NYC:
Fitness in the
BIG CITY
by Dana Roxas
New York City: the city that never sleeps.
The city
that is fast and everything is more expensive including
my Starbucks. No time to think, everyone just need to
GO! Working in NYC requires long days, extra hours,
and a long commute but it is truly an exciting place to
work, especially in the fitness industry!
Starting your fitness career in NYC or any big city
can be completely overwhelming! There are over 400
gyms and fitness studios in the 13.4 miles that is
Manhattan. Where do you start? How do you know
where do go?
First, you need to figure out exactly what you want to
do in fitness. Do you want to work at a front desk, in
the sales department, teach group exercise classes,
or be a personal trainer? Once you decide, you should
start doing your research on the local gyms and
studios. Look for companies where you feel the most
connection and check those places for job openings
first! Be a guest, try a class, see how the staff treats
you, and ask yourself if this is a place you could see
yourself working. Also, inquire what education you will
need to be hired at the company. Some gyms require
specific certifications to teach classes or a college
degree to work in the marketing department, while
others do not.
There is nothing in the
world like the exciting
hustle and bustle of NYC!
Once you know what you want to do and where you
want to work, it is time to start applying. Update your
resume and have a friend proof read your cover letter.
If the gym is interested in hiring you, they will probably
schedule a phone interview first. Before your phone
interview, immerse yourself in the company culture so
you can learn about that company.
If you want to become a group exercise instructor, be
prepared for a very large instructor audition in front of
many people! Do not be a one trick pony by only being
able to teach one format; the more versatile you are
as an instructor, the more opportunities to be hired
The good thing about gyms in NYC or any big city is
many of them hav