Beauty and fitness: Making vanity healthy

From a young age, we’re told that beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but does anyone actually believe that? If beauty truly was in the eye of the beholder, then there’d be no such thing as gym bunnies or pectoral posers in your local David Lloyd; fashion models wouldn’t strut their stuff on catwalks sporting the latest in sartorial elegance, the Kardashians would be about as relevant as Cliff Richard singing the Millennium Prayer.

But all those things exist, and for one reason: we love beauty that’s skin deep. And there’s one kind of beauty that could keep you fighting fit and make you a little bit of cash.

A few conditions

First, however, there are a few conditions: if you don’t eat, sleep and breathe exercise, then this isn’t for you. If you don’t enjoy speaking to people, then just avoid this one. And if you don’t fancy hanging around sweaty guys and girls in figure-hugging Lycra all day, just steer clear.

What are we talking about? Personal training – the profession that’s been making great improvements and has seen an increase in employment opportunities in recent years.

Getting qualified

Thanks to chains like Pure Gym, the market for personal trainers is broadening, but it’ll take you a lot more than skin-deep beauty and rippling abs to secure a job at one of the leading gyms in the country.

To get a good job, you’ll need to move from super-fit hunk to clued-up nerd. In other words, you’ll need a decent qualification. There are plenty of fitness courses online to give you a greater sense of health, nutrition, customer service and, above all, exercising.

Different needs

“Why would I need a fitness course?”, you ask, “I’ve got the stomach of the Incredible Hulk and the cheekbones of a Greek God.” Well, while that might be the case, it doesn’t make you a pro when it comes to other people’s fitness.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their exercise plan. If you’re skinnier than a rake you’ll need to consume plenty of extra protein after you exercise. Conversely, the more rotund amongst you will have to cut down on their protein levels and take up some jogging.

This is a grossly simplistic example, but it proves that not everybody needs the same diet and exercise regime, and understanding the specifics of this is a near-impossibility without professional input, hence the vital need for a fully accredited qualification.

Once you’re qualified, you’ll have to decide if you want to work in a private gym or try to strike lucky on your own. The former will require a bear-pit mentality as you compete against other personal trainers, but you’ll also have a reasonably steady stream of customers walking through your doors searching for experienced individuals like yourself. The latter will require a list of clients longer than your arm if you want to stay financially viable, but can be more rewarding if you appreciate the value of starting your own business.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re beautifying your clients in a way that’s completely good for them.  

The editorial unit