You mentioned occupational therapy (OT) as a possible career choice offering access into the fitness field. Although OTs play critical roles in rehabilitation process, I have seen very few who have become involved in the fitness industry. This may be due to the fact that their training and practice focus involves a greater emphasis upon the developmental, psychological, and social aspects of rehabilitation rather than more strictly upon movement sciences (i.e. exercise physiology, biomechanics).
In contrast, I have known a number of physical therapists (PTs) who have made very successful transitions into the fitness industry. Since much of a PTs training and practice is oriented around the practical application of movement science through exercise prescription, a gym is a perfect place to have a PT practice. Included among those I’ve known to bridge the gap between rehab and fitness are a few who have been very successful in opening their own gyms incorporating both rehabilitation and fitness/sport training.
So, although I am not saying PT is better than OT in a general sense (I am a little biased, though, since I am a PT), PT as a whole would seem to be a bit better suited to allow you to pursue access into the fitness field as you have described. There is even a big push by the professional association of PTs in the US to become more involved in fitness/wellness and injury prevention, which includes training and working with athletes to prevent injury and improve performance.
If personal training is your thing look into a personal training franchise. I would also highly recommend a NSCA cert. The test is very comprehensive and prevents just any swinging dick from getting a certification like online stuff.
SWR basically described the gym that i work at. we also have an olympic boxing ring that was actually just enlarged to a full size ring for some pro fights that we just hosted. as you can imagine, a gym with a full sized ring also has numerous heavy bags and speed bags set off in their own section. the place is fucking awesome and i wish i owned it, and at this point i plan on owning something similar in the future, but mine will definitely have a nutritionist on staff (they used to, they just dont currently).
also, im not sure if mine will go all out on the boxing equipment, as that seems to be the reason that we are struggling to keep the lights on- boxing isnt big enough in my area and people think we are primarily boxing which just isnt true. i came in as a lifter from an overcrowded golds and i fucking love this place.
anyway, im rambling-- just basically wanted to say im in the same boat, almost exactly, cept i only have one job…im also a real estate agent, maybe that counts as my other job? damn we might be the same person…also financial economics major
I would start my own kick ass hardcore gym for people on low-budget’s with a whole spectrum of training equipment; a center for developing the human body through a variety of methods, no-holds barred style.
Strongman equipment, preferably homemade to be cheaper, plenty of power racks for powerlifintg, and Olympic lifting platform, climbing ropes, power rings, etc. A GHR and reverse-hyper are optional.
A nice back lot for farmer’s walks and tire flips; it will probably scare anyway anyone who parks there. A room with a wrestling mat would be ideal for grappling/wrestling/MMA guys, and I would imagine there being a huge carryover between that and the pure strength section.
Make the place have a pretty hardcore atmosphere, but easily accesible; the atmosphere is key in determining the kind of people you get to join and how hard people train. Violent music, no fancy signs of exercise instruction things, and no dumbbells under 15 lbs. Y
ou could make extra dough by selling nutritional products (quality protein powder, BCAA, creatin, etc.) as well. I would personally get to know the people at first so I get a loyal group of clients then spread it.