Fun and Fitness: Your year to volunteer

Volunteering can have significance for many different people. For medical students, it is absolutely mandatory in order to form a foundation and build upon the knowledge needed for such a challenging career path. For policing students, community service is often the make-orbreak resume section that will get them a preliminary interview. For many others, it is the enjoyment of being able to help others that keeps them on a voluntary status for several years.

As for educating yourself in the physical fitness and nutrition industry, being a volunteer can be an attractive option. For starters, volunteering is typically an easy way to make contacts in your industry of choice, since you are doing the business a huge service by working for free. Although you may not yet have the qualifications that are required to be hired for the job, there is always the possibility you can get taken on as a volunteer. For example, the YMCA has thrived off of volunteers and has been doing so for decades.

The Y provides a great volunteer experience because of how broad the client base is. Not only do you get to help out with organizing special events and camps for young children, you also get to experience working with teenagers, adults and senior citizens. A day of work at the Y may include children's aquatics, personal training with several clients and assisting with senior fitness assessments and aerobics. In essence, the YMCA is a one-stop shop. You get to learn the dynamics of organizing recreational and leisure activities for all ages, train with clients of all levels and learn what it takes to develop successful health and wellness strategies. In addition to the satisfaction you could get from such experience, you are also building a strong resume, meeting many interesting individuals and enjoying a free gym membership!

There are so many different platforms to serve people's interests. If nutrition is your thing, why not call around and ask if you can shadow a nutritionist a few times a week? Maybe you are interested in some extreme sports, but are not sure if you have the "cojones" to ride - why not look into opportunities for volunteering at events and learn from the experienced crazies themselves? Regardless of your avenue of interest, the sky is the limit if you are willing to work for free.

Let's be honest: if you are looking at it as free labour on your part, then you're being a "glass is half empty" kind of person. Be the "glass is half full" type and think of it as free experience and a way to network. Besides, most employers hire based on relevant experience, so why wouldn't they eventually hire someone who volunteered internally and knows all the ins and outs? Volunteer, experience, learn, perform, get hired, live the dream!