In celebration of International Women's Day, we had a look at the female researchers, authors, specialists and entrepreneurs who are shaping the industry - and encourage you to join them.
The Entrepreneur
Katie Bulmer-Cooke began her career as a local Personal Trainer but has since won industry awards including IFS UK Personal Trainer of the Year 2012 and Fit Pro UK Fitness Professional of the Year 2013. She holds a 1st Class Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise Development. Katie's fitness DVDs and home workout programmes now sell internationally and she still does online PT and group PT. She also does a lot of speaking, as well as educating her fellow fitness professionals, on business growth. Oh, and she's Mum!
"I've been self-employed since I left school and started my fitness business aged 16. This year's series of The Apprentice was the perfect illustration of my passion for fitness entrepreneurship. My hard work on branding and media visibility has helped me become brand ambassador, health and fitness expert and consultant for big industry names. I'd encourage any PTs to just go for it."
www.katiebulmer.com
The Advisor
Dr Cassandra Forsythe is an author, teacher, scientist, entrepreneur… and a mother. As well as being certified in various forms of exercise coaching (including Kettlebell Athletics), she holds her PhD in Exercise Science and Nutrition, MS in Nutrition and Metabolism, and is a Registered Dietitian (RD). She is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut. Cassandra has authored two books for women, “The New Rules of Lifting for Women” and “Women’s Health Perfect Body Diet” and has written for major magazines. She's an Advisory Board member for Women’s Health magazine, Girls Gone Strong, PrecisionNutrition.com and Livestrong.com. She also runs her own fitness facility.
"My passion for health and fitness, particularly women's fitness, underpins everything I do. As well as coaching women and writing for them, I created the Women's Fitness Summit which will be held for the second time this year. To get where I am today, I worked really hard and built my own business step by step. I did my RD internship to become a dietitian and did a PhD to learn about research and become a professor. Networking with others in the industry helps, too - I value teaming up with awesome ladies like those of Girls Gone Strong."
www.girlsgonestrong.com
The TV Personality
Rachel Guy has worked in the fitness industry for the past 13 years. Based in Sydney, she is now regarded as one of Australia’s top female trainers with an international following. Athletic Fox Pty Ltd inspires and educates women to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In addition to high-end training and consulting services, Rachel is Head of Strength & Conditioning for the TV show Wimp2Warrior and a sponsored athlete of USN. Rachel has featured in TV commercials and fitness magazines.
"I gained my initial BSc (Hons) in Physio, followed by a Grad Cert in Exercise and Sport Science, and have industry qualifications including Cert 4 Personal Training, Level 2 ASCA Coach, Poliquin and CHEK. Early in my career, I sought out numerous private internships to develop my own business and network. I estimate I spend an average $20-30k PA on education. This might sound a lot to students out there but let me tell you, every single penny is worth it. Invest in yourself and in your career."
www.athleticfox.com
The Online Success Story
Neghar Fonooni revisited her passion for fitness training after completing her enlistment in the U.S. Air Force and built up a successful training business over five years. Neghar is passionate about helping women enjoy the fitness journey without stress. She is a certified Functional Movement Specialist and RKC (Kettlebells) coach, writes training programmes and e-books and hosts an annual women's only retreat. She now works mostly online, through two personality-based brands. Her career success has been the product of hard work, consistency, and understanding her audience.
"My business is run mostly online and through social media. Through a completely grassroots effort, I built a large readership, and in 2012 took my business completely online. I do a lot of CPD, reading and research."
negharfonooni.com
We didn't have space to mention ALL the women contributing to the industry. Who would you have included?
Why not yourself?! We would love to help take you to the top of the fitness industry, by transforming your passion for health & fitness into a new promising career as a personal trainer with our PT Courses here at TTR.