HALLOWELL -- Mike Barden is a big believer in fitness, both physical and financial.

That is one reason Barden, 59, is studying to become a certified personal trainer: The profession weds a personal pursuit with a second career that promises to be much in demand.

Barden is not looking to work full time after he retires from his job as the Maine Pulp & Paper Association's director of environmental affairs.

But he is interested in supplementing his retirement income through an occupation he finds rewarding.

Being a personal trainer seemed ideal.

"I think it is going to be a career that is going to be in a lot of demand," he said, "especially as the baby boomers start to retire."

Barden became a self-described exercise fanatic nearly 30 years ago, starting first as an aerobic demon and running marathons and other long-distance races.

In more recent years, he added weight training to his fitness regimen.

Barden worked for the state for 16 years, all of it with the Department of Environmental Protection, before taking his current job.

Thus he will get a pension from the state, one bolstered by the three years he spent in the Air Force. He also will have income from Social Security and a 401K plan.

His wife, also a state worker, has a similar retirement income package.

The Bardens have rental income as well from a duplex they own in Hallowell -- a property they could opt to sell at some point. As boomers go, they have a retirement income plan many would envy.

At the same time, the Bardens have a daughter at Bard College in New York and a second daughter soon headed for college.

Given the cost of higher education these days, especially private schools, Barden said making a bit more money as a personal trainer seems well advised.

Yet additional income is only one part of the motivation. He worries that retirement days filled by working out and playing golf might lack fulfillment.

"I would probably just be bored doing that type of thing," he said. "I just feel like I've got to do something."

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com