Enrolling on any course, whether a non-formal night course or a full-scale Master’s Degree, is a significant undertaking. It involves large amounts of discipline, concentration and hard work. If you’ve been thinking about going back into education as an adult, there is no time like the present.
For fitness enthusiasts and those who like to keep a close eye on what goes into their bodies, Sports Nutrition could be the perfect career path, which all starts with a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the AfN, ASA, ASN or your country’s equivalent.
What Is Sports Nutrition?
Sports Nutrition is the name given to the study of nutrition and diet with regard to athletic performance. Considering intake plays a vital role in anybody’s sporting or fitness journey, Sports Nutrition is big business. From professional athletes to casual gym-goers, it’s not uncommon for individuals to require guidance concerning their diet.
Food is fuel. A balanced diet consisting of calcium, iron, potassium, and fibre, along with all essential vitamins, enhances athletic performance and optimises post-exercise recovery by refuelling and rehydrating the body. Maintaining a healthy body and keeping it functioning at peak levels can boost the career prospects of many budding athletes and professionals alike.
That said, Sports Nutrition isn’t solely reserved for celebrity Olympians - anybody looking to construct an effective fitness regimen can benefit from a well-designed nutritional plan. The crux of this study is understanding the needs of each unique body to deliver solid advice that aligns with the three principles of Sports Nutrition - Fueling, Hydration and Recovery.
Is It Right For Me?
Pursuing a career in Sports Nutrition is a momentous life decision. You’ll need more than just a passion for health and fitness; nevertheless, that is the central principle. A challenging yet fascinating field of study, Sports Nutrition involves understanding the basics of human physiology and how nutritional composition can influence sports and exercise performance. Many degrees offer the opportunity to undertake an industry placement as part of your course, providing you with vital first-hand experience.
If you come from a scientific research background, you are already in good stead when applying for a Sports Nutrition course, although this isn’t generally a prerequisite for most courses. You could even fit education into your existing routine, work and family life by studying part-time.
Career Choices
A degree in Sports Nutrition will unlock countless career opportunities, such as:
Manufacturing - From the development and sales of protein powders to energy gels for runners, the manufacturing sector of Sports Nutrition is a booming industry with plenty of career prospects. What once was the realm of niche bodybuilders has become remarkably mainstream, with a high demand for natural, free-from alternatives and superfood products.
Personal Trainer/Life Coach - If you have a passion for helping others achieve their goals, becoming a personal trainer or life coach can be exceptionally rewarding. Your role will involve working with clients to assist them in their healthy, active lifestyles, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.
Community Education - Many communities offer nutrition-based programs and services that require professional guidance and educational leadership with regard to food consumption patterns. This may also involve working in partnership with local schools and charities.
Healthcare - Sports Nutrition in the healthcare sector involves working at or alongside a medical facility to provide advice and diet plans to patients. You could also go down the path of healthcare sciences research.
Teaching - If you’re prepared to undertake a teaching qualification alongside your Sports Nutrition degree, you can reap the endless benefits of this rewarding career path by sharing your knowledge to inspire the next generation.
How To Begin
Selecting the right university for you and your needs requires thorough research and patience. Ask yourself questions such as “what type of university do I want to go to?” and “what facilities do I require?” Location is crucial - you may want to commute to a local campus, or perhaps you are intrigued by the prospect of studying abroad.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a top five, don’t be tempted to channel all of your hopes into one university; keep an open mind. Providing you have the necessary entry requirements for your application, you’re ready to begin your journey.