If you’re the sort of person who loves keeping active, the idea of an office or desk job probably doesn’t appeal in the slightest. You want a role that lets you keep moving and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
But knowing which active jobs are out there (and which are right for you) can be difficult. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to five of the most active jobs that will help you get your 10,000 steps in, at least – because there’s more to life than staring at a computer screen or dealing with paperwork!
These jobs will get you outside, introduce you to a wide range of people, and help you maintain your physical fitness.
1: Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer, you can not only help others get active and reach their fitness goals, but in doing so, you’ll spend your working day maintaining and improving your own fitness.
You’ll plan exercises and workout routines for your clients, potentially offer nutrition advice and participate in workouts with them.
Your training sessions could involve gym visits or outdoor exercise – you’ll have the freedom to dictate when, where and how you work. Personal training is one of the best career choices if you want to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle and a great work-life balance.
All you need to get started is a passion for fitness. As long as you’re enthusiastic, gaining your Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification could take as little as six weeks.
When qualified, you’ll have the potential to earn 30 to 40 per hour or more in the UK.
2: Gym Instructor
Gym instructing is similar to personal training, but there are a few key differences. The first is you’re more likely to work for a specific gym rather than independently as a freelance trainer.
Gym instructors don’t have quite as much freedom over their work-life as personal trainers do. However, stability and routine are more appealing for many.
As a gym instructor, you’re also more likely to work with different people each day and lead group classes rather than dedicating your time to individuals’ progress.
You could run spin classes or specialise in kettlebells, or help gym members use equipment safely and effectively.
You’ll keep active all day helping others with their exercise and you’ll be part of a wider team.
3: Massage Therapist
While gym instructing and personal training are two of the most active career choices, there are other ways of making sure your days are filled with movement without days of intense exercise.
Massage therapy is a great option if you’re interested in health, fitness and wellbeing but would rather keep your workouts as your own.
You’ll be on your feet, using movement to help others alleviate muscle pain, soreness and acute injuries. You might also teach repetitive exercises that your clients can do at home to find relief or prevent muscle pain.
To gain expertise, you can opt for courses in physiotherapy or sports therapy. You can do further research to get details on how to apply, admission criteria, etc. There are various degree, certificate and training courses available to specialise in physiotherapy, including human physiology, biomedical exercise, injury mechanism and assessment, sports first aid, massage, rehabilitation, and many more.
4: Dance Instructor or Performer
An active career doesn’t have to mean dedicating your time to traditional workouts or sports. Dancing is one of the best things you can do for your body and it’s great fun! So if you’re more of a dancer than a runner, bodybuilder or athlete, consider making a career out of it.
You can become a dance instructor and teach others how to master certain styles of dance. There’s plenty of demand for instructors to teach both adults and children, and there are several ways to enter the industry – as an independent instructor or as part of a larger dance school.
You could also choose to perform – in the theatre, on the street, as a backup dancer or film extra. There are so many ways your talent for dancing could become a career.
5: Nursery Practitioner or Primary School Teacher
Another great option if you’re keen to keep moving throughout the day, without doing intense exercise, is teaching – especially with younger children.
Primary school teachers are often on their feet all day, delivering lessons from the front of the class, walking around the classroom monitoring work and behaviour, and helping children keep active with games and physical education.
Similarly, nursery practitioners are constantly on the move as they look after children, prepare activities and meals, and organise fun, movement-filled activities to help little ones grow and develop. Those working with young toddlers and babies will also improve their strength as they pick up and hold children.
Need More Ideas for Active Careers?
These are just a few active careers you could consider if you’re looking to make a change, break free from your desk and live a healthier lifestyle. We all spend so much of our time at work, so why not make sure your job supports your health and wellness?
If none of the above sounds like your kind of career, there are hundreds – thousands even – of jobs that can get you up and moving each day. From careers in construction to emergency response, entertainment and more.
And once you start moving, you’ll notice some incredible benefits. You’ll have a stronger immune system, improved fitness, higher energy levels and a lot fewer aches and pains. It will also be easier to maintain a healthy weight.
If you need help kickstarting your new out-of-office career, The Fitness Group can help. We deliver courses to help people become personal trainers, gym instructors, massage therapists, and nutritionists in the fitness space. We help our students achieve the active lifestyles they need to stay happy and healthy while increasing their earning potential.
