MBAs muscle their way to moolah

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Talk about crossovers! The Rs 2,000 cr fitness industry is attracting high-earning MBAs as well...</span><br /><br />Don''t be surprised if your fitness trainer turns out to be a management graduate or an advertising wizard. The fitness industry is attracting people with specialisation in different fields.Reason? There''s big money to be had. This fast-growing industry has been estimated at around Rs 2,000 crores. <br /><br />Kaizzad Capadia, an MBA who runs his own fitness centre, says, "Ninety per cent of those migrating to the fitness industry are people who want to make a crossover from their existing jobs and 10 per cent are people who just want to educate themselves about fitness. They are not really looking to make a career in this industry." <br /><br />Some of the professions from which people crossover are completely different, and in other cases, an adjunct to their existing profession. They include doctors, physios, accountants, sales executives, accountants, fashion designers, housewives, engineers, young entrepreneurs wanting to start gyms of their own and school teachers as well!<br /><br />Passion coupled with the financial benefits are the primary motivation. Explains Rajen Kara, an advertising professional: "Unlike when I started nine years ago, there are many opportunities now, so I decided to continue doing what I liked best." Adds Anuraddha Yusuf, gym owner. "People''s perception towards the profession has undergone a change as well, and gym training is proving to be a well paying job." <br /><br />Salaries for general fitness trainers range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 while for others who provide personalised training, it could go up to as much as Rs 20,000 to 25,000 depending on the kind of work they do. With experience, it is easy to get into consulting and earn upto Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,00,000 a month. Even the corporate world has entered the fray. Mitesh Panchal, 22, fitness trainer, has seen his salary double after joining the health club of a bank.<br /><br />With the money comes hard work and strict rules. A high pay packet will only come with proper certification and regular upgradation for trainers. "We are constantly required to upgrade ourselves. We go for certification courses from recognised institutes and universities every two years and sometimes, every 6 months," says Santosh Jatav, working for a fitness consultant agency.</div> </div>