How to Use Transferable Skills Throughout Your Fitness Career
A past job that has no connection whatsoever to the fitness and health industry can still provide relatable proficiencies and lessons which can be used to enhance our current fitness practice.
Fellow fitness professionals share their tips on specific talents and competencies they have learned from previous careers and now use in their existing fitness businesses.
Here is how to use transferable skills throughout your fitness career.
Key Transferable Skills in Your Fitness Career
- Professionalism. “While many view a career in fitness as ‘fun’ or ‘just working out all the time,’ we are (and should be) professionals. From past positions working in corporate, I learned professional etiquette and how to conduct one’s self as a professional, adhering to the scope of practice and maintaining professional behavior,” informs Gabriela Barreto, MS, RD, CFSC, Sports and Exercise Nutritionist, Instagram: @nutritionbygabby.
- Building Rapport. “My past experiences bartending and working in the beauty industry taught me the ability to build rapport, which has definitely enhanced my current nutrition and fitness career. Clients aren't just buying services; they're buying into YOU. Establishing rapport will give you the leg up on the competition,” explains Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, NASM-CPT, Enjoy Food. Enjoy Life. Twitter: @NRodriguezRDN.
- Listening Skills. “I ask a lot of open-ended questions and then listen. Most people love to tell you something neat, incredible, or even something they overcame in their lives. Listen and you'll understand who they are and what makes them tick. This can be a tough skill for people who only wait for their turn to speak,” advises Chris Daskam, BS, CEO & Founder of AirGym and podcast AirGym Digest, Instagram: @airgyms. Rodriguez also adds, “Listening skills are critical, including listening to what is left unsaid and anticipating one’s needs, gives clients the feeling you really ‘get them.’ Never forget you have two ears and one mouth.”
- Keep Trying. “Plan your work and work your plan. It's about trying, failing, and trying again. Over and over and over. When we were kids, we tried different ways to catch flies, or get our parents attention, or learn a new sport. The way we figured out how to do these things is we tried and failed and tried and failed and tried again. This is no different than what we need to in our business planning,” notes Daskam.
- Public Speaking & Communication. “Public speaking and communication were a huge part of my former roles. I started as a recruiter after college, picking up the phone and talking to people about jobs. While I was uncomfortable then, it has built my confidence and skills to work with clients and large groups,” updates Barreto.
Takeaway
As a fitness professional, you can use many different types of skills from previous jobs and experiences.
All jobs can contribute to learning something new and providing valuable lessons to take with us throughout our various career paths.
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About the author
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
