Posted on 31 October 2023
By Gavin Baxter, Head of Business Development at Active IQ
At Active IQ, we are engaged in the relentless pursuit of quality education to ensure that professionals in the fitness industry have access to the skills and qualifications they require to progress in their careers.
Choosing the right qualifications aligned with your career goals is imperative in progressing within the sector, and knowing the best education provider to pursue can often seem daunting.
It is important to acknowledge that within the industry we can't afford to lose dedicated professionals because of bad experiences with certain providers. Organisations are struggling to hire, and so the fitness courses on offer can significantly impact a person’s career in the sector. Therefore, to help everyone make an informed decision, I want to address some essential considerations.
Quality Over Speed and Cost
In recent years, we’ve noticed a trend of individuals looking for the quickest, easiest, and cheapest path to obtain fitness qualifications. While it's tempting to look to save money, this approach may lead to a shallow foundation for your fitness career and can stunt your earning potential going forward.
To those who are eager to jump into the industry, it’s important to remember that a solid educational background is the foundation of your professional journey. It’s essential to choose qualifications that not only meet your immediate needs but also set you up for long-term success.
Embrace Face-to-Face and Practical Elements
When selecting a qualification, it is crucial to consider the balance between theory and practical aspects. The fitness industry is not just about knowledge, but the application of that knowledge. Face-to-face and practical elements are invaluable for several reasons.
Hands-on experience provides you with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and helps you develop the skills and confidence necessary to excel in this field. Networking opportunities often also arise in these face-to-face settings.
The fitness industry thrives on connections, and you'll have the chance to interact with both seasoned professionals and fellow learners which can open doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations.
Accessibility and Options for Learners
The best fitness qualifications should cater to diverse learning preferences – not everyone can commit to a full-time qualification, and we recognise the need for flexibility in education.
At Active IQ, we've partnered with training providers who excel in delivering a range of high-quality qualifications to suit various learning styles and schedules. This partnership ensures that learners have options, whether they prefer traditional classroom settings, online courses, or a blend of both.
We've also seen a growing demand for qualifications that allow professionals to upskill, which is a testament to the dynamic nature of the fitness industry. As a learner, having the ability to choose from a wide range of courses and certifications allows you to tailor your education to your specific career goals.
Investing in your future
Whilst many providers offer qualifications, it's crucial to select one that's committed to quality and professionalism. Active IQ is proud to work collaboratively with a number of partners who share our vision of excellence within the fitness industry. We are very careful about the organisations we partner with, ensuring that each partner is committed to delivering high-quality education, with experienced instructors, up-to-date course content, and a seamless learning experience.
Choosing the right fitness qualification is not a decision to be taken lightly; your education is an investment in your future. That’s why it’s so important to embrace a well-rounded education that includes face-to-face and practical elements, as these will set you up for long-term success.
If you're looking for a reputable partner to support you in your fitness education journey, I encourage you to explore our approved providers which value commitment to quality and excellence and align with our vision at Active IQ. If you would like more information on how to find your nearest Active IQ provider, please email our Customer Experience team; at csteam@activeiq.co.uk