Physical activity and health promotion (PAHP) explores how people can increase physical activity and healthy lifestyles to (1) prevent disease and (2) to improve overall quality of life. It involves engaging with individuals and communities of all ages and abilities to educate about the benefits of regular physical activity. This industry also creates environments and policies that support active lifestyles.
A career in PAHP incorporates community engagement, exercise, and health science. This is a growing field, with a predicted 7% growth for community health educators and community health workers between 2022 and 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If you want to work with people and have a passion for health and wellness, a career in PAHP may be a good fit for you. Here are a few of the many career paths and opportunities to choose from in this field.
5 possible career paths for physical activity and health promotion majors
Personal trainer
Personal trainers work one-on-one with individuals to help them set and achieve their health and fitness goals. This involves assessing fitness levels, building exercise plans, nutrition guidance, providing encouragement and motivation, and creating sustainable health goals and plans that will last years.
Health educator
Health educators may work in schools, workplaces, gyms, and community organizations. They educate by providing resources and information to help teach people about their health needs and goals. This includes community outreach and engagement, advocacy, cultural competency, and teaching and guidance.
Wellness coach
A wellness coach will work with people on achieving an optimal state of health and wellbeing through physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. They will help their clients with goal setting, behavior change and support, lifestyle coaching, accountability, and offer a holistic approach to improving health.
Public health policy analyst
A public health policy analyst researches and evaluates public health policies and their impact on different communities. They use data analysis, advocacy, legislative analysis and engage with government agencies, policymakers, and local stakeholders to develop, recommend and implement policies and laws to improve public health.
Corporate wellness manager
Corporate wellness managers focuses on the efforts organizations can adopt to enhance the health and well-being of their employees. They often oversee fitness facility relationships, create fitness policies, monitor corporate wellness metrics, conducting corporate wellness program workshops and training, and more.
Types of employers and skills
There are numbers of organizations and companies where those who work in physical activity and health promotion would fit in well. These could include:
- K-12 schools, colleges and universities
- Corporate health centers
- Country clubs
- Health and fitness centers
- Hospitals
- Recreation organizations
- Professional fitness centers
- Health insurance companies
There are several skills that would give you an extra advantage:
- Communication skills
- Empathy and interpersonal skills
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Commitment to equity
- Teamwork skills
The School of Kinesiology advantage
Students studying PAHP at the School of Kinesiology will gain these skills and many more throughout our program with practical field experiences, internships, research, and learning abroad opportunities.
There are endless opportunities and career options available in the world of health and wellness. The knowledge gained throughout the School of Kinesiology’s program will be beneficial for your health throughout your own life as well. Check out more careers in PAHP to explore what else might be a good fit for you.
Do any of these career paths interest you? Learn more about our physical activity and health promotion major to set yourself up for a great future.