The Future of Health and Fitness Training

The Future of Health and Fitness Training Changes We Can Expect to See in the World of Personal Training ChaptersThe Return of BodybuildingThe Growing Distance Between Parts of the Fitness IndustryAlternative Exercise Programs10 Things to Look Out for in the Fitness IndustryNo one can predict the future, but there’s one thing we can be certain about: the fitness industry will continue to evolve as quickly as technology develops.Fitness brands and their computer engineers specialising in health and fitness tracking can spend months or even years working on a device.When you look at the history of the fitness industry, this progression in the way workout training programs have changed is only natural.Until recently, you could count strength training as lifting weights, doing 3-4 sets of 12 repetitions using an arsenal of gym equipment, then resting for the following 3 days.And then, why not do some cardio endurance training by going for a jog or a bike ride?The age of the internet has changed the way we exercise. You can find a certified online personal trainer  for private training ses sions at a distance or simply train at home using an app - setting and achieving fitness goals has never been so easy to do!Here are a few other things that have changed in recent years:Bodybuilding and muscular toning has made a comebackPersonal training is helping motivate more people to stay activeWifi-enabled devices and social networking has encouraged the creation of fitness communitiesExercise is no longer restricted to the gym; you can work out at home or in the great outdoors!Let’s explore what the future may hold for health and fitness in terms of technology and trends. 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History has already seen similar movements in the world of fitness, and the trend seems to have come full circle once more.By the way fitness is going in terms of its trends, it wouldn’t be out of the question to suggest that bodybuilding will make a comeback very shortly.This doesn’t mean oily athletes covered in fake tan posing on stage in their pants. Rather, people are putting more effort than they used to into increasing their muscular streng th through weightlifting and resistance training as part of their functional training programs.Muscular tone is becoming more and more sought after by athletes ¦ source: Pixabay - lukaszdylkaThere’s a bit of vanity in us all, and it’s highly likely that you’ve looked at yourself in the mirror to see how your body looks when you tense.It is completely possible to gain muscle mass and have an aesthetically-pleasing physique without taking medication or dietary supplements.The most noticeable difference in modern-day fitness is that both budding and experienced athletes have returned to the use of gym machines to build muscle instead of practicing methods based on dodgy exercise science.If you find this hard to believe, just practice gently lifting weighty objects, doing 5 sets of 5 several times a week. You may be surprised at the results - even in the short term.Find personal trainers near me.The Growing Distance Between Parts of the Fitness IndustryThe world of fitness is dev eloping so quickly that the large health clubs are having to change their outlook.At present, a mini-war is taking place, with traditional fitness clubs (offering group training sessions) and personal training services (offering tailored one on one advice from a fitness professional) on opposing sides.The smallest gyms in the industry lack the high-spec equipment found in bigger businesses and tend to only offer the basics, such as step boxes and weights. Although modest, they can offer a good workout.On the other hand, larger gyms offer group fitness classes with an accredited fitness instructor, as well as an arsenal of workout equipment.As the larger gyms are losing out to personal training businesses, the need for them to adapt to survive is becoming more and more urgent.Alternative Exercise ProgramsFitness CommunitiesDespite the growing gap between small and large fitness organisations, sporting communities have begun to emerge, as like-minded people come together to work out a nd socialise.A few of these communities include CrossFit, Zumba and parkrun, and many people find that these kinds of clubs keep them motivated, especially if they’re new to exercising.Being a part of a sporting community fulfils our human need for a sense of belonging whilst also providing a support network from others in similar situations.Breaking Down BarriersExercise programs that can be completed in your workplace have already been developed as the practice of exercise is branching out further away from traditional gyms.Go outdoors and get in touch with nature ¦ source: Pixabay - PexelsBreaking free from the four walls of the gym has a multitude of benefits for each athlete, such as saving time, ditching membership fees and having more flexibility in your schedule.10 Things to Look Out for in the Fitness IndustryPredicting how something will develop in the future isn’t always easy, however, a recent study of the fitness and personal training industry informs us of the man y certainties concerning its evolution.Development of small and medium-sized organisations: gym-goers no longer want to feel that they are disappearing amongst a crowd of people during group training sessions, and prefer one to one coaching during their workouts. For this reason, small and medium-sized fitness clubs will be able to develop their services as more customers move over from the larger gyms.The smallest businesses: Very small or individual personal training businesses will continue to grow in number as demand for one on one training techniques from a fitness professional keeps rising.Growing market competition: with the increasing number of people signing up to personal fitness training, competition for gym members will also rise.Local communities: the most effective way for a smaller gym or personal training business to fend off the competition over the next few years is to focus their attention on smaller communities. Being as close to their clients as possible will be indispensable for these organisations, as people try to cut travel time down to a minimum.Dedicated training options: Club managements will need to start focussing on the needs of the population to win their loyalty with suitable fitness programs that are adapted to a target audience. Many examples of this already exist, with senior fitness classes available at lots of gyms all over the country.Fun fitness: in order to attract the younger generations, health clubs and personal trainers will have to play to their love of gaming by incorporating gaming technologies into workouts.Sport specialism: Specialising in a particular field of fitness such as Pilates, yoga, or fitness nutrition can give gyms and trainers the edge when it comes to attracting a certain type of customer.Focusing their services in one area is just one way gyms can improve their prospects ¦ source: Pixabay - UptownFitnessHigher levels of fitness expertise: With amateur athletes pushing themselves further than ever before, fitness instructors and personal trainers will have to receive a higher level of training in their profession than their usual personal training certification in order to keep their clients safe. In addition to reducing risks of injury and learning first aid and CPR, this can help trainers advise on many levels of health and fitness.Online personal training: More and more people are turning to the internet to find a personal trainer who can coach them via webcam. Though this may seem bizarre, finding an online personal fitness trainer can be a good option for busy people as well as those who travel a lot, for example. This removes the need for the coach and client to travel for their personal training sessions, as the instructor can provide specialist advice from a distance.Fitness trackers: These handy and incredibly clever devices can help people keep an eye on their general level of activity as well as analyse their statistics during a workout.The future of fitness is ce rtainly exciting.Whether you prefer small or large gyms or even working out in the comfort of your own home, the arrival of the internet means that you have access to a wide range of information at the touch of a button â€" you may even get yourself an online personal trainer  who will help you take your training to the next level.

The Best Places for Landscape Photography in South America.

The Best Places for Landscape Photography in South America. Find Latin America’s Greatest Spots for Landscape Photographers. ChaptersWhat is Landscape Photography?What Makes a Landscape Photograph Good?Some Great Spots for Landscape Photos across Latin America.Apart from with gap-yearing teenagers, Latin America doesn’t get much attention from our part of the world. The usual connotations are of drug gangs and dictators, massive wealth inequality, more drug gangs and dictators, football, and they all speak Spanish. Except, of course, they don’t.Stupid stereotypes are far too easily fallen into. And with stupid stereotypes come massive generalisations, a reluctance to correct oneself, and, usually, fear.But, again, it’s all stupid. Because the countries of Latin America are as different as England to Italy, France to Finland, and Poland to Portugal. This is, after all, a whole continent we’re discussing â€" a continent nearly twice the size of Europe. It shouldn’t be so surprising that there is a lot of stuff going on there.Behind the reductive stereotypes, we find a place so beautiful, so disarmi ngly wonderful, that it’s just baffling that the stereotypes have stuck. Here, you have sky-scraping mountain peaks and tropical beaches. You have the largest rainforest in the world and driest desert. You have immeasurable plains and endless coastlines.And that’s to say nothing of the people, the food, the culture, the music.But here we’re talking about spots for landscape photography. And rest assured, if you are heading to South America, you’ll find plenty all by yourself.Check out our piece on landscape photography in Europe. The landscapes of MexicoAnd this complicates our sense of what a landscape photograph can be. It isn’t just about lonely mountains or wild plains. It’s about everything around us. A cityscape or seascape is a landscape; street photography, engaging with an urban landscape, is a landscape photography. Types of photography like wildlife photography and nature photography overlap with our style â€" but so can portrait photography, night photography, aerial photography and even food photography.A landscape photo can really be anything you want it to be.Take a look at our article on landscape photography in the USA.What Makes a Landscape Photograph Good?However, a good landscape picture is not something so straightforward. You’ll have seen the sumptuous landscapes of Sebastião Salgado or Fay Godwin, say, and really these are not things that are easily reproduced.Anyone can put on the panorama setting on their iPhone and get a decent enough shot, and most people love taking photos o f every hill or cliff top they see.Yet, to be a professional photographer â€" and to make great photos â€" you need something else. You need a real knowledge of the range of photography skills, photography equipment, and photography techniques.You need to understand the difference between wide angle lenses and fisheye camera lenses. You need to understand long exposure, shutter speed, and depth of field do to your landscape pictures. You need to think about foreground and background, white balance, and natural light.And on top of this, you need to practise your compositional skills. Also, you need to be prepared to commit the time to get exactly the shot you are after â€" whether at sunset, sunrise, or at night.A lot of work goes into making great pictures â€" so don’t take this for granted.Check out the best spots for landscape photography in Africa.Some Great Spots for Landscape Photos across Latin America.It’s worth saying, at the beginning of this list, that part of the task of the landscape photographer is to scout locations, explore your own areas, and find, yourself, the composition and forms that you want to create.Given this, all of South America â€" in the same way as all of the rest of the world â€" is a potentially glorious landscape photograph. Bear this in mind when you start on your photography journey: it’s not so much the location that makes a great photograph so much as the way that you represent and capture it.However, having said this, a great location â€" an inspiring landscape â€" can be the perfect motivator for you to learn and develop your passion in photography. Because there is nothing like a beautiful place to keep you going.So, here are some top spots across the whole of Latin America (not just the south!). It’s a beautiful continent â€" so there are many many more we have left out.Read about the best places for landscape photography in Asia.The Atacama Desert: Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.Let’s start with the Atacama De sert, the driest place on Earth. Spreading across Chile, parts of Argentina, and into the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, it has some of the most striking landscapes of on the planet.There is a reason why one of the most famous places in the area is known as Valle de la Luna (or, ‘Valley of the Moon’). And that’s because it is a completely otherworldly place. Head up to the northern parts of the south of Bolivia, and you’ll see the likes of Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorado.The colours are just breath-taking. The Andes are full of stupendous views.Mexico’s Sierra Mixteca.We have an image of Mexico that usually involves plenty of cacti. The place to go to see such a landscape would the Sierra Mixteca, which crosses the states of Puebla and Oaxaca.The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is a highlight, where the collection of plants makes for a really startling experience, but the Sierra is a wonderful place to take your camera.The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.Everyone’s favourite wildlife haven, the Galapagos are largely off-limits without a permit. If you do manage to get there, then good for you.Alongside the turtles for which it is famous, the landscape itself is gorgeous â€" a volcanic archipelago of nineteen islands surrounded by the bluest of blue seas.Their reputation speaks for itself.The Amazon, Brazil.And to the Amazon, the lungs of the world. Not much really needs to be said about its beauty, its vastness, its global significance.It’s telling that there are still areas un explored â€" and let’s keep it that way. But there’s plenty of it for you to explore. And its mists, its lush vegetation, its fierce and varied wildlife are all reasons to go.Words really are not enough. Take photos instead.Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia.Immortalised by countless works of travel literature, the mythic Tierra del Fuego (the Land of the Fire) sits at the southern tip of South America, in Patagonia.It’s a mix of waters â€" rivers, lakes, glaciers â€" and the most dramatic mountain peaks outside of the Dolomites. It’s an incredibly special place, with some of the most recognisable colours and landforms in the world.The Pampas, Argentina.The Great Plains of Latin America, the Pampas are the never-ending grasslands of the south. Once inhabited by the gauchos, the iconic Argentinian cowboys, and travelled by the legendary Butch Cassidy, the Pampas remain a sort of Wild West.Flat but atmospheric, with mountains imposing in the distance, they are a majestic place. The Galapagos Islands' most famous resident.The Andes.The Andes are the longest continuous mountain range in the world, passing from the top to the southern tip of South America. Considering that it is just so damn long, the possibilities for exploring are endless.Some of the most beautiful places along the mountain belt â€" although this is all totally disputable â€" are in Peru. Try the Cordillera Blanca, with the Huascarán National Park, which has some of the higher peaks in the Andes. Expect snow and cracking views.Guajira Peninsula, Colombia and Venezuela.For something a little different, try the Guajira Peninsula, which is shared between Colombia and Venezuela. It’s known as the home of the ethnic group, the Wayuu, an indigenous community.On this peninsula, which sticks out into the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find the Parque Nacional Natural Macuira. It’s dominated by a desert which fades into the beaches, with dry vegetation around. Parts of it have a sort of desolate, end-o f-the-world feeling to them.Read about photogenic landscapes across the world.

Spring 2013 ACT tutoring at AJ Tutoring

Spring 2013 ACT tutoring at AJ Tutoring As the March 2013 SAT approaches, its time to start thinking about your next steps with standardized testing.  Like the SAT, the ACT is accepted by all colleges and may be a good option for you.  If youre interested in learning more about the ACT, read on!Differences between the SAT and ACT include:ACT questions are generally more straightforward, while SAT questions involve deeper critical thinkingThe ACT has a science section, unlike the SATThe SAT tests more vocabularyThe SAT is split up into more sectionsThe ACT is a faster-paced testMath on the SAT only includes algebra and geometry, while math on the ACT includes more advanced trigonometryWhile its often true that students who enjoy puzzles and logic games prefer the SAT and literal thinkers prefer the ACT, it can be hard to predict which test will be a better fit for you.AJ Tutoring recommends that students take both the SAT and ACT, since both tests are accepted equally by colleges.  Students are always welcome to take a d iagnostic ACT at AJ Tutorings offices on Saturdays.  Well then score the test and compare it to your SAT scores to determine which test might be a better fit.  If the scores are similar, you should plan on sitting for both tests in the spring of junior year.We know that preparing for standardized tests can involve a significant investment of time and money.  With that in mind, we created our shorter ACT hybrid program.Primarily intended for students who have already completed AJ Tutorings full SAT program, the ACT hybrid program is shorter (3-4 sessions) and focuses on the differences between the two tests.  Our ACT hybrid program emphasizes the faster pace of the ACT, as well as the ACT science section and the different format of the English section.  Each student who completes the ACT hybrid program will take at least two full-length ACT exams, either at home or proctored at our office.AJ Tutoring also offers a comprehensive 8-9 session ACT program for those students who woul d prefer more comprehensive instruction and a greater number of practice tests.The ACT is offered on two Saturdays in spring 2013: April 13, 2013 and June 8, 2013.  To register for the ACT, please consult the ACTs website.  Many students who take the January or March SAT go on to take the ACT in April, and students who take the May SAT often take the June ACT.  With 5 or more weeks between the two tests, there is plenty of time for students to prepare for the ACT and maximize their chances of success on both tests.If youd like to sign up for ACT tutoring or speak with a director to develop a testing plan for 2013, please give us a call at (650) 331-3251, or email info@ajtutoring.com.  Were looking forward to talking with you!

ADHD Video Games An Update

ADHD Video Games An Update Earlier this year, a team of researchers published findings from a study examining the connection between problematic video game use and ADHD in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The results add to a small but growing body of evidence suggesting that kids and adults with ADHD are at increased risk for problematic video game use. This particular study found that among adults who play video games, higher levels of ADHD symptoms are associated with more severe symptoms of video game addiction (the average age of the adults in the study was 22, and over 90% of the participants were men). The study also explored whether specific characteristics of the games being played had an impact on video game addiction symptoms. Surprisingly, factors like how much someone feels the video game encourages them to continue playing, or how reinforcing they find a video game to be, did not have any impact on the connection between video game addiction and ADHD symptoms. While more research i s needed in this area, the study authors suggest that individuals with ADHD who play video games should be informed about the signs of video game addiction and the elevated risk that may be associated ADHD. So, what are the signs of video game addiction? There are currently no formal diagnostic criteria available for video game addiction; however, the most recent edition of the DSM (the diagnostic tool used the US for categorizing mental health disorders and addictions) does include Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix as a tentative diagnostic category. The DSM-51 suggests that Internet Gaming Disorder (which can include playing video games off-line as well as on-line), may be identified when an individual has displayed at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms in the past 12 months: Preoccupation with games: The individual thinks about previous gaming activity or anticipates playing the next game; gaming becomes the dominant activity in daily life Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away: These symptoms are typically described as irritability, anxiety, or sadness Tolerance: The need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in games Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce participation in games Loss of interest in real-life relationships, previous hobbies, and other entertainment as a result of, and with the exception of, games Continued excessive use of games despite knowledge of psychosocial problems; Has deceived family members, therapists, or others regarding the amount of gaming; Use of games to escape or relieve a negative mood (like feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety); and Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of participation in games. Why might kids and adults with ADHD be at higher risk? Researchers are not entirely sure why individuals with ADHD are at higher risk for video game addiction, but they have some theories that are being studied. Some factors being considered include: Impulsivity and difficulty stopping an activity that is highly reinforcing or engaging Difficulty with time management and other executive functions Avoiding stressful social interactions or academic/work-related activities Self-medicating untreated symptoms of anxiety or depression (which occur at higher rates in individuals with ADHD) A biological predisposition to addiction: Many activities (including video gaming), foods, and drugs can become addictive because they trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. Kids and adults with ADHD naturally have lower levels of dopamine in the brain, and as a result they are more likely to have an additive response to anything that triggers a dopamine rush. Knowing that kids and teens with ADHD may be at higher risk for problematic video game use is important, but when it comes to helping a child change his or her behavior it can be hard for parents to know where to start. In my next post Ill talk about 5 steps parents can take to help their kids and teens develop healthy video game habits. 1Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Year-Round School How To Enjoy Summer Break - TutorNerds

Year-Round School How To Enjoy Summer Break - TutorNerds Year-Round School: How To Enjoy Summer Break For the most part, elementary aged children attend a traditional 10-month school program and have about two months off in the summer to rest, relax, and spend time with family. However, year-round schools are becoming more popular, and many students attend such programs. Year-round schools have their benefits because students wont have enough time to forget valuable things they have learned but they also wont have as much time to enjoy the summer months simply and socialize with neighborhood children or experience education outside of the four walls of the classroom. So how can children attending a year-round school still gain a summer experience? 1. A Family Vacation Most year-round schools take a break for two or three weeks in between terms. If a kid is getting a great education at such a school but its feeling left out from certain traditional summer activities, such as a family vacation, parents can consider scheduling their trip during this period. A family trip can be a great way to see something educational or just do something different and get out of town for a little while. Whether students visit the nations capital, go camping, or visit a theme park, quality time with family away from the daily routine can be beneficial (READ: 5 Educational Activities to do on a Family Road Trip). 2. Unstructured Socialization and Play Students who attend year-round schools will probably have ample opportunity to be in a structured environment. It might be a very good idea for them to have a little bit of unstructured play during their term break so that they can have a chance just to relax and be a kid. This might mean riding bikes with kids in the neighborhood or meeting a friend or classmate on the playground. Unstructured play can help children learn how to socialize appropriately without being prompted by a teacher or parent and is a valuable part of growing up. Also, it allows kids a chance just to let go and have fun during the few weeks that they get to have off in the year-round school environment. 3. Time Outside Students in year-round schools will send plenty of time indoors in the classroom. As a result, its a good idea for them to spend part of their term break, even if its only two or three weeks, outside. Time in nature can be soothing and relaxing and helps students calm down from the previous school semester. Time outside also allows children to get out some of their energy so that they have a chance to focus more easily on academics when school is in session. If year-round students have a chance to play outside with other children who have the entire summer off, theyre more likely to feel like they had a little bit of a summer break themselves (READ: 5 Ways to Keep Self-Esteem High During Summer School). 4. Field Trips Family organized field trips offer another great opportunity for year-round students to get a taste of summer. Whether a family is going to an observatory, a nature preserve, or a giant park, family field trips are an essential part of education and exploration. Family field trips also provide year-round students with an opportunity to spend some quality time with their family while learning about things in their environment that are outside of the four walls of the classroom. To give a child a little more independence during their term break, parents can consider offering a few appropriate choices for field trips and letting their kids choose the one that they think is the most interesting. Part of summer break is becoming more responsible and independent. Make sure you dont get academically rusty over the summer with the help of Orange County summer tutoring from TutorNerds. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code

Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code Etash completed the Kumon Math Program in four years thanks to what his Instructor refers to as “grit.” No matter how new or difficult a problem was, he would tackle it head on, working at it until he could solve it on his own. It was with this mindset that Etash learned to code. He released two apps on the App Store by the time he was 16, and is in the process of writing a programming book to teach other kids how to create apps. In 2016, he won the Congressional App Challenge for Colorado and was invited to Washington DC by his congressman. You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Meet Jessica, a Kumon Reading Program Completer Who Has a Way With Words Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon Meet Joshua, a Kumon Reading Program Completer who Beat the Odds Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code Etash completed the Kumon Math Program in four years thanks to what his Instructor refers to as “grit.” No matter how new or difficult a problem was, he would tackle it head on, working at it until he could solve it on his own. It was with this mindset that Etash learned to code. He released two apps on the App Store by the time he was 16, and is in the process of writing a programming book to teach other kids how to create apps. In 2016, he won the Congressional App Challenge for Colorado and was invited to Washington DC by his congressman. You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Meet Jessica, a Kumon Reading Program Completer Who Has a Way With Words Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon Meet Joshua, a Kumon Reading Program Completer who Beat the Odds

How to Become a Translator 7 Steps to Your Dream Job

How to Become a Translator 7 Steps to Your Dream Job How to Become a Translator: 7 Steps to Your Dream Job Everyone has a dream.Or maybe a  sueño.Or perhaps yours is a  ?????.Or a  rêve.But if you really enjoy toggling between all these options, theres a strong chance that your dream is being a translator.In spite of all the awesome translation apps  out there, theres still a high demand for people who can provide concise, clear, accurate translations.In fact, the  Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook  reports that growth in the field is expected to be much faster than average in coming years, meaning new positions are likely to continue opening up.Regardless of what language you choose to study, with the right skills and qualifications, you  may be able to find work translating between that language and your native language.Maybe your dream is being able to land freelance translation gigs from your neighborhood coffee shop.Or maybe youd enjoy doing regular translation work for an employer or agency, or  possibly even the government.So if youre dreaming of a career a s a translator, follow the seven steps below to land that dream job. What Do Translators Do?Technically speaking, interpreting and translating are two different professions. While both jobs require at least one additional language, interpreting is spoken, while translating is written, so a translators job focuses on translating written text between languages. Usually, translators translate from a source language into their native language. While a translator may fully understand their source language and even be able to write quite well in it, writing in ones native language is usually easier, and the text produced is usually smoother and more natural.Translators work in a wide variety of industries, ranging from government to medicine to  business to education and everything in between. Any industry that uses language could need a translator.Translators often freelance or have their own businesses. However, others work for agencies or even directly for a single employer. This giv es translators some flexibility with whether they want consistent work or would prefer to manage their own schedules.How to Become a Translator: 7 Steps to Your Dream Job1. Study your source language extensively.First, you must select a language and study it extensively.Theres translation work available for nearly any living language, and theres an argument to be made for learning virtually any language you can name. Naturally, theres more translating work available for the most common languages. However, since more people know these languages, theres also more competition for work. While there may be fewer jobs for less common languages, knowing one could make you stand out from the crowd and give you access to jobs that fewer people can perform.To choose a language, you might consider researching what jobs are out there.To do this, you can peruse current translator listings on Indeed. If youre interested in a specific field, you might also investigate languages that are most used in that field. For instance, if youre interested in diplomatic or international work, the official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) may be useful.Once youve selected your language, youll need to study to a high degree of fluency. Majoring in the language in college is useful, as is studying abroad or living abroad. Advanced degrees in your source translation language could set you apart further. The more language experience and education you have, the better.One easy way to grow and maintain your language skills is by studying regularly with FluentU.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons.2. Get specialized training.The fact is that even if youre fluent in a language, it doesnt necessarily mean you have the skills to translate.Being able to provide clear, efficient translation often requires specialized training in additio n to language study. Here are some options to consider:American Translators Association (ATA) offers a list of approved schools that can help prepare you to work as a translator.ALTA Language Services  has a list of top translation schools in the United States.Looking for a brief course that will give you a taste of the translation industry? Future Learn offers a translation course taught by experts from  Cardiff University and the University of Namibia. You can take this course for $69 if youd like to earn a certificate. However, you can also access course materials for up to six weeks at no charge, which is a great opportunity to see if you have enough interest in the field to continue pursuing it.3. Get certified.A certification in translation is an easy way to show you have the skills necessary to do the work.ATA offers a certification  that gives you a special designation (CT) that you can use with your name on your resume, website, business cards and/or other promotional mater ial.Additionally, there are industry-specific certifications available, though these are often targeted at interpreters. For instance, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers a CMI (Certified Medical Interpreter) credential. However, getting certified as an interpreter in a specific field can still show that you know a lot about the language used in this context, so it could also help you get translating work.Another thing to consider is getting non-language-related certifications in a field in which youre interested in translating. For instance, becoming a certified paralegal could help you get translating work in the legal field by showing that you understand the industry. Similarly, being a certified nurse might help you get medical translation work.4. Target a specific industry and learn industry-specific terms.Once youre fluent in a language, youll also want to target industry-specific terms for whatever field youre interested in working in.Merely be ing fluent doesnt always provide the relevant terminology youll need to translate, so youll need to put some additional focus into industry-specific terminology.For instance, you might consider studying words that are particularly necessary in medicine, business, government or education. There are several ways to do this.You may want to  consider looking for a course or learning resource that focuses on a specific field. For instance, there are plenty of medical Spanish courses and resources available. You might take a self-paced online course, or study a relevant book, like Spanish for Health Care Professionals.If youre already familiar with your specific field of interest, you might otherwise consider putting together a list of important terms in English. Then, you can look up and study the equivalent vocabulary words in the language you want to translate from.If you want more one-on-one, customized study, you might want to  look for a tutor who can help you. Some language trainin g services, like Cactus Language Training and ALTA Language Services, offer customized training to help meet client needs, so they might be able to customize a course to teach you more specialized vocabulary.5. Hone your computer skills.A lot of translating requires using specific computer programs. This is meant to make the translation process quicker and more efficient. Common programs used by professional translators that you might want to familiarize yourself with include:MemsourceWordfastmemoQSDL Trados StudioThe linked websites can give you a brief introduction into the capabilities and interface of the programs. You might also consider subscribing to get more firsthand experience with the programs.6. Get some experience.One of the cruel ironies of translating and most other career fields is that to get most jobs, you already need work experience in the field, leaving you with a conundrumâ€"how do you get that experience in the first place?The answer is simpler than you might think. Contract or freelance work is an easy way to get some experience to add to your  resume. Your first few gigs might not pay as well as youd like, but once you get more experience under your belt, you can usually get more and more compensation for your services.You might find your first gigs through acquaintances or business connections. If this isnt possible, you can always  check Upwork  or  fiverr, both of which help connect users with freelance opportunities.7. To further grow your career, learn more languages.If you want to make yourself even more marketable, you might want to acquire more languages that you can translate between to expand your range of offerings.For instance, lets say youre fully fluent in Chinese and can translate between Chinese and English. However, what if you also managed to add Spanish to your range of offerings? Now, you could translate from Spanish to English or Chinese to English. Eventually, its possible that you might even be able to translate into Chinese and/or Spanish, thereby multiplying your potential translation options and making yourself more employable. Hows that for career growth?Go ahead and live your dream of becoming a translator.Following these tips will help you translate that dream into success.