Are you a mom who is always looking for ways to make healthier choices for your family? Are you striving to be the healthiest and best version of yourself? Are you looking for a new purpose and passion that helps others as you begin to reevaluate your personal goals and self-identity? You can turn your passion for health and wellness into a fulfilling career by becoming an exercise professional or health coach.
We spoke with Lauren Shroyer, MS, ACE Vice President of Product and Innovation and mom of three, to answer some common questions moms have about how to use their unique experience and find personal fulfillment—without disrupting their routine.
What types of jobs are there in health and fitness? Can someone start small and work up to something bigger?
There are so many opportunities within health and fitness, from teaching a few classes a week at a local gym to working at a boutique fitness studio full–time or even building your own personal training or health coaching business. Whether you are looking to work a few extra hours a month or transition into a career with flexibility and entrepreneurship opportunities, you can find the balance that works for you. Plus, it’s a great way to make extra money for retirement, college or vacation funds.
But what about moms who don’t have any experience in health and fitness?
Lauren: Health and fitness roles are first and foremost about connecting with people and supporting them in their health and fitness goals. The work really centers around leading and mentoring people in group or one-on-one settings. The relationships you’ll build are incredibly fulfilling, and you’ll see a tangible impact on both you and your clients. More than once, clients have told me that I’ve changed their lives, but the truth is I’ve gotten as much out of these relationships as they have.
Plus, we are going to guide you through the education every step of the way. Our educational programs at ACE are designed for everyone, regardless of your fitness or health background. We use a variety of mediums—video, reading, audio, interactive assignments and knowledge checks—to accommodate different learning styles. The programs focus on evidence-based exercise science and practical skills, so you have confidence that you are doing the right thing and that you know how to do it. We also include behavior–change coaching strategies. Coaching clients is essential to empowering real change in your clients as they take the lead in their wellness journey. We will give you the tools and expertise you need to get started and guide you step-by-step through the process.
We have found not everyone is ready to jump into a new career. What about those who just want to learn more about health and wellness for their own personal goals?
Lauren: As a mom, I understand the pull to take care of your family and how easy it is to put personal interests and self-care aside. The knowledge gained in any of our courses can help you improve your own health, develop fitness programs for yourself or a group of friends and discover ways to live longer and stronger. Offering women’s health courses has been a priority for us in recent years and we offer a variety of courses, webinars and blogs that cover menopause health, weightlifting for women, stress relief and making healthy choices for you and your family. As a part of the sandwich generation, you can even learn new ways to support aging parents, set your kids up for success, and even help your community thrive.
Moms already juggle so much—work, manage the kids, get everyone to the right place at the right time—how can they fit a study program into their schedules?
Lauren: Oh, I get that! That’s a primary reason our study programs are designed for flexibility. They’re completely online and self-guided, so you can study on your schedule. Watch videos at a swim meet, review the textbook after the kids are in bed or listen to the audiobook on your commute. The education is built in a way that even if you only have 10 minutes, you can make progress through the program. We see people finish in as little as six weeks or take up to six months—it’s entirely up to you. Each program includes schedule builders and study tips to help you stay on track, from beginning to end.
Often, people ask if they have to be in peak physical shape, or a bodybuilder, or super skinny, to be in health and wellness. Is that the case?
Lauren: Absolutely not. Exercise professionals and health coaches come in all shapes and sizes. You cannot see health or fitness. You will find a wide variety of people who are healthy and fit but who don’t look like a model in a magazine. Clients want to work with people who understand the everyday challenges of finding the time and motivation to lace up their sneakers and get to the gym, or to cook nutritious meals for their family. You will be a better mentor and coach because you know firsthand the struggles of balancing responsibilities, time and taking care of yourself and your family. I started as a personal trainer before I had kids, and I was kind and understanding of the wild parenting schedule, but it wasn’t until I was a mom myself that I really understood it, and that made me so much better at connecting with my clients and supporting them with realistic strategies to meet their wellness goals.
Why are moms a great fit for the health and fitness industry?
Lauren: Moms bring a wealth of life experience and empathy to the table. If they channel that into a fulfilling career in health and fitness, they can make a direct impact on individuals who want to improve their lives. Whether through group fitness classes, personal training or one-on-one coaching, moms can create a positive environment where people feel motivated, supported and empowered to enhance their health and quality of life.
A career in health and fitness lets you make a real impact while achieving personal fulfillment. Visit Fitness Careers for Moms to learn more about how the fitness industry offers a flexible, growth-focused path that uses your life experiences. ACE can help make health and fitness a flexible, mom-friendly career—including a FREE course to get you started!
