PRESS RELEASE: Why more young people are looking to a career in fitness

For young entrepreneurs, the catalyst for a new business venture can come in unusual circumstances.

21-year-old Tara McKenzie found hers when she could not get the lid off her NutriBullet.

“It was at that moment that I realised I needed to get stronger to feel more confident and independent in my everyday life. It began a domino effect that resulted in the launch of my business, HIIT IT Fitness.”

Tara made the leap last February – while about to begin her final year of Communications at University, and a month before COVID-19 hit Australian shores with force.

“The pandemic was really felt in Australia about a month after the launch. Obviously, it wasn’t great timing, but there’s never a great time to launch a business! Like other entrepreneurs, I focussed on pivoting to online classes, and used the time to launch an 8-week challenge e-book. I have no regrets with the timing,” she said.

“Plus, while I was at University, being my own boss meant I could control my hours and work my routine around lectures and tutorials. It was a really empowering feeling.”

Rob Lyon, founder of Lyon Health, is a trainer and assessor for the Australian College of Sport and Fitness.

He said he has noticed increased demand for fitness qualifications amongst young people seeking to enter the industry, particularly females aged 18-25.

“While the industry was impacted by COVID-19, the demand for qualifications didn’t falter. Plus, focus on health increased – like in lockdown when everyone took focus on their mental and physical wellbeing,” he said.

“There has also been a shift away from tertiary education. Young people can see the job opportunities and ability to earn a decent income right off the bat in the VET sector as opposed to the University pathways. Courses are shorter, and direct employment occurs very quickly as opposed to other methods such as exercise science/physiotherapy.”

“I think platforms like Instagram have also played a big role in driving women into a career in Fitness. Many influencers promote a focus on health and strength. This is hugely influential,” said Tara.

Rob agrees, saying these social figures “perpetuate a lifestyle, that flows onto more young women wanting to create a career out of it”.

Tara has since completed her University degree, and now has her sights on growing HIIT IT Fitness.

“I recently got my Personal Training qualifications, so I’m now able to do that along with Group classes. While unknown, I am really excited to see what opportunities 2021 brings.”

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Sophie Richardson
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