In today’s world, it seems that every person encounters some type of health or fitness information on a daily basis. Whether they pay attention to it or not, most will here it. Hearing this information often enough can make even the sedentary population get kicked up and ready for a change. With so much emphasis on improving overall health and living a more active lifestyle, it is logical to think that the demand for those who instruct this process is also on the rise. Guidance for improving your health will come from personal trainers, fitness instructors, nutritionists, and other fitness related professionals. With the female gender being more concerned about her appearance than is the male gender, the demand for female personal trainers appears to be growing faster than the male. This is largely due to many female clients feeling more comfortable with training along side the same gender, as opposed to the male clients not leaning either way. From January 1st, 2004 – April 30th, 2004, the percentage of AFTA enrollees per gender are as follows: Female – 67%, Male – 33%. What this shows is an increase in demand for female fitness professionals up from that of 2003. An important point to make here is that in a struggling economy, the female gender usually takes the hardest hit on jobs lost in the workforce. This is completely opposite of what we have seen in the fitness industry. Are females on the verge of leading the fitness industry for the next decade or longer? Is this industry that evolved from bodybuilding men headed to a new phase whose influence is largely coming from the female gender? In my opinion, the fitness industry is improving steadily and definitely headed in the right direction. Even though there can be some improvements made, it currently gets 4 of 5 stars. If the female gender is to credit for the new craze that is getting more people involved with living a healthier lifestyle, I say thanks.
Desiree Summers is the host and co-creator of the television show Vessel Fitness on iLife TV.