Sweat Smarter: Choosing the right sport and fitness education path
You might not have realised it yet, but the sport and fitness industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, not only in South Africa, but also globally. This is exciting news as it means that more and more specialised qualifications are developed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to pursue a dream career in sport and on your fitness career path.
We also know that during Covid-19 students were forced to study online, and for a career in sport and fitness this was practically impossible! With the rise of online courses and digital learning platforms improving drastically this meant that aspiring fitness professionals now have more options to choose between a traditional in person contact learning environment or an online learning experience.
The sad thing is, and I speak from experience, some subjects, concepts and ideas are just not possible to explain online. I saw with my own students when we were finally able to go back to a contact campus after the pandemic, that the same content was absorbed with more comprehension because they could experience an environment where their knowledge and practical skills collided, where corrective exercises guided their thought processes and steered them on the correct path.
Alas, an in-person contact learning environment is not always attainable for some individuals and an online learning experience becomes the chosen mode of delivery in a student’s endeavours to set career goals and achieve success!
You know what your circumstances are, what your capabilities are and what your financial means are and therefore need to make the important decision of furthering your studies whether in-person or online through exploring all your options. Gain insight, and make an informed decision.
Which Path is Right for You?
Two primary modes of delivery stand out: online fitness courses and in-person contact learning. Each approach comes with its own distinct advantages and potential pitfalls. Now before you make this decision let us see how a specific mode of delivery could influence your career path and job prospects.
Online Fitness Courses
Flexibility and convenience come to mind. Online fitness courses have provided students with so much more flexibility and convenience, it has actually revolutionised the way that individuals access fitness education today.
Advantages
Online fitness courses are now also more accessible to students in outlying areas that do not have the means to travel to a formal campus for in-person training, a huge obstacle in the South African education sphere. It has also opened up opportunities for more affordable study options as the cost of in-person learning programmes are more complex. This means that in our country online learning has really made studying more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Disadvantages
Sadly with online learning the hands-on experience of a full time facilitator and immediate feedback provided by in-person training is a huge drawback. Self-motivation for the individual studying is crucial, as there is less accountability compared to a structured classroom environment and not all people can master the discipline to stay on track. There are also technical issues or internet connectivity problems that can disrupt the learning process and this in turn can demotivate a student to the extent that they decide to give up on the learning process.
In-person sport and fitness courses
Here personalised attention and practical experience comes to mind.
Advantages
I know that this is not always attainable, if you have the means - the traditional learning experience is nothing short of extraordinary! Direct interaction with a facilitator and other fellow learners really fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. With the hands-on experience you gain, the immediate attention and feedback during practical sessions and proposed corrections by your facilitator, will always benefit you when preparing for the exams.
Disadvantages
Speaking as a seasoned facilitator, I have seen it over many years - in-person courses require a significant time commitment, including travel time and fixed schedules. Absenteeism of students not as committed to the process has always been a glaring reality in any classroom environment for me. Contact learning unfortunately (but very justifiable) are also more expensive due to facility costs, facilitator fees etc. Needless to say, this is all dependent on you as an individual or your specific circumstances.
Career Options
Both online and in-person sport fitness courses can lead to a variety of rewarding career opportunities. You might want to pursue a very rewarding and exhilarating career as a personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, nutritionist, wellness coach or sport facility manager. We have them all! Here is a wide range of qualifications for you to consider:
Personal Training Qualifications
Personal training qualifications are the backbone of the fitness industry. These qualifications and certifications equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver exceptional services in the sport and fitness arena. These are our courses that will get you onto this exciting journey of becoming a certified personal trainer:
- National Certificate in Coaching Science
- Higher Certificate in Exercise Science
- Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science
- Skills programmes and continuing professional develop programmes in personal training
Coaching Science
Not everyone understands coaching science and realise that it is a critical component of fitness education, focusing on the scientific principles underlying exercise and sport. Our coaching qualifications are designed in such a way that the discussions and debates in class are engaging. Whether you decide to study online or in-person, our renowned coaches and sport scientists at UXi Sport provides you with access to global experts in the learning process!
Sport Management
Another one of our offerings prepare students for careers in sports administration, marketing, and sport event management. These qualifications come with a set of opportunities for specifically in-person contact learning students, such as internships at one of our sport institutes or academic campuses strategically positioned throughout South Africa.
Last words
Ultimately, the choice between choosing to pursue an online or in-person sport and fitness qualification will depend on you - your preferences, your abilities, your goals and your circumstances. It is not an easy choice to make, but an important one - you therefore need to consider every single option, advantage and drawback. If you are still unsure of which mode of delivery to choose, phone one of our experienced career guidance consultants for more advice.
