Gym and fitness instructors work across a variety of settings, such as gyms, weight loss centres, keep fit classes, health clubs and sports centres.
Fitness instructors focus on providing instruction generally, in a gym or leisure centre setting or perhaps specialising in offering instruction (subject to additional qualifications) to specialist groups such as the elderly, pre and postnatal or children. So, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to what a fitness instructor job might be like.
Whilst a gym-based fitness instructor will predominantly work in a gym setting, a fitness instructor may also take group exercise classes if they obtain a group training qualification of course.
A fitness instructor will obviously need to have an interest in health and fitness and a reasonable level of fitness themselves, plus they will also need to be able to instruct and motivate others to take part in safe and effective exercise.
Health and Fitness Qualifications
To work as a fitness instructor, you will need a CIMSPA endorsed qualification, for example, a level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing. This should be awarded by an Awarding Organisation such as Active IQ or YMCA Awards. You could study full time, part time or even online for a fitness instructing qualification.
In a level 2 gym instructing qualification, you will gain knowledge such as:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Health & Safety
- Designing fitness programmes
- Instructing clients in a fitness setting
Once qualified as a level 2 fitness instructor, you may wish to progress to study level 3 personal training and become a personal trainer.
To find a level 2 gym instructing or level 3 personal training qualification provider, you may wish to explore options via resources such as CIMSPA Careers Hub or Which Personal Trainer Course
Apprenticeship Opportunities
An apprenticeship could see you working as a fitness or gym instructor as part of a leisure assistant role or similar. Depending on the size of the company you should expect to have to pick up other responsibilities such as working on reception or poolside.
Once complete, you may choose to continue onto an advanced apprenticeship which would see you working towards becoming a personal trainer, so you would have greater responsibility and would develop an additional skills set.
Additional Training
To work as a fitness instructor, you may also need additional qualifications e.g. Group Training, GP Referral, Older Adults or a First Aid Certificate. If you specialise with working with children or vulnerable adults, which you might – then you will need to undergo a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
You should also make sure any training or CPD you do is CIMSPA endorsed.
Skills
In addition to holding the right qualifications, a successful fitness instructor must have a range of skills including:
- Client communication
- Motivating clients to take part in exercise
- Monitoring client success
- Providing feedback to clients
- Record keeping of client
- Promoting a culture of health and fitness
Summary
A fitness instructor can be a very diverse and rewarding role and can make a key difference to the health and fitness of clients. It is important to get properly qualified with a CIMSPA endorsed qualification and it’s also helpful to undertake further training and develop important client focussed skills.
By becoming properly qualified and skilled, a fitness instructor can have a satisfying career in the health and fitness sector which could lead to further opportunities such as becoming a personal trainer.
Was this article helpful?
Let us know so we can craft better career advice for school leavers.
NGTU Advice & Careers Hub
The official advice desk at Not Going To Uni, offering independent guidance, CV templates, and interview strategies for school leavers across the UK.
