A new study carried out by training provider Premier Training International (PTI) has found that more people are opting to pursue a career within the UK's health and fitness industry.

The sector, which has a total market value of £3.81bn according to the 2011 FIA State of the UK Fitness Industry report, is increasingly seen to offer a "more dynamic" career.

PTI polled nearly 700 of recent graduates as part of its survey, with more than three quarters (78 per cent) saying they had entered the industry as the result of a career change.

More than 85 per cent of participants plan to follow their new fitness career for at least six years, while more than 60 per cent of PTI graduates operate a personal training business.

The survey also revealed that the wide range of continued professional development (CPD) courses contributes to the length of a career, with 98 per cent advocating ongoing training.

PTI sales and marketing director Victoria Branch said: "The recent survey figures are fantastic and really encouraging in showing that it is PT graduates who are really shaping the future of the health and fitness industry.

Premier works closely with its graduates, leading health professionals and awarding body, Active IQ, to make sure it is delivering training courses to suit industry demands; this, in turn, not only benefits Premier's graduates but also the industry as a whole."

Details: www.premierglobal.co.uk

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