Today, the exercise and fitness industry is experiencing significant growth with the employment of fitness trainers and instructors projected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all careers, making now the perfect time to start studying to be in the Exercise and Fitness field.
If you are someone who always stays active, enjoys helping others reach their potential, and is passionate about health and wellness, pursuing an exercise and fitness concentration within a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program might be a perfect fit for you.
The growing awareness of the importance of physical fitness and people’s desire to participate in personalized and group fitness programs is driving the increased demand for exercise and fitness professionals. In fact, fitness facility memberships reached an all-time high of 72.9 million in 2023, which marked a 5.8% increase from the previous year, marking the fastest growth since 2017.
Exercise and fitness professionals are essential to promoting healthier lifestyles. They don’t just teach and plan workout routines; they build confidence, support resilience, and create programs that help people live longer and healthier lives. By choosing a career in this field, you’re shaping the future of health.
Five career paths in exercise and fitness
Exercise and fitness degree concentration backgrounds prepare graduates to pursue a variety of career paths. Whether you’re interested in working with clients to improve their health, supporting athletes in reaching their peak performance, or designing community wellness initiatives, this field offers opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.
With coursework experience, students can step into roles that promote healthy living and well-being. Below are some of this field’s top career options, each offering unique ways to turn a passion for health into a profession.
1. Fitness instructor
Average Salary: $46,180 per year
Fitness instructors guide individuals or groups through strength training, cardio routines, flexibility exercises, and goal-setting exercises. They are experts at motivating clients, encouraging positivity, and developing personalized fitness plans that evolve with each client. Education and training requirements vary depending on the specialty, and having a certification is preferred.
Through exercise and fitness courses like Fitness & Wellness Program Development, students develop the necessary practical skills for this role, like assessing client needs, designing individualized training programs, and utilizing behavioral coaching techniques to help clients achieve their goals. This coursework enables graduates to enter the fitness world with confidence and expertise.
2. Athletic trainer
Average Salary: $60,250 per year
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing injuries, as well as illnesses. They help athletes and physically active individuals reach their best performance while minimizing the risk of injury. Athletic trainers typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a valid license or certification. Master’s degrees are also common.
The skills professionals need for this role can be learned through exercise and fitness courses like Strength and Conditioning, which teaches students exercise techniques, training adaptations, testing, and evaluation. Students learn the foundation for future certifications, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and graduate-level study.
3. Exercise physiologist
Average Salary: $58,160 per year
Exercise physiologists assess a patient’s fitness level and develop personalized fitness and exercise programs to enhance cardiovascular function, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. They are typically self-employed, work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, and use exercise as a therapeutic tool to help patients recovering from chronic conditions or surgeries. Exercise physiologists need a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Through concentration courses in the exercise and fitness program like Exercise Physiology, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding how the human body responds to physical activity. Students explore body systems, energy metabolism, and hormonal responses, enabling them to design programs for a variety of populations, from healthy adults to those managing complex medical conditions.
4. Nutritionist
Average Salary: $73,850 per year
Nutritionists help plan and conduct nutritional programs to help people lead healthier lifestyles. They analyze dietary needs, create customized meal plans, and collaborate with doctors to treat or prevent health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and for state and local governments. Nutritionists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree as well as supervised training through an internship.
Through Health Science courses like Fundamentals of Nutrition, students focus on promoting health, preventing illness, and restoring health following illness or injury. Whether a student wants to pursue a career directly in nutrition or use these skills in a broader health coaching capacity, this course lays the groundwork for future certifications or graduate study.
5. Recreation and sports director
Average Salary: $77,180 per year
Recreation and sports directors manage and organize recreation and sports programs in schools, community centers, or fitness facilities. They manage budgets, coordinate schedules, and oversee a staff of coaches and instructors to ensure smooth operations and engaging programming.
Exercise and fitness internships provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in recreational and fitness settings, equipping them for success in this role. Combining coursework with practical experience prepares students for this leadership and community-focused role.
Further study
For students who want to go into specialized health fields, exercise and fitness programs provide a strong foundation for graduate study or professional certifications. Getting a master’s or obtaining a certification helps build trust and credibility with clients and makes you better positioned for career advancement.
Next steps
If you’re passionate about promoting health through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle change, the Exercise and Fitness concentration within the Health Sciences Bachelor of Science program at University of Bridgeport could be the perfect fit for you. University of Bridgeport offers a blend of classroom learning, practical application, and personalized support that will set you apart in the exercise and fitness section of the Health Science field.