How To Make A Successful Career Change Into Health and Wellness

How to Make a Successful Career Change
Into Health and Wellness

How to Make a Successful Career Change Into Health & Wellness | AFPA 1
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Determine Why You Feel You Need a Career Change 4
Explore Opportunities in the Health and Wellness Industry 7
Steps for Making a Career Change 17
Create a Plan of Action 24
Additional Resources 26
Conclusion 27
Introduction
Are you ready to make your passion into your people search for professionals who can give
profession? insights on living in healthier, happier ways, the
health and wellness industry continues to grow.
Do you wake up feeling refreshed and energized Opportunities are endless, which we will explore
because you can’t wait to start your work for the later in this guide, and include fields such as
day? Are you constantly amazed by how committed, nutrition, fitness, and personal training. Within
passionate, and motivated you feel, thanks to your these are specializations that can help you hone
career choice? If these feelings seem like they only your skills and build a sustainable, satisfying
happen to other people, you might be ready for a business that leads to the type of success and
career shift. personal fulfilment you might be lacking in your
current role.
It’s a switch that many people would like to take—
in fact, the majority of Americans aren’t pleased In this guide, we’ll take a look at how you can
with their jobs. A recent survey1 found that nearly determine if you need to make a change, what
70 percent of respondents weren’t satisfied with opportunities exist in the health and wellness
their work, and a whopping 96 percent were open industry, and how you can create a plan of action
to new opportunities. and take first steps toward a professional change.
If you fall into this group, it’s possible that you’re Ready to get started?
looking for a thriving industry in which you can
bring your energy and creativity together. As more
Determine Why You Feel You Need a Career Change
The decision to change careers is, obviously, a major Is it your job that you find unsatisfying,
overhaul when it comes to life choices. Sometimes, or the industry that you’re in? Or both?
people might think that their jobs are making them How do you want to feel at the end of a day?
unhappy, when there are actually other factors that
might be coloring that perspective—for example, If you used to like your job, what changed?
frustration with certain relationships in their lives Are there some values you have that have
or a sense that there’s no upward mobility at a changed over time
specific employer.
That means the first step in making a career change is

to ask yourself some difficult questions that will deepen The first step in making a
your understanding of why you want this change.
career change is to ask
Consider questions like these: yourself some difficult
What aspects of your current job/career questions that will deepen
do you dislike the most?
your understanding of why
What aspects do you like the most?
you want this change.
Are there skills you feel you’re not using?
Is helping others important to you? If so, are

you satisfying that need in your current job?
Are you challenged enough in what

you’re doing?
Do you see opportunity for personal growth in

your industry? If not, what do you see as the
barriers to growth?
Is your industry a thriving one, or do you feel

like you’re in a dying industry?
The decision to change

careers is, obviously, a
major overhaul when it
comes to life choices.
To get some clarity it helps to write down the answers if you’re making the shift gradually, you want to make
to these questions. Take time to really contemplate sure that you know why you’re considering a different
why your current job might be unfulfilling, and what career. Thinking it through will help you form a more
you want out of a career. solid foundation as you make the leap and inspire you
to keep going when you face a challenge.
Keep in mind that developing answers to these
questions will take time and effort and shouldn’t be
rushed. A career change is a huge undertaking—even
Explore Opportunities in the Health and Wellness Industry
If you’ve gone through the process of considering why you

want a career change, and you’re committed to making a shift, Many professionals find
it’s time to focus on what you’d like to be doing.
success with starting their
Most likely, if you’ve opened this guide, health and wellness is own consulting businesses
a particular interest or passion for you. Fortunately, there are and offering a number of
plenty of directions you can go within this growing field. Here
services as a result.
are a few major categories, along with some career options
within each:
Nutrition Professional
It can be difficult to decipher the mountains of information gyms, schools, health food stores, and many other
available online about nutrition, especially when that areas. From meeting with clients one on one to
information tends to contradict itself. A nutrition leading educational workshops, you can have a
professional gives clients guidance and coaching that robust, long-term career in the nutrition field. Many
helps them navigate healthy, tailored eating plans and professionals find success with starting their own
make meaningful changes. consulting businesses and offering a number of
services as a result. They enjoy the freedom and
There’s a breadth of career choices within this field, growth opportunities that come with being their
especially as nutrition has extended into workplaces, own bosses.
Nutrition Career Examples
Corporate wellness consultant: Food supplement sales rep:
You can work in a corporate environment alongside Because of your background in nutrition, you
HR to drive wellness efforts for employees. Wellness could speak articulately about a supplement’s
programs are becoming more extensive and well- specific benefits and how it fills any gaps in
funded than ever before, and you can use your nutrition for consumers. In this role, you would
knowledge to help employees learn healthy eating likely serve as a traveling sales rep who makes
options. In this role, you might work part-time or visits to health food stores, spas, wellness centers,
full- time in an office, warehouse environment, co-ops, and grocery stores. This is a good fit if you
healthcare facility, or other location and assist with love to be passionate about a certain product, have
developing educational materials. You could also strong sales skills, and enjoy the challenge that
be an on-retainer consultant who helps several comes with working for a sales commission.
companies every week with their wellness programs.
This is a good fit if you are particularly interested in
workplace wellness initiatives.
Weight loss counselor: Other career options:
Many weight loss centers, spas, and wellness Nutrition and wellness consultant, nutrition and
centers rely on their counselors to help with wellness writer, health coach, lifestyle coach, health
one-on-one sessions and lead group discussions. food store owner, nutrition educator, and launching
In this role, you would articulate the importance your own nutrition training business.
of nutrition in the weight loss effort and help
people make changes that support their overall
health efforts. This is a good fit if you’re interested
in weight loss strategies, have lost weight yourself
(or helped friends or family in the effort), and are
interested in putting together weight loss programs
that help others become healthier.
A nutrition professional gives clients guidance and coaching that helps

them navigate healthy eating plans and make meaningful changes.
Personal Trainer
Although personal trainers are well-versed in workouts reduce risk of chronic disease, increase athletic
and strength training, that’s definitely not the limit of performance, quit smoking, and accomplish other
their expertise. In fact, with comprehensive education significant health goals. Trainers work in a variety
and certification programs, that’s just the beginning of settings and assist clients in moving toward
of the personal training journey. As a trainer, you can long-term health and wellness.
work with clients to help manage stress, lose weight,
Personal Training Career Examples
Workshop facilitator: Sports team trainer:
Whether you’re working at a gym or wellness center As a personal trainer, you have the ability to
or as an independent consultant, you can put together address the needs of a specific sports team.
highly impactful workshops that drill down on one This will give you the opportunity to learn the
particular topic. These workshops are often very deeper aspects of a sport’s demands. For
well-attended, and they also can be a way to build example, you might support a cycling team
up your personal training business. In this role, and help members with cross-training activities
you’ll research a particular topic and create a that keep them from overtraining their leg muscles.
presentation that’s designed to appeal to a group. In this role, you’ll be part of a team’s resources
You might create hands-on activities, handouts, that include coaches and physical therapists.
and PowerPoint materials. This is a good fit if you This is a good fit if you want to provide
love public speaking and enjoy the research and specialized, one-on-one help to a number of
organization that comes with workshop development. athletes and especially if you’re interested in
the sport for which you’ll be a trainer.
Fitness writer: Other career options:
Being able to articulate fitness information is Fitness center personal trainer, fitness coach,
sometimes an art as well as a skill, and becoming wellness center coach, sports conditioning
a writer who specializes in the field can showcase specialist, and athletic performance coach.
your abilities. In this role, you may be asked to Many personal trainers start their own part-time
provide articles, blog posts, case studies, athlete or full-time personal training businesses.
profiles, and other written material that helps
advance an understanding of fitness. This is a
good fit if you like writing and editing and are
adept at coming up with article ideas.
Trainers work in a variety of settings and assist clients in

moving toward long-term health and wellness.
Fitness Instructor
While personal trainers tend to work closely with clients, circuit training. There are also more specialized classes
often one on one, fitness instructors thrive in group that need experienced, insightful instructors, like those
class settings. Putting together classes requires a high who lead groups in Pilates, yoga, aquatic exercises,
level of creativity and flexibility, as well as knowledge kickboxing, stability ball training, indoor cycling, prenatal
about many of the most popular group offerings such as fitness, and youth fitness.
boot camp, step, muscle conditioning, interval, and
Fitness Career Examples
Yoga teacher: Group fitness leader:
In terms of growth, yoga has definitely become Being able to get a whole class of people energized
mainstream and in demand. Yoga teachers don’t and moving is an admirable skill, especially because
just instruct at studios, they also conduct one-on-one these teachers have to ensure safety as well. In this
sessions and lead workshops. In this role, you role, you would develop group fitness classes that
would put together classes, private instruction, are motivating and fresh, for multiple fitness levels.
and workshop sessions that showcase yoga This is a good fit if you already love group classes
sequences. This is a good fit if you are an avid and you’ve experienced a wide range of teaching
yogi and want to share that knowledge with others. styles, which can help you develop your own
unique style.
Kickboxing instructor: Other career options:
Much like yoga, kickboxing is on a growth track, Fitness center group instructor, gym manager
and being able to lead individuals and groups in or owner, corporate wellness fitness instructor,
the sport requires training and skill. In this role, Pilates teacher, and youth fitness specialist.
you’ll put together multi-level classes that ensure
safety and allow students to progress their skill
levels from beginner to advanced. This is a good
fit if you’re passionate about kickboxing and can
articulate proper form during moves.
While personal trainers tend to work closely with clients,

often one on one, fitness instructors thrive in group
class settings.
Steps for Making a Career Change
Now that you have explored the different types of opportunities available in the health and wellness industry, the
next step is to find the area that fits your interests and abilities most.
Select the Right Field
As you read through the descriptions in the personal trainer but haven’t seen the inside of
previous section, what resonated with you the a gym or participated in any exercise programs
most? What made you feel energized and eager for years.
to learn more? You’re contemplating a career
change in order to draw on your passion for a You don’t need to eat perfectly and work out
certain field, so don’t be afraid to tap into and every day. But you do need to “live” the field
acknowledge that enthusiasm. in many ways. Often, health and wellness
professionals are seen as examples to their
Another important question is, what are your clients and model the behavior that they’re
strengths and weaknesses in terms of each recommending. Identify any changes you may
option? Maybe you lean toward being a nutrition need to make in your personal life, as well
professional, but your backseat is filled with fast- as any knowledge or expertise you are
food wrappers. Or you like the idea of being a currently lacking.
Explore Different Certifications Nutrition and Wellness Consultant

Certification:
When you have your choices narrowed down
to one or two fields, it’s time to look at your Teaches you how to give educated
educational options. That’s where a certification nutritional guidance and nutrition coaching to
program is vital. A certification from an accredited individuals and groups. You learn counseling
organization gives you the extensive knowledge strategies, client communication, and goal-
you need to excel in the field and also assures setting so that you can put together
your clients that you’ve received superior training. nutritional plans.
Another advantage to earning a certification is

Sports Nutrition Certification:
that you can get your education much faster
Perfect for nutrition coaching consultants,
and more affordably than with a four-year
personal trainers, strength trainers, and
college degree. Plus, in a certification program,
you’ll be learning only about your new field group fitness instructors, this certification
rather than studying the sometimes non-relevant gives you the education you need to help
“foundation” and liberal arts courses that many clients get the most out of their workouts
colleges require. and develop an energizing, performance-
enhancing nutrition plan.
Here are some typical certifications in each
of the major health and wellness fields:
Weight Management Specialist Certification:

Whether you’re looking to work in a weight loss center,
spa, gym, or other healthcare setting, it’s likely that
weight management will be a top driver for your clients.
This certification provides behavior-change strategies
and nutrition protocols that drive clients toward long-term
success in losing weight and keeping it off.
Health and Wellness Coach Certification:

These professionals work with clients to create integrated
wellness plans that focus on a breadth of strategies,
such as managing stress, preventing disease,
strengthening mind—body connections, setting goals,
and exploring alternative medicine. These coaches
are found in a variety of businesses, including spas,
wellness centers, and corporate environments and as
independent coaches.
Personal Trainer Certification:

You’ll learn to apply the principles of exercise science,
human anatomy, and biomechanics to design tailored
exercise programs for clients. Personal trainers are
also adept at conducting exercise testing that assesses
cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular
fitness, and flexibility. This certification will give you the
insight you need to take a wealth of fitness information
and apply it to individuals so that they can meet their
fitness goals.
Group Fitness Instructor Certification:

This type of certification will give you the skills to lead
dynamic, safe, and effective group classes that
significantly reduce injury risk while boosting student
engagement. You’ll learn to explain and execute
variations of movements in a breadth of classes,
from boot camp to spin class.
Yoga Instructor Certification:

Designed to let you teach classes and individual clients,
this certification gives you knowledge about verbal and
visual cues to use in teaching each yoga posture. You’ll
learn modifications for postures and effective ways to
work with students of different abilities in the same
class. This will give you the background you need to
work at yoga studios, in corporate settings, or in
community-based workshops.
These are just a few examples of the types of

certifications that are available and should give you an
idea of the breadth of educational options to consider.
A certification from an accredited

organization gives you the
extensive knowledge you need
to excel in the field.
Set Your Starting Point Decide on Other Skills You Need

for Success
With certifications, you can get an initial
education in a field and then move on to Certifications can bring you a long way toward
more advanced training that will help you establishing success in your career change,
deepen your knowledge or expand what but knowledge of a particular field isn’t all
you offer. you’ll need. Most likely, you’ll have to cultivate
other types of skills, as well as understand
For example, you might earn a nutrition and
your available resources and support.
wellness consultant certification and then
jump up to a master-level certification as
you begin to counsel clients. Or you could
incorporate several fields together. For With certifications, you
instance, you could earn a personal trainer
can get an initial education
certification and then go after a weight loss
specialist certification if you find that many of in a field and then move
your clients are struggling with weight issues. on to more advanced
You can also specialize in certain populations,
such as youth or seniors.
training that will help you
deepen your knowledge or
The more certifications you earn in the field, the expand what you offer.
greater your knowledge base will be and the
more specialized opportunities you will find.
For example:
If you’ll be running your own business, do you Would you feel more confident after completing
need to take an accounting course so that you an internship? If so, what organizations/gyms/
can manage your books? spas or other businesses offer opportunities in
your field?
If you’ll be trying to attract clients, do you have
a marketing strategy in place that includes social Do you know any professionals who are doing the
media and networking? work you want to be doing? Can you set up an
informational interview to find out more about
What will be the source of your income as you’re what to expect as you move into that career?
moving toward your goal? Are there ways you can
economize to make the most of your savings while Are there business-related classes that can help
you transition to your new field? you have a more robust presence in the field,
such as building your own website, writing,
communication strategies, or sales?
Make a list of what you think you’ll need in terms of skills and resources so that you’re ready for the next step
toward your career change.
Create a Plan of Action
Now that you know your end goal, which area of health Watch relevant videos
and wellness you want to enter, and skills that you need
Study for the test
to learn, it’s time to put it all together into a plan of action.
Take the test
Starting a new career may not be a linear progression—
Apply for relevant jobs to gain more experience
for example, you might earn a few certifications at once
or earn one and then take on clients before getting
another—but it’s helpful to put some milestone goals
in place so that you feel you’re on the right path. Think
about each large milestone and then break it down Think about each large
into smaller, achievable tasks that you can put
on the calendar. milestone and then
break it down into
For instance, “earning a certification” might break
into these smaller goals: smaller, achievable
Compare certification programs tasks that you can put
Register for a certification program on the calendar.
Take practice quizzes
Create a Plan of Action
It’s helpful to break each milestone down into smaller In choosing a career focused on health and wellness,
tasks and give each milestone and related task a due you’ll not only be changing the lives of your clients and
date. Add these to your calendar and set reminders in students but also your own. Make a solid plan that
your phone. Not only will that help you get organized, includes narrowing down your choices, picking a
but you can also feel a sense of progress toward your specialty, determining your strengths, and understanding
big goal of changing your career. The more you can your resources. Once you see how many opportunities
document your journey and mark down your successes, there are in the health and wellness industry, you’ll be
the more you’ll feel confident in the direction that you’ve excited and energized for your fresh new career.
chosen and see how swiftly you’re headed toward your
dream career.
Additional Resources
Looking for a bit more guidance about what’s out there? Check out a few resources from AFPA’s Resource Library:
Conclusion
Just like you, we share a passion for nutrition and focus on delivering the education you need to succeed.
wellness and the benefits of inspiring others through Our globally recognized, accredited programs have
health and wellness coaching. We offer a number of certified more than 110,000 professionals since 1994.
different certification programs that are aligned with
your goals and objectives, ultimately helping you gain Turn your passion into your profession. Become part of
a competitive advantage in the industry. the shift toward empowering others through health and
wellness, by becoming an advocate for better health,
At AFPA, we bring you the most advanced, innovative, fitness, and nutrition.
and rewarding certification programs with a specialized
Ready to Take the First Step
Toward a New Career?
GET STARTED TODAY
www.afpafitness.com
connect with us
1 “Study Finds Many Americans Are Not Happy With Their Jobs.” VisualCV, Feb. 2017, https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/02/07/914704/0/en/Study-Finds-Many-Americans-Are-Not-Happy-with-Their-Jobs-But-the-
Jury-Is-Still-Out-on-Whether-Trump-Will-Help.html

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How to Make a Successful Career Change

Into Health and Wellness

Determine Why You Feel You Need a Career Change 4

Explore Opportunities in the Health and Wellness Industry 7

Steps for Making a Career Change 17

Create a Plan of Action 24

That means the first step in making a career change is

Is helping others important to you? If so, are

Are you challenged enough in what

Do you see opportunity for personal growth in

Is your industry a thriving one, or do you feel

The decision to change

If you’ve gone through the process of considering why you

Nutrition Career Examples

Corporate wellness consultant: Food supplement sales rep:

Weight loss counselor: Other career options:

A nutrition professional gives clients guidance and coaching that helps

Personal Training Career Examples

Workshop facilitator: Sports team trainer:

Fitness writer: Other career options:

Trainers work in a variety of settings and assist clients in

Fitness Career Examples

Yoga teacher: Group fitness leader:

Kickboxing instructor: Other career options:

While personal trainers tend to work closely with clients,

Select the Right Field

Explore Different Certifications Nutrition and Wellness Consultant

Another advantage to earning a certification is

Weight Management Specialist Certification:

Health and Wellness Coach Certification:

Personal Trainer Certification:

Group Fitness Instructor Certification:

Yoga Instructor Certification:

These are just a few examples of the types of

A certification from an accredited

Set Your Starting Point Decide on Other Skills You Need

GET STARTED TODAY

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