For others, however, finding the time to be healthy is all in a day's work. If you're interested in a career that lends itself to staying active or promoting a healthy lifestyle and environment, check out these 10 careers and the requirements you'll need to meet to get started:
1. Activities coordinator
Why it's healthy: Activities coordinators plan and conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies, or recreation facilities. They focus on keeping individuals fit and active, whether they are in a nursing home or day camp.
Requirements: Educational and training requirements vary based on the institution in which you will be working. They range from a high-school diploma to a bachelor's degree.
Salary: $31,390
2. Athletic trainer
Why it's healthy: Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and healing of injuries for athletes. They usually focus mostly on the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries, but can spend time educating on the prevention of such injuries.
Requirements: A bachelor's degree and in most states, certification.
Salary: $46,049
3. Chiropractor
Why it's healthy: Chiropractors deal with conditions of the spine, but their approach is more holistic in that it's focused on a patient's overall health. They are concerned with diet, exercise and other issues related to well-being, and they provide natural, drugless and nonsurgical health treatments.
Requirements: Chiropractors must be licensed, which requires two to four years of undergraduate education, completing a four-year chiropractic college course, and earning passing scores on national and state examinations.
Salary: $115,289
4. Dieticians and nutritionists
Why it's healthy: Dieticians and nutritionists constantly think about what they put in their clients' bodies and in their own. They promote healthy eating habits by recommending dietary modifications, planning food and nutrition programs, supervising meal preparation and oversee the serving of meals.
Requirements: At least a bachelor's degree. Licensure, certification or registration requirements vary by state.
Salary: $52,911 and $54,301
5. Exercise instructor
Why it's healthy: Exercise instructors, whether in aerobics, Pilates or yoga, are constantly moving their own bodies, teaching others to do the same and how to do so correctly. Multiple days of the week, hours at a time, are spent sweating, so there is no question you'll be in tip-top shape.
Requirements: Depends on the specific type of fitness work. For most fitness workers, certification is critical and you are expected to know how to do your job without any on-the-job training.
Salary: $30,189
6. Health educator
Why it's healthy: Health educators must practice what they preach, as they work to encourage healthy lifestyles and wellness. They educate people and communities about healthy living, disease prevention, proper nutrition and the importance of exercise.
Requirements: A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level positions; other employers prefer a bachelor's degree and some related experience. A master's degree and even doctorate may be required for some positions and is usually required for advancement.
Salary: $63,817
7. Personal chef
Why it's healthy: Personal chefs offer meal preparation to clients for a fee. They are usually healthy, individualized meals for families and individuals of all types, and they can personalize your menu to any special nutritional needs you may have.
Requirements: Most culinary schools offer personal chef training; you may also choose to be certified by the American Personal & Private Chef Association.
Salary: Varies
8. Personal trainer
Why it's healthy: A personal trainer's job is to help individuals lose weight, get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle. They got tons of extra exercise through working out with clients, and part of their training is to learn about nutrition.
Requirements: Personal trainers usually must be certified to work with clients or with members of a fitness facility.
Salary: $46,049
9. Massage therapist
Why it's healthy: Massage therapists promote one's general health, helping people become more aware of their bodies and taking care of it better. They focus on relaxation, muscle recovery, treating painful ailments and reducing stress.
Requirements: Most states require massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification examination or a state exam.
Salary: $32,399
10. Weight reduction specialist
Why it's healthy: Weight-loss specialists help clients in devising and carrying out weight-loss plan, using established dietary programs and positive reinforcement procedures.
Requirements: At least a bachelor's degree. Licensure, certification, or registration requirements vary by state.
Salary: $32,368
Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com
By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.
