Studies & Degrees in Sports and Fitness Management
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Sports and Fitness management is a field of study, which is going to prepare you to organize and manage health clubs or sports teams. Except for learning business, sales, and marketing skills, students in Sports and Fitness Management also study about health and safety standards as well as public relations techniques. Furthermore, you will learn about the history of sport and fitness, whilst analyzing existing programs and services. You will explore various management principles, too - both general ones and such, specifically related to sport and fitness. After building this knowledge as a foundation, you learn ways to design and implement programs. You also learn how to promote them and raise funds; how to train and supervise personnel.
Consequently, the most common tasks of a fitness and sports manager include taking care of the day-to-day operations of a facility, hiring and training personnel, marketing the facility, finding new clients, generating ideas about discounts and specials, and analyzing results. A sports and fitness manager is also often responsible for making sure clients are satisfied, following up with any complaints, and listening to suggestions for the center. Finally, fitness managers have the responsibility to make sure machines and other equipment at the facility are available and in working order.
Personal Qualities
- Aptitude for fitness and sport
- Excellent organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving qualities
- Person-oriented, open-minded nature
- Creativity, drive and energy
Study Options
Many schools offer programs in sport and fitness management. You can earn an associate, a bachelor's, a master's, or a doctoral degree in this program. At some schools, you can also gain a certificate, which is usually intended to be earned in conjunction with another program of study such as education, business, or recreation studies. Regardless of the type of degree you will be pursuing, this is a course that would be best learned with a good deal of hands-on experience and practical case studies. This is why you should check whether your chosen university would be able to provide you with relevant work experience in the local community, where you could develop not only your creativity and organization skills, but also your interpersonal qualities and psychological approach towards people (which is of crucial importance when it comes to health, sports, and recreation).
Career Options
A degree in Sports and Fitness Management would open up career opportunities in private and public fitness centers as well as entry level management positions in the health, fitness or rehabilitation centers, recreation facilities, and retail sales. It would also prepare you for careers in a wide range of related fields. These include collegiate athletics, recreational sports, and private fitness programs. You could oversee the overall operations of a particular program or specialize in a specific aspect such as marketing or events-planning. Here are some more career options you might wish to consider: Fitness Specialist, Health Club Manager, Personal Trainer, Promotions Director, Fitness Program Coordinator, Sport Marketing, Fitness Equipment Sales, Team Manager, Event Planner, etc.