InterestingJobs.org

Have you seen ‘The Biggest Loser’ on TV? It’s a show where a group of overweight contestants battle it out to lose the most amount of weight in order to win a cash prize. It’s makes compulsive viewing but it also highlights how important people’s looks and image are for their own self esteem. A weight loss counselor helps individuals track their own progress by assisting them with fitness, diet and weight loss goals. It’s incredibly rewarding work as you’re helping clients lead a healthier lifestyle while watching their self-confidence grow as the weight comes off.

So you think you have the right skills and determination to become a weight loss counselor, read on to find out how to get started.

Get trained
You need to equip yourself with a knowledge of both nutrition and personal training routines. A weight loss counselor may come from a variety of backgrounds and although there is no formal route to succeed in this role, qualifications in nutrition, sports sciences, physiology and personal training would be beneficial. Many colleges, universities and fitness centres now offer classes in personal training and diet management. The more knowledge you have, the more services you can offer your clients and potentially the more money you can make.

Get registered

As I mentioned previously, there is no formal requirement to be certified in order to work with clients, however getting registered with a national body adds more credibility to your services. In the US you could register with the National Association of Weight Management Counselors, the American Council on Exercise or the Cooper Institute. In the UK you should consult the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Once you’ve joined an organisation, advertise your membership in all your marketing material.

Find some clients
Now you have the education and perhaps you are registered with a national body, it’s time to find some clients. Contact your local gyms and fitness centres to see if you can offer your services there, sometimes they will let you work on a commission basis, meaning you can advertise your services and use the gym with a share of any revenue generated.
You could also try contacting some local private firms in your area such as weight watchers, to see if they need any extra counselors. However you will be restricted in the services you can offer and the freedom of your advice as you will only be allowed to recommend company products.
You can also offer your services privately and this will undoubtedly prove to be more lucrative and rewarding. Advertise yourself in the local press and magazines. Get a set of business cards printed up and drop them in all the local shops, bars and cafes. Flyers at gyms and health food shops will help to get your newly formed business the exposure it needs. Ultimately, once you have a set of regular clients, referrals from these clients will prove to be your best form of marketing. Work hard and make your clients happy and they will tell their friends meaning you should never run out of new customers.