very different from high school, I was taking courses directly related to my interests and I enjoyed the interaction with people who had similar interests," Deb says.
By 1989, Deb had created her own fitness program, and opened both New Attitude Fitness Studio and Total Fitness Gym in Goderich, Ont. Deb also branched out, taking her fitness program on the road and into the community by travelling to locations like seniors' facilities and businesses.
In 2002, Deb further enhanced her education, receiving her personal trainer certification from the Sports Performance Institute (SPI). She also made another life-changing decision, moving with her family across the country to Kelowna, where she has continued to operate New Attitude Personal Training.
Deb's life as a personal trainer consists of bringing fitness training into the homes of her clients. For her clients, she assess their fitness goals and creates a customized training plan, whether that involves increasing strength, losing weight, living a more active lifestyle, or injury prevention. Her sessions can include anything from aerobics and aqua-fit to exercise-ball classes and core training.
A typical day for Deb begins with reviewing and preparing for the sessions ahead before heading out to the workout location, bringing any necessary fitness equipment. After helping clients through their planned workout, Deb sets aside time for feedback.
"I get feedback from each client regarding their workout and any concerns they may have," says Deb. "I also set up any additional work that the client can do on their own between sessions, like cardio or stretching."
In addition to the actual workouts, Deb will also assist her clients in nutrition planning. Being a vegan, she believes that her plant-based diet is an important part of her commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
When not working with her clients, Deb enjoys keeping on top of the industry, and is continually upgrading her education to include the latest fitness information by participating in certifications offered by the American Council on Exercise, Can-Fit-Pro, and the YMCA.
Deb strongly believes in lifelong learning and advises anyone interested in joining the fitness field to keep an open mind when it comes to fitness education.
"Be open to the vast amount of information that is out there, either through books, Internet, and other media, or professional development education," says Deb, who also believes in leading by example. "Be passionate about the message that you are trying to pass on."
When asked what she most enjoys about her career, Deb responds, "When I see clients that are truly engaged in their program and getting the results that they want."
If you are considering joining the fitness field, the right education can help you reach your career goals. According to Service Canada, fitness-related training can prepare you to plan and carry out activities and provide instruction on fitness techniques to both individuals and groups. Fitness positions can be found in environments like community centres, sports and fitness clubs, resorts, medical institutions, and recreational facilities.
If you are interested in pursuing a fitness career, you can begin the process today by checking out this guide to personal trainer schools.
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