Recently I've really been thinking a lot about becoming a group fitness instructor. Specifically for a company called Stroller Strides (which is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking/running and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment).

I'm close to my goal weight, but don't feel like I've reached the level of fitness needed to be a good example of fitness yet. I've been looking up info on getting certified in group fitness and it's intimidating!

I know that a lot of great trainers/group fitness instructors were formerly overweight, so they know first hand the importance of healthy lifestyle changes. Anybody else aspiring to someday work in some facet of the diet/fitness/health industry?

Yes, actually! I think it'd be amazing to be a Les Mills instructor. I'm a teacher and love fitness and am obsessed with Les Mills classes, so I think it'd be a great fit! However, my next 2 years are pretty committed (and I won't be living anywhere near a Les Mills class), but after that it's something I would totally consider. I'm sure it's a ton of training and you have to be in pretty damn good shape to talk through those classes! But that'll be a great motivation to keep working on my fitness while I'm gone!

I secretly aspire to become a yoga teacher, although at this point in my weight loss that's a distant dream...I guess I figure if I maintain a strong practice all throughout my weight loss journey, by the time I'm near goal I'll be pretty ready for teacher training.

I have a dream of taking a short mid-career retirement and teaching Lithe Method in Philly.

Id have to: a) move to Philly b) take a zillion Lithe classes c) then become a teacher

No problemo, right?

I was actually thinking about going to school to be a personal trainer and nutritionist. I thought I would be good at it after I lost the weight myself because then I would truly have an understanding of how hard it is and the struggle they are going through. I think it might make them more comfortable since I can relate with them.

Unfortunately pay and hours are really bad for fitness instructors.

Ain't that the truth. Lucky for me I'm pretty good at being broke ... I seem to have a pattern of picking professions like this (including 2 year jobs in which I'm technically a volunteer)! Gotta live the dream, right ?

Thanks for the responses! It's nice to know that I'm not alone with this crazy goal!

As for the crappy pay... I'm a SAHM, so thankfully my husband is able to support our family on his income alone. I just want to find something part-time that I really enjoy and it's a huge bonus that I can spend time with my babies at the same time and set a great example for them.

I wouldn't do it as a primary means of income, but I would *love* to do some personal training or spin class teaching one day!

I am a certified Personal Trainer (and lifestyle & weight management coach through ACE) now and run my own mobile PT business....I also teach PiYo & Zumba Gold in a few area group fitness studios in the mornings

When I was a SAHM, I was a Jazzercise Instructor. It was amazing fun and fitness, but NOT a money making venture.

I've actually had the thought that it might be something I'd like to do once I'm really in shape.

Like Isis, I think it's important to be able to relate to people when you're helping someone do something like lose weight and get in shape. If I wanted a personal trainer I'd want someone who'd been where I've been, not someone who has been in shape their whole life and has no clue what our struggles are like when we're big.

As far as money goes, my husband is the bread winner in our family. I've been a SAHM for the last 5 years, so for me it would be something productive I could do with my time, help others, and bring in a little extra income no matter the amount.

And seriously, what better way to make sure I stay at my goal once I reach it than if my job is in fitness?

Haven't put a lot of major thought into it, but it is nice to think of possibly finding a way to help others once I've gotten healthy and fit myself.

Yes. I am currently taking my PTS (Personal Training Specialist) course. Hopefully, I will be all certified by the end of November.