Career for Fitness Enthusiasts

An excellent career option is available in Tulsa: the fitness and health trainer program at Community Care College.

Do you love being active and have a passion for fitness? Maybe you’ve recently been laid off or are unhappy with your chosen profession, and are considering a career in the fitness industry. If so, an excellent option is available in Tulsa: the fitness and health trainer program at Community Care College. “If you have a passion for fitness and are on the lookout for a new career, this is an awesome opportunity,” explains David McCarthy, fitness and health trainer department head. “We will take you through all the necessary steps and give you the tools you need to be successful in the fitness industry.”

Becoming a fitness trainer is not only fun and rewarding, it can also be highly profitable. “The fitness industry is the fourth fastest growing industry in the nation,” says David. “With the popularity of TV shows like ‘The Biggest Loser,’ awareness of the importance of exercise continues to grow.”

In the fitness and health trainer program at Community Care College, emphasis is placed upon education. “A lot of personal trainers have certification, but they don’t have a degree. They may know how to work out themselves, but never learned how to train others,” says David. “Every person is different and needs a different training program; for example, people with knee problems, diabetes or osteoporosis. If the trainer doesn’t know how to alter their training program accordingly, it can lead to injuries or pushing their client too hard. Our program focuses on producing the highest quality fitness professionals.”

Program participants complete 1,070 hours of education. They learn how to lead, instruct and motivate others in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training and stretching, as well as diet and health planning. “Each week is a different class. Students learn anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, balance and flexibility, group fitness instruction, sports massage and more. We also teach business marketing and management specifically designed for the fitness industry – something a lot of employers are asking for,” says David.

Another important part of the program is that students learn how to create a large variety of workouts. Doing the same workout day in and day out is not only boring, it’s also less effective than mixing things up. “We teach our students to be as creative as possible. A person can go from machine to machine on their own – a trainer will show you a whole range of ways to work out.” In addition to exercise machines and free weights, students learn to train with alternative pieces of equipment including medicine balls, steps, Bosu balls and foam rolls. “The fitness industry is always changing, and we stay up to date on all the new trends.”

Daily labs are an essential part of the program; students actually practice what they learn. “If you learn something in class, you will be doing it in the onsite lab with other students and faculty.”    

After completing the required courses, participants complete an internship at Community Care College, an outside gym, or both. “CCC has a corporate wellness program that provides office workouts for anyone in the company who wants to sign up. Interns push around a cart with a variety of fitness equipment, and guide each person through a 15-minute workout in their office.”

The internship also includes providing personal training to the public. “This is an excellent option for those who want to save some money on a personal trainer, but who still want to receive top-notch, knowledgeable service.” For more information about receiving personal training, call Community Care College at (918) 610-0027.   

Upon receiving their degree, students are able to work in a variety of settings: commercial and nonprofit health clubs, country clubs, hospitals, universities, yoga and Pilates studios, resorts and clients’ homes. “Being a fitness trainer is a really fun job, but we love doing it because it’s extremely rewarding. You help people do things they never thought they could do,” says David.

The accelerated program offers both morning and evening classes. Classes begin weekly and meet Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.communitycarecollege.edu.

For more information, contact
Community Care ­College
4242 S. Sheridan
Tulsa, OK 74145
(918) 610-0027
www.communitycarecollege.edu