Sunday 15 July 2012

Nutrition Training

Diet and exercise have always been two sides of the same coin. Essential for a hale and hearty body and a sound mind, the need for such healthy lifestyle changes is felt now more than ever before. People are so busy with work nowadays, have lousy fast-food eating habits and sedentary jobs, which all add up to make their life unhealthy and stressful. This may be why an increasing number of people today are taking the help of nutritionists or dieticians and personal trainers or fitness experts to adopt a healthy way of life and change. Many opt for nutrition training at private institutes to acquire the knowledge and know-how about nutrition and its various facets, and read up on ideal exercises or join a gym which provides trainers. Others simply consult a nutritionist and hire a personal trainer to work on their body, or sound out a wellness life coach. 

Wellness life coaches are experts trained to provide counseling services to individuals that are struggling with lifestyle concerns such as weight loss, stress management, fitness, and healthy nutrition. These are professionals that are qualified in different aspects of fitness including nutrition and exercise, and have a holistic approach to achieving the goal. Nutritionists on the other hand have complete knowledge about nutrition and how different foods affect the body. Personal trainers are professionals that have studies the anatomy and physiology of the human body and can suggest or help execute correct exercise routines to achieve a physique that is desirable to the individual. While nutritionists and personal trainers handle separate aspects of fitness, more often than not they work together and are hired by hospitals, hotels, health clubs, fitness centres, gyms, etc.

If you want to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives and are interested in the fitness field, consider nutrition, personal training or wellness life coaching as a career option. There are quite a few institutes that offer a number of different courses in this field of studies. In view of the fact that most people who consider taking up these courses are either already working in the field and have full-time or part-time jobs, or are students that aspire to get the proper training before they venture into this area of work, courses in nutrition or physical training are short and have flexible timings. Some of the reputable institutes that are well-known for such nutrition training or fitness exercise training can be found out on the Internet. A majority of these institutes have their official websites online providing all relevant details about the institute as well as the different courses. Many of the websites also have information about the modules and curriculums covered in the courses, so as to help the aspirants decide on the ideal program.

Friday 13 July 2012

Courses in Nutrition

If you are thinking of venturing into the fitness industry, there are quite a few way of doing so. You can take into consideration your interests before making this decision. For instance, if food and nutrition is what you are interested in, you can start by looking for various institutes in the country that offer good courses in nutrition. Doing a specific course in the field through a recognized institute, can be the best stepping stone to having the career of your dreams. On the other hand, if you are looking at becoming a personal trainer, you may want to check out courses in fitness first, before moving on to doing a course or two in nutrition. Remember that a personal trainer is not just somebody individuals come to for exercise guidance, but a professional that also has adequate knowledge about diets and nutrition to provide holistic fitness and thus overall good health for the client.

In view of the fact that nutrition and exercise go hand in hand when it comes to any fitness regime, taking up a course in nutrition might be a good idea for anyone working in the fitness field, right from personal trainers and gym instructors to yoga instructors and others. Of course, these courses are imperative for aspiring dieticians and nutritionists, wanting a thriving career in the field. Today there are a number of private as well as government institutes that offer different courses in nutrition and the related subjects in our country. Many of these courses are recognized and reputable for their format and the modules covered. This being said, it is important that the aspirants take the time and efforts to search out a reputable institute, research the courses it offers and opt for the course that best suits their needs, rather than take admissions in the first institute they comes across.

The two most ideal ways of finding the institutes that will suit you best are to first ask around for recommendations. You can start with friends or colleagues who are working in the field. If not, take appointments or call well-known nutritionists in town for suggestions. It is a preconceived notion that you cannot call or ask people you do not know. The fact is that it is human nature to want to help others, so do not hesitate to ask your questions or queries. Plus, this interview might give you an insight into the world you wish to enter. Even if the nutrition expert you have approached does not have much information about the courses in nutrition, they can tell you the pros and cons of the business and how they came to make a career out of it. If you are provided with some names of fine institutes, you can then go online and check their websites for details.

Sunday 1 July 2012

Gym instructor jobs

A career in fitness training is one of the most rewarding. You have the pleasure to make a significant difference in another person’s appearance and help them feel confident and good about their body and self. There was a time when gym instructors were few and not professionally trained. They were merely people who enjoyed exercising and took up part-time jobs to support their hobby. Today the scenario is different. Gym instructor jobs are only given to well-trained and qualified persons that have comprehensive know-how about the field and business. These professionals are sought after by gym owners and fitness enthusiasts.

The modern work environment and sedentary lifestyle has led to people have an unenthusiastic attitude towards any physical activity. But in view of the fact that having a healthy body and fit physique is high on everybody’s priority list for various reasons like feeling attractive, overcoming diseases, upping stamina, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, etc, a large number of people join the local gym and take the efforts to go on a regular basis. For these members a gym instructor is the person that is going to help them achieve their particular goal. They put their complete trust in him or her, and do not want to be let down.

Fitness has turned into a highly lucrative business opportunity as well as a sustainable career option. This fact is evident as we notice gyms and fitness clubs springing up in all areas of the city, and more and more fresh graduates and youngsters opting for courses and certifications in this field. And while starting gyms, health centres or fitness clubs is a business decision based on the potential for profit, most aspirants that wish to have a career in fitness are lured in by the idea of ‘fun while you work’. Gyms and fitness clubs nowadays are places that are designed to be hip and trendy. The interiors are peppy in terms of color palates used. The exercise equipment is modern, and a majority of gyms today have a lot of other activities offered under the same roof. These include swimming, aerobics, spinning, mixed martial arts, kick-boxing, western dance styles, running track, etc. Special care is taken to keep the ambiance up-beat with music. Hence, for most instructors the job is ideal and fun.

Aspirants aiming for gym instructor jobs must first check out the various courses available for the field. There are many institutes that offer such short duration courses that can rightly qualify you to take on the world of fitness. Once you have the proper certification a lot of fitness avenues will open such as gyms, fitness centres, health clubs, hotel gyms, corporate gyms, private training, etc.

Monday 25 June 2012

Career in Fitness industry a new opportunity for employment

We live a stressful, competitive and fast-paced world. Everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere and time management is of the essence. The gradual yet tremendous change in lifestyle and daily life in almost all urban population from all across the world has brought about an increase in physical and mental diseases and disorders such as obesity, joint pains, depression, fatigue, etc. Today people across the globe are struggling to overcome these disorders by making simple changes through proper diet and fitness regimes. Proper nutrition and physical activity through exercise has proven to be most effective in tackling stress as well as physical limitations. This may be the reason these days we can see a large number of gymnasiums and dieticians in all big and small cities. People are no longer putting off acquiring professional help to overcome their modern lifestyle related problems.

Fitness has become a top priority for young and old, professionals as well as stay at homes. Many read and educate themselves about these aspects of healthy living in order to maintain a balance between what they like in foods and physical activity, and what they should be doing to maintain their health and fitness. There are also an increasing number of people who now prefer hiring a personal trainer to take up the responsibility of keeping them fit. While this can be quite expensive in some cases, it is said to be worth the money. Most gyms offer personal trainers or at least allow personal training at an extra fee. The advantage of hiring the help of a personal trainer is that he or she knows the art of fitness well, has plenty of experience in training others, knows the correct and ideal way to undertake exercises in terms of position and weight, can design a well-thought out exercise routine for you to follow and assist you every step of the way. All you need to do is find a personal trainer that is well-known and has proved himself time and again. In addition to asking around for recommendations as to who is the best, make sure your trainer is certified and has undergone relevant fitness training courses.

In fact, many individuals who start exercising and enjoy such physical activities like weight training, cardiovascular exercises (running, climbing steps), yoga, etc. even take up training others later on. These are the people who fall in love with the way these exercises changes not only a person’s physical appearance, but also personality and outlook towards exercise. The benefits of any kind of physical exercise are known to everyone. These include having a raised level of enduring physical strain (stamina), having better skin due to sweating during exercise, having a good appetite, better metabolism, a healthy release of stress, quality time for oneself, a ground of interacting with a set of people outside work and home, the joy of having a better looking body that is fit and healthy and so on.

Fitness as a career option or as a hobby can be extremely rewarding, especially in today’s times when there is an increasing demand for such professionals. Fitness trainers are well-respected and earn high salaries as personal trainers at gyms. There are many fitness certification courses available through institutes. These include part-time as well as full-time modules to choose from. For anyone who takes fitness and a career in the field seriously, such courses are imperative in putting you on the fast track towards success. There are institutions in the country that are solely dedicated to churn out quality sports and fitness professionals that know everything there is to learn about it.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Gym Trainer Jobs

With the growing awareness about keeping fit and healthy, causing an exponential increase in the number of Gym Facilities, gym trainer jobs are easily located these days, especially in urban areas of the country.

People nowadays are almost obsessed to finding ways to live healthy and look their best physically. Starting at college going ages, many men and women make it a point to get a gym membership to either maintain their body and health or acquire a desirable physique and adapt to a healthy lifestyle.

This is one of the primary reason why educational institutions offering courses in nutrition, physical fitness and related fields are highly sought after. There are a large number of institutes throughout the country that are dedicated to providing comprehensive courses for aspiring fitness professionals. A majority of these courses are short and have very minimal eligibility criteria, making them quite popular with youngsters that enjoy exercising and want to learn in depth about the subject as well as aspirants that feel this is the career path that will provide them with good money, fame and success.

It is fairly easy for certified gym trainers to find jobs in the industry. Most often they are employed by gyms, 5 star hotels, resorts, cruise ships, corporate companies and health clubs. The ones that prefer to start their own practice are employed by individuals as personal trainers. There are a few pros and cons to taking up a job at a gym, hotel or health club as opposed to starting a practice as a personal trainer. The benefit of taking up a job as trainer is that you have a fixed number of working hours, even though in some set-ups this may mean working in shifts. You are paid a fixed salary, which might offer you some stability & security. The disadvantages of working a job are that while your salary might increase gradually, it will never exceed a particular amount. Another thing to consider is that your working hours may not be flexible enough to do another job or start any side business of your own.

On the other hand, working as a personal trainer may give you the flexibility you desire. Personal trainers charge fees that add up to be way more than any job. This is done as the trainer spends one on one time with the client and takes complete responsibility to bring about guaranteed results. Personal trainers assist the client in terms of selection of exercises, the correct form & technique, effective programming & scheduling that encompasses, strength, endurance & flexibility in order to get the best results.

But it may be advisable for any certified fitness trainer to start with a job to get plenty of experience before getting into personal training. Simply search for gym trainer jobs on the Internet.

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Dietician Courses

Proper diet is one of the focus areas for overall fitness. Today more and more people have realized this fact and started working towards this goal. We now see many people going to the gym regularly and following a recommended diet to achieve the type of physique of healthy body they desire. Since every body is different in terms of metabolism, weight gain, physical activity, food preferences, etc, the ideal diets vary too. Dieticians are the professionals that design the diets that are most effective and required for individuals. The role of a dietician is crucial to help achieve the optimum level of physical health. Dieticians are not just people who suggest a diet. They are individuals that have undergone relevant and recognized dietician courses that teach the A to Z of nutrition and how to apply it in daily diets in different human physiology.

These days there is an increasing demand of good dieticians that possess comprehensive knowledge not only about the various food categories and food, but also about the workings of the human body. These are mostly professionals that have done many relevant courses and have all the soft skills needed to be good at this job, chalk out nutrition programs, food plans, direct preparations and size of servings. Some of the skills required to make a career in this field include having empathy towards the patient or client, showing patience, being polite, great motivational skills to keep the client interested in the diet plan and follow it, a strong sense of ethics as the client puts in a lot of trust in your knowledge and readiness to work at alternating diet plans to keep the client comfortable and happy.

The major areas of practice for a dietician are clinical, consultancy, management and community. Some prefer starting their own practice, while others join hospitals, schools, clinics, gymnasiums or corporate companies to administer the food plans. Being a noble profession, dieticians are extremely well-respected in our society.

There are quite a few dietician courses available around the world. These include full-time programs as well as part-time and autonomous courses. While it is preferred that the applicant have a science background, it is not a compulsory requirement for some colleges and institutes. You can research the field and courses offered online. Doing this can give you information about the many institutes and also an insight into the course modules and profession in general. Many college websites also have blogs that may give you a clearer idea of the learning environment and courses offered there. When looking for a college for such courses, it may be imperative to consider aspects such as the reputation of the institute, the course modules, faculty, location of the college, facilities provided for better learning, etc. comparing these factors can be extremely helpful in finding the ideal institute.

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Types of Courses in fitness

Professional courses in fitness training are almost mandatory for getting a good job in the field of health and fitness. Working as a gym instructor or personal trainer can be a lot of fun provided that you are working for a good organization.

Health and fitness are no longer something, which doctors recommend and people discuss over a cup of coffee. People have realised how vital it is to take care of their bodies and are thus becoming highly health conscious. The trend that started in western countries has now spread throughout the world. If you have the fundamentals sorted out, like identifying your ‘call’ and enrolling for courses in fitness, nothing can stop you from having a great career ahead. The best thing about working as a fitness professional is that you enable people to live healthier and longer lives. Apart from getting a good job and excellent pay, such work is extremely rewarding at an emotional level.

Personal training courses are advisable for those who are interested in working as fitness instructors in gyms or attending to individual clients as private trainers. A personal training course from a reputed fitness school virtually guarantees great jobs in India as well as abroad. Such courses are of short duration, usually not more than a couple of months.

If you wish to work with people who have certain disabilities and make their lives better, you can enrol in a course that deals with personal training for such special cases. In these courses, trainers are equipped to deal with clients who suffer from disabilities, injuries or handicaps. Some courses may also include fitness regimes for pregnant women as part of their curriculum.

A competent gym instructor or fitness trainer should also have the basic knowledge about diet plans and nutritional requirements of their various clients. This is particularly beneficial if some of your clients are highly active. These diets can be designed for specific people who wish to achieve certain body compositions or performance goals.

If you are also interested in learning massage therapy, learning both mediums could increase your earning potential and enhance your value for the clients. Personal trainers have been known to double up as masseurs. Massage courses include popular techniques like Aromatherapy, Swedish Sports Massage, Ayurvedic spa treatments, foot massages, etc. Personal trainers equipped with such diverse skills, can boast of clients that no longer have to visit expensive spas for massage therapies to relax their body and relieve stress. On the other hand, professionals who enrol in these kinds of courses in fitness, open the doors to career opportunities in the field of massage therapy as well.

If you consider yourself an ambitious person and are passionate about this field, the end goal would be to open your own gym, spa or health club in the future. Operating a fitness club is a full-fledged business venture and requires the right training to be successful. Available courses in fitness schools sometimes include gym management. Such a course is ideal for gym owners, sales people and managers. A highly comprehensive course gives them a chance to learn everything from setting up of the facility to pre-sales and recruitment to marketing. Just like with any other certificate course, diploma or degree, the better the institute, the more value it will hold. You may search the internet for good institutes and read reviews written by the alumni. Do not forget to consider your budget before zeroing in on any one of them. Steer clear from online and distance learning courses, as being an expert in this field requires hands-on training and practical knowledge.

Monday 16 April 2012

Why Enroll In A Fitness Institute?

Becoming a fitness trainer takes as much work and studies as any other field. One does not become a trainer in a day. He or she has to train & study vigorously for many months in a reputed fitness institute to set themselves apart from hordes of people who call themselves trainers despite having zero education in Exercise science.

The fitness Industry has a vast array of job oppurtunities. No matter what kind of trainer you want to be or what kind of clients you would like to work with, be a freelance personal trainer, work in a gym, health club or corporate house, or train students in a fitness institute, the education needed to be successful remains the same. Personal training as a service is becoming highly popular with an earning potential that is truly limitless. If you are good at your work & are genuinely a qualified fitness expert, then people are willing to pay upto Rs. 10, 000/- per hour.

One can also choose to work with corporate houses, which have now recognised the importance of fitness and are now familiarising their employees with exercise routines in order to keep them fit and healthy. Of course a gym or health club is the traditional workplace of a trainer. There are now chains of health clubs opening all across the country which offer great incentives to all its trainers. Yet another option is to become a ‘trainer of future trainers’. You can look for opportunities to pass on your knowledge and skills to future trainers by becoming a ‘teacher’ in a fitness institute.

Becoming a fitness trainer is a very rewarding way of life. The satisfaction of bettering the life of your clients and making a difference in the life of so many is unparalleled by most other fields. You get to work with a range of people and touch their lives in a way which makes them healthier and happier.
Like any other field, an education in fitness training has many different levels and many different ‘branches’. After completing the foundational Personal Trainer’s course, you can boost your resume and the prospects of getting a better job by doing additional courses. These courses include various modules which range from Sports Nutrition to Gym management and working with special population. A course in gym management is perfect for those who want to start their own gym or are interested in pursuing a career as a Club general manager or sales executive.

Another great field to work in is the area of sports nutrition. These are special courses for professional nutritionists, trainers and instructors to gain knowledge about diets and healthy food habits for exercising individuals, competitive athletes and highly active individuals.

There are also special clients who need more attention, observation and careful guidance. An instructor has to carefully design a workout regimen for people with very specific needs. These clients include people with chronic injuries, people with disabilities, metabolic disorders, very young children, geriatrics and also pregnant women. Such clients need special care due to their condition. Due to the sheer magnitude of the number of people who fit into the Special Populations category, this course is a must have for a Fitness Institute. As you can see there are many lines of work open for a fitness instructor, though it is vital that they select the one which interests them the most.

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Massage Training Course – Which One Is For You?

Modern day lives are so hectic that people are losing sleep and gaining stress. Sooner or later everyone needs a way to unwind. There are very few things if any that can even come close as an unwinding tool than a well executed massage therapy. They not only ease the knots in a tense body but also relax the mind and rejuvenate the soul, so to speak.

The increase in demand for qualified massage therapists has made it a lucrative career option. Anyone who is interested can enrol for a massage training course at a good institute and get certified.

There are many institutes which provide comprehensive as well as specialized massage training courses. Students are taught various strokes & techniquesand use of different products, which are combined to maximise the sensation of relaxation, increase blood circulation to body parts, relieve stress, improve body posture, enhance mobility, facilitate proper breathing and alleviate depression. It is one of the oldest forms of therapy, mentions of which exist throughout history.

A massage therapist uses his or her fingers, palm, forearm, elbows and even the feet to generate different intensities of pressure.
A stress free body has a greater chance to stay away from injuries & stave off degeneration, metabolic disorders. Regular well executed scientific massage therapies can contribute hugely to this stress free state. Due to this, an increasing number of fitness training institutes have a massage training course as part of their curriculum.

Massage therapy is a very broad term. There are many different types of massages which have been derived from many diverse cultures. One of the oldest forms of such therapy is the Ayurvedic massage. Originated in India, this therapy is based on Ayurveda, which is probably the oldest kind of medicine in the world. An Aurvedic massage training course ranges from a couple of weeks to 3 months. The massage includes using herbal oils and organic topical medication to treat the clients. A massage training course in Ayurveda from an institute which is recognized by the government of India certifies one as a practising therapist.

Another popular massage training course is the Swedish massage. Unlike Ayurvedic massage, the Swedish massage relies more on using many different kinds of strokes. Aspiring masseurs can have bright prospects in the sports world after doing a course in Swedish massage therapy since it is a favourite among professional sportsmen and athletes.

Aromatherapy is also gaining momentum to become a popular massage therapy. It uses natural essential oils from organic sources. A massage training course in Aroma therapy teaches the students about these organic aromatic oilsand their uses.

Monday 19 March 2012

The Complete Fitness Institute

As far as booming industries go, Fitness is currently at the forefront. It is a wonderful opportunity to make a successful career and pass on one’s knowledge to make the world a fitter place. The industry is not only competitive but also growing at a furious pace and has enough scope for all those who are interested. One needs to find a good fitness institute which offers comprehensive programs that not only teach exercise science theory but also its practical application on the gym floors. A formal education at a fitness institute or Academy is a must & the responsible thing to do before you embark on a career in fitness. “Education before job” is a given in all other industries, but unfortunately in this super fast growing Fitness Industry, there are many unscrupulous gyms that will hire trainers who have not been through any formal education in the Fitness Sciences. But one thing is for sure; if you take advantage of this flaw in the industry to save time & money on education, you may get a job, but a bright future will definitely evade you.

You can even start your own fitness club or gym with the expertise that you gain at the fitness institute.
There are many courses which are offered by such fitness academies. But the fundamental, foundational & most comprehensive course in the Fitness industry is the PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE and this must always be the first course that a fitness professional must choose to take. This course must be done irrespective of whether or not you want to be a Personal Trainer specializing in one-on-one fitness training. This course has been named such, as when you are a Personal Trainer; to your client you are a one point contact for all information & queries with regards to Fitness & thus a Personal Trainer must have comprehensive knowledge.

Personal Training also happens to be an extremely lucrative career option in the Fitness Industry. Nowadays an average trainer with a good certification can charge Rs.1000/- per one hour session. If he takes 5 such sessions a day, he stands to earn Rs. 30, 000/- per WEEK!!!! And that is just your average trainer & remember he could choose to take on more sessions per day.Another popular & necessary course is that of Sports Nutrition. This course teaches Fitness Trainers & Dietician’s the nuances of prescribing diets to exercising individuals & even competitive athletes. A trainer gains knowledge about food selection based upon knowledge of how each food item is metabolized by the body, macro nutrient ratios depending on goals of the individual with regards to body composition or with regards to performance in various sports. He also learns about the role & importance & dosage of various Micro-Nutrients such as Vitamins & Minerals. Macro & Micro Nutrient Supplementation is taught in-depth. Only exercise without proper nutrition can never give results. Thus having a hold over nutrition gives the trainer control over the results he can produce for his client. This hugely improves the track record of the trainer & this in turn allows him to charge higher & it also gets him refferals from his satisfied clients.

Certification from a good fitness institute gives you credibility and the confidence which is necessary to move up the ladder. These days even multinational companies and corporate offices hire fitness trainers. As you can imagine, these are very respectable jobs and come with handsome payments. But you will not stand a chance to get these jobs without a valid certification from a reputed and recognised Fitness Institute.

A fitness club, health-centre or gym is also an organization. It has many tiers of work just like any other office and requires proper management and maintenance. Many fitness institutes now offer gym management courses which are meant for gym managers and start-up businessmen who wish to setup health centres. These courses even help the manager with marketing, recruitment and sales of gym services.

Massage therapy courses are now in great demand as the trend of Day Spa’s has caught up in the metropolitan cities. These courses distinguish the lowly Massage Walla from the Massage Therapist who has learnt the science behind massages. There are courses specialising in Swedish Massage, Aroma-Therapy, Deep Tissue Myofacial Release Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, etc. A specialist in any of the above mentioned therapies can charge exorbitantly for these specialised therapy services & thus is highly lucrative.
Finally there are Master Trainer courses which give you a definite edge over all competition. Any trainer with a master trainer course certification is regarded in high esteem as this designation is given to the person who teaches the students of a Personal Trainer Course, the Practical Module. Thus in a way he is a trainer of trainers. Although, not every fitness institute has this course, some of the best ones offer it periodically. You can find the course details and schedules on the institute’s website.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Massage Training Course – Which One Is For You?

Whenever there is a rise in problems, there is a demand for the solution. Modern day lives are so hectic that people are losing sleep and gaining stress. Sooner or later everyone needs a way to unwind. Thus, massage therapies are gaining popularity. They not only easy the knots in a tense body but also relax the mind and rejuvenate the soul. The increase in demand for massage therapists has made it a lucrative career option. Anyone who is interested can enrol for a massage training course at a good institute and get the certification.

There are many institutes which provide comprehensive as well as specialized massage training courses. Students are taught various movements and use of different products, which are combined to relax the human body. A massage training course also imparts knowledge on how to increase blood circulation to body parts, relieve stress, improve body posture, enhance flexibility, facilitate proper breathing and elevate depression. Although massage therapies are quite simple, their efficiency is unrivalled and unquestionable. It is one of the oldest forms of therapy, mentions of which exist throughout history. A massage therapist uses his or her fingers, palm, forearm, elbows and even the feet to generate an instant sense of relief.

People are now becoming wary of using too many drugs and antibiotics. The demand for alternate therapies and need for holistic approaches to leading a healthy life have put massage therapies on the global map. Due to this, an increasing number of fitness training institutes have a massage training course as part of their curriculum.

Massage therapy is a very broad term. There are many different types of massages which have been derived from many diverse cultures. One of the oldest forms of such therapy is the Ayurvedic massage. Originated in India, this therapy is based on Ayurveda, which is probably the oldest kind of medicine in the world. An Aurvedic massage training course ranges from a couple of weeks to 3 months. The massage includes using herbal oils and organic medication to treat the clients. A massage training course in Ayurveda from an institute which is recognized by the government of India certifies one as a practising therapist.

Another popular massage training course is the Swedish massage. Unlike Ayurvedic massage, the Swedish massage relies more on using many different kinds of strokes. Aspiring masseurs can have bright prospects in the sports world after doing a course in Swedish massage therapy since it is a favourite among professional sportsmen and athletes.

Aromatherapy is also gaining momentum to become a popular massage therapy. It uses natural essential oils from organic sources. A massage training course in Aroma therapy teaches the students about these organic sources and their uses. If used properly, this therapy can be effectively used to relax, energise and detoxify.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Fitness Trainer Courses – Good, Better & Best

The mind thrives on the body. If the body is ailing, the mind won’t work to its maximum potential either. Diseases, aches and old age can turn one’s life into a living nightmare. Thus it is important to remain fit, and for that we need fitness trainers. Trainers are professional ‘guides’ who have undertaken fitness trainer courses which teach them the techniques for developing and maintaining a Fit body.

In fact, today fitness training has become a very lucrative career option. People have started realizing the dangers of an unfit body. The spreading of so many diseases and ailments has moved them into action and an increasing number of people are now hiring the services of professionals who have the experience and certification from good Fitness Academies which provide fitness trainer courses. A fitness trainer can work at multiple locations and with multiple clients, since most facilities work in shifts. They can look for employment in gyms, health centres, clubs and even with corporate houses. It is a fascinating field where one gets to work with interesting people from all walks of life.

A word of warning while looking for Certification courses. In case you find yourself pressed for time & cannot make it in person to an institute, do not fall for the temptation of doing an Online Certification. Certain fields such as that of a Fitness Trainer cannot & should not have Online Certifications as Practical training is an integral & indispensable part of the education of a fitness trainer. This is totally skipped by such courses making the fitness professional who has certified himself online to be extremely unreliable in the Form & Technique department. Teaching the right form & technique of exercises is probably the most important part of the job profile of a Personal trainer and thus no certification course should ever avoid that. After all better performance & injury prevention are based solely on doing the exercises with the right form & technique.

Fitness trainers get to learn basic First Aid & CPR, Workouts for Special Populations & Exercise-Sports Nutrition through supplementary courses at reputed Fitness Academies apart from the fundamental Personal Trainer Course. Equipment appreciation is also part of the course.

There are a few fitness trainer courses which work on correspondence basis. Subjects that do not involve practical training for Exercise form & Technique can be done through correspondence. For instance the Exercise & Sports Nutrition Course or the course on Personal Trainer for Special Populations. These courses must be done after first completing the Personal Trainer Course in person. The Massage Therapy Course again is an example of a course that SHOULD NOT be done through Correspondence or Online as the strokes can only be learnt properly throough practical training. Correspondence even in those courses which can be done through distance learning should only be an option for people who live far away from the institute maybe in another city, state or country OR for people who cannot leave their jobs & spare time to do a course. With regards to working people many reputed aacademies have started weekend courses or very early morning batch timings.

These correspondence courses are held through post, emails and online seminars. You will get all relevant course material sent to you through these channels. At the end of the course, there will be examinations in selected centres, after which you will receive the certification. But be sure to do correspondence courses in subjects that do not require Practical training.

It is one thing to read something in books or online and quite another to experience it first-hand. Interacting directly with the lecturers & Master Trainers will give you an infinitely better learning experience & a better hold over the subject.

Monday 13 February 2012

What is a Swedish Massage?

People are often stumped when asked if they know what a Swedish massage is?
Typically this extremely relaxing, therapeutic massage is known by this name in most English speaking countries. The rest of the world, including Sweden of course, knows it by the name ‘Classic Massage’. It was developed by the Swedish physical therapist Pehr Henrik Ling sometime in the nineteenth century.

Pehr Henrik Ling was a renowned developer and teacher of medical-gymnastics. He designed this therapy by combining a series of calisthenics-like exercises which focused on the connection between the mind and the body. Have we answered the question? No, not even close. So, what is a Swedish massage?

The massage is a combination of five unique motions which are meant to manipulate your muscles and help in relaxing your mind to relieve tension. These motions are meant to stimulate your muscles which lie dormant in our daily lives due to lack of physical exercise. The fact is that in the hectic lives which we lead these days, our mind gets a little too much activity, while out bodies get too little.

Let’s discuss the traditional muscle movements a little more closely and try to understand the basics.

1. Effleurage- Effleurage is the use of fan style and circle style stroking of your body tostimulate sliding as well as gliding movements.
2. Petrissage- This technique uses the classic kneading of soft tissues to compress them together. The purpose of this movement is to release knots and dissipate toxic substances accumulated in body cavities.
3. Tapotement- Tapotement is a rhythmic tapping of your body parts using the edge of the masseur’s hand to release tension and heighten blood circulation.
4. Friction- This is simply rubbing of the body parts to create heat, which is applied to relax the nerve endings and soothe sore muscles.
5. Vibration- This helps in relieving pain by enhancing blood flow.

These techniques are used with varied degrees of intensity and frequency to stimulate muscles in the body, open blocked blood capillaries, detoxify sore parts and enhance oxygen supply by increasing blood flow.

Swedish massage is highly popular and is prescribed all over the world by professional therapists. Although it is used mostly as a full body massage, it can even be applied for specific body aches, injuries and stress. As far as massage therapies are concerned, the Swedish massage therapy works wonders to rejuvenate your body and mind. An experienced masseur knows how to identify the vital points of your body and treat them in the perfect way to relieve pain and release stress.

Now that you know what is a Swedish massage it would be prudent to first consult a practicing therapist before opting for it to make sure that it is the best option for your particular requirements. If you wish to learn Swedish massage techniques, some fitness training academies in India also offer such massage therapy courses.

Saturday 28 January 2012

Gym Instructor Certification Courses for Personal Training Prospects

If you are a budding professional in the fitness industry, you are probably aware of this one fact that the fitness industry today is huge and ever expanding. From small exclusive personal training studios, express clubs to large, big box, high tech multinational fitness center franchise chains, there is a lot of scope thanks to the growth and diversification of fitness nowadays. The successful completion of gym instructor certification courses has become mandatory when applying for and competing for the best jobs today, including personal training clients that are often the best way to earn an additional income.

Since people today in India and abroad are becoming increasingly body conscious and more aware of their health and fitness levels, the personal training business is definitely on an upswing. Clients with the means to do so are willing to shell out big bucks for a competent trainer who can give them one on one guidance as well as their undivided attention for the allotted time frame. And of course subsequently they also expect the best of their trainers and prefer to spend their money and precious time on an instructor who is well qualified with a valid recognized certification.

If you are in hopes of building your own fitness training business where you take on personal clients rather than joining a gym or any such set-up, it is imperative to get yourself certified from a well established fitness training school. A course from a good fitness academy will not only give you a certification which is a qualification many clients want nowadays, but also educate you with an in depth knowledge of your profession and how you can be better at it. Knowing how the body works and responds to different exercises and dietary adjustments on a deeper level with scientific study can greatly enhance your chances for the results you want to deliver to your clients. Personal training courses and other fitness training courses are a great stepping stone into a better rounded career. You can also take advanced courses that teach you how to work with clients who have limitations due to health problems like diabetes, arthritis, back issues, heart problems etc., diversifying your potential client base and eventually your income base as well.

Becoming a successful fitness instructor, whether at a gym or as a private trainer, has a lot to do with your passion for the profession. But in order to be a consummate professional your love for the field of fitness should also incorporate the necessary education that will allow you to be the best at what you do. Gym instructor certification courses from a good school will assist you by educating you and adding a qualification to your name and in turn making you a legitimate professional in the Fitness Industry.

Thursday 19 January 2012

Fitness Instructor Certification

So you have decided that you are interested in becoming a Personal Trainer in the Fitness Industry or want to enter the industry in a related capacity. So your next logical step should be to get certified by a reputable Fitness Academy.. The fitness, health and wellness industry in India is growing strength by strength, year after year. People from all walks of life and age groups are trying to better their health and fitness & in doing so are on the constant lookout for certified, qualified Fitness Professionals.

Therefore, it goes without saying that for you to have a shot as a fitness Personal Trainerin today’s busy and competitive world, a certification from a reputable training academy or school plays a huge role in determining whether you start big or get lost in a crowd of your peers. Hard work and determination as well as a passion for your chosen career path can only get you so far, if you don’t arm yourself with the right knowledge and education to help people achieve their goals.

The fact that people are now also getting loads of information off online portals, blogs and magazines dedicated to health and fitness and trying to up their ante, coupled with the fact that gyms are competing with each other for business means that trainers have to be up to date with the latest information in the sphere and can no longer cruise by with simply practical experience garnered by working out in gyms.

Scientific facts about Anantomy, Kinesiology & Exercise Physiology taught at reputed Fitness Academies through their courses helps you become a qualified Personal Trainer who can provide effective, safe & result oriented programs to his or her clients. This further results in more referrals for you through “word of mouth”, thus causing your procatice to take off & also allows you to charge premium rates for your services.

If you are interested in acquiring a fitness instructor certification, most big metropolitans in India like Mumbai, Pune and Delhi have established training academies that will help you find just the course you are looking for. Certifications in courses like Personal Training, Personal Training For Special Populations, Massage Therapy, Sports Nutritionallow you to become a well rounded Fitness professional with a knowledge base that is comprehensive enough to make you into a One Contact Fitness Professional for your clients.
If you are serious about your career choice it is time to get cracking and find a good institute that offers a variety of courses and workshops to enhance your career prospects.

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Figuring out which Gym Instructors Course is Right for You

If you are looking for a gym instructors’ course in India, you are in luck; there are many to choose from today. The growing awareness of health and fitness in the country in today’s day and age, has led to the massive growth in the fitness industry and the business of well being and health. Apart from gyms, health clubs and fitness centers being set up all over different areas in major cities, there are also many programs being implemented in many recreational, educational and corporate establishments.

The need for good trainers and gym instructors is steadily growing in various parts of the country and internationally too of course. While there are many lucrative jobs and allied careers in fitness you can now aspire to, you have to be realistic that many more trainer hopefuls are aspiring toward the same dream as well! Therefore, in order to carve a name for yourself in this ever evolving industry it is vital to get certified with a good fitness instructor course and similar courses, in order to have the right qualifications and knowledge for the job.

Getting certified from a good fitness training academy will not only help your chances in procuring a decent job but may also increase your chances of getting a sizeable raise in your pay scale and also importantly give the knowledge and credibility in the event of you starting your own business or set-up. Now when searching for the right courses for you, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the fitness training academies or schools that offer such courses may be many but you have to find the best in your city or country to enhance your experience. There are some very reputable training schools in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Pune whose name carries some weight in the country and abroad. Secondly, choose a course that offers a comprehensive education in the arena of your choice. An in-depth education will greatly help you assess and address your clients’ needs whether you work in a gym or privately.

The best Academies will have equal emphasis on both Practical & Theretical Training. These Academies will have full fledged comprehensively equipped gym floors for Practical training apart from just mere classrooms. This hands on Personal attention given to learning exercise form & technique on the gym floor is what sets these academies & the Gym Instructors courses they offer in a different league all together with the students passing out from them being far more confident & capable than those who have gotten themselves certified through distance learning or correspondence. In fact responsible Fitness Academies refuse to offer online correspondence courses. Thus consider all your options and choose well.

Sunday 1 January 2012

Fitness Qualifications for a Competitive Industry

The world of fitness today has expanded into many new avenues and keeps getting more and more detail oriented every year. From mainstream gyms to corporate health programs, from group classes to specialised training for athletes, there are many avenues to consider if you are contemplating becoming a part of this industry. What remains unchanged though and in fact is gaining more importance nowadays is that in order to rise in this field you need to have the right qualifications to take you ahead.

Unlike the earlier days of the Fitness Industry, you can no longer expect to walk into a good health and fitness establishment without the necessary education and find a job. Firstly there are many, many more people looking to become fitness trainers, personal trainers, gym managers and the like making this an extremely competitive field. Secondly,both potential employers & customers are more aware of the importance & need of a well qualified professional. People are no longer willing to put such an important aspect like their health and well being in the hands of trainers not educated and certified in this industry.

If you are thinking of becoming a trainer or another professional in the industry, arming yourself with the right qualifications is no longer an option but a necessity. You can look at reputable fitness academies in the country who offer many kinds of courses for fitness aspirants. Most known academies in India will offer courses like personal trainer course, Personal Trainer for Special Populations course, sports nutrition, massage therapy, group fitness and gym management.

The good institutes will also offer a better rounded education in the fitness field by constantly offering workshops and classes apart from the standard courses, so that you can keep up to date with the latest industry trends in fitness. The reputed institutes will always provide their students with comprehensive reference manuals & study guides.

The fitness qualifications and accreditations you decide to go in for can really change the shape of your career path just as you wish to change your potential clients’ lives. Look for a reputable and well known fitness academy to add a further edge to your qualifications making it easier for you to land better jobs, not just in India but internationally as well. And remember the more knowledge you decide to take in, the better results you may have with your clients and you can climb the ladder of professional success at a much more accelerated rate.