A Certification in Group Fitness Can Expand Your Practice KEIRNIN HARRIS RD, CLE HUB MANAGER
The field of nutrition is broad and oftentimes all-encompassing. How do we set ourselves apart from our peers and narrow down our area of expertise? On-the-job experience, certifications and advanced degrees are all great ways to expand your knowledge. You might consider additional certifications that would benefit you in private practice. For instance, having a personal training or group fitness certification may assist dietitians who want to better help their patients build muscle, gain fitness or learn safe exercise habits.
A few years ago I decided to get my ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification (GFI). Being a nutrition business owner, I have been able to set myself apart from my peers by offering both anti-diet, mindful eating nutrition coaching as well as stressrelieving group workouts. I have been able to offer live group fitness instruction via Zoom in addition to posting videos on an online platform. This has allowed me to have multiple streams of income from coaching and workout membership programs. In addition, my clients have access to workouts outside of the nutritionfocused time we have together. Having a GFI has been a great investment for me and my business
but more importantly has allowed for me to be a one-stop shop for my clients. My clients don’t have to go outside their homes for workouts and nutrition coaching. Both the workouts and nutrition coaching can come to them. In a world that is already stressful and busy, it is beneficial for clients to be able to stay home and still make the progress they wish to seek.
I have set myself apart from my peers by offering both anti-diet, mindful eating nutrition coaching as well as stress-relieving group workouts.
Not all certification programs are the same, but depending on your area of expertise you may find that having one could set you apart from your peers and ultimately help your clients even more. At the end of the day we are here to help make our clients’ lives easier and healthier the best way we can, and I have found GFI helps with this. Keirnin Harris, RD, CLE, owns Ayvell, LLC where she works with women to overcome dieting mindset, reduce inflammation and stress, and increase joyful movement. She is dedicated to helping women feel their best, be their best and learn to love food again. Keirnin currently holds a Certified Lactation Educator and ACE Group Fitness Certification.
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