Career change into the fitness industry: how to turn your hobby into your job

Do you sit day after day in the office in front of the screen, while your real thoughts are actually with the next workout, the perfect exercise execution or healthy nutrition? More and more people in Switzerland feel the urge to break out of the classic 9-to-5 office routine and to make their passion for sport and health their profession.

A career change into the fitness industry often seems to be tied to many risks. But the reality today looks quite different: with modern training models you can build up a second income stream completely flexibly. In this article you'll learn why now is the perfect time and how you manage the change without giving up your financial security.

Why now is the perfect time for a career change in Switzerland

The Swiss fitness and health market is at a historic high. Current figures prove that around 1.37 million people, that is over 15 percent of the total Swiss population, train regularly in a fitness centre. At the same time, the awareness of customers is changing: it's no longer just about building muscle, but increasingly about holistic health promotion, prevention and longevity.

This boom leads to a massive demand for qualified specialists. Fitness centres, health institutions and private individuals are desperately looking for empathetic, top-trained trainers who have a genuine interest in the individual support of their customers. This is precisely where you, as a career changer with life experience and real passion, have an enormous advantage.

The biggest fear: do I have to quit my current job immediately?

The short answer is: no, absolutely not. The biggest hurdle for many career changers is the fear of being without income for months for a training.

The update Akademie has developed, precisely for this problem, a tailor-made, hybrid learning model. You don't have to sit on the school bench for weeks and quit your job. The training can be integrated 100 % into your everyday life:

• Theory when and where you want: Via a modern online learning platform you work out the theoretical foundation via smartphone, tablet or PC.
• Your own learning pace: Whether you want to invest 5 hours or 40 hours per week is entirely up to you. You can adapt the training perfectly to your family and professional commitments.
• Practice counts: The learned theory is put into action on targeted practice days under the guidance of experts, so that you gain the necessary confidence for dealing with customers.

Which fitness training is the right one for career changers?

The education market can seem confusing at first. As a career changer, you're best off starting with a solid foundation on which you can build your further career.

Step 1: laying the foundation If you want to work on the training floor of a studio, the training as a Fitness- und Bewegungstrainer Basic is the ideal starting shot. Here you learn the essential basics of anatomy, training theory and customer care, in order to be able to gather first practical experience. If your passion lies in the group area, the modules Basic Heart (anatomy) and Basic Moves (basic steps and music) form the foundation for all further Group Fitness trainings.

Step 2: specialisation and expert status As soon as the foundation is in place, you can specialise in your personal niche. Do you want to support people 1:1 as a Personal Trainer, establish yourself as a Pilates Instructor or create holistic concepts as a nutrition coach? The update Akademie offers you a modular system that leads up to the highest qualifications such as the SVBO industry certificate or the preparation for the federal diploma.

Beware cost trap: what you have to watch out for when choosing the school

Whoever searches online for trainings often comes across enticing offers for A, B or C licences. Important for you to know: these licences primarily come from Germany and often have no formal significance on the Swiss labour market.

In addition, there are two big stumbling blocks in the market that you as a career changer should absolutely avoid:

1. Hidden licence fees: With many international providers you have to renew your diploma regularly for a fee. At the update Akademie all issued diplomas are valid for life – it is guaranteed that no hidden follow-up costs or licence fees arise.
2. The health insurance recognition (Qualitop or Qualicert): If you want to become self-employed later as a Personal Trainer or course instructor, the Qualitop recognition is extremely important. It allows your customers to bill prevention contributions via their health insurance. The strict requirement for this: on-site practical component. Institutes that offer exclusively online courses, block this chance for you. The hybrid model of the update Akademie ensures, through the integrated practice days, that you are optimally positioned on the labour market.

Conclusion: your first step towards your dream job

Changing your profession requires courage. But whoever wants to pass on their enthusiasm for fitness, movement and health to others currently finds the best conditions in Switzerland. Turn your leisure activity into a fulfilling career in which you actively improve the lives of other people.

Are you still unsure where to start? Seize the opportunity to inform yourself without obligation. The update Akademie offers free 1:1 consultations as well as compact, 30- to 45-minute online info evenings. There you get direct insights into the learning platform, learn everything about the training procedures and can put your individual questions directly to the experts, in order to start your new future with peace of mind.