Exercise and fitness instructors work across a variety of settings, such as gym, weight training, yoga, Pilates, keep fit and aqua fit.They can also focus on providing instruction generally, in a gym or leisure centre setting or perhaps specialising in offering instruction to specialist groups, so there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to what the job might be like.You obviously need to have an interest in health and fitness and a good level of fitness yourself and you also need to be able to motivate others.Sports and FitnessQualificationsTo work as a fitness instructor, you will need a related qualification, for example, a level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing or a level 2 Diploma in Health, Fitness and Exercise. You could study full time for a qualification or you could start working and qualify whilst employed.Apprenticeship OpportunitiesThe intermediate apprenticeship could see you working as a fitness or gym instructor or perhaps as a leisure centre assistant and depending on the size of the company you should expect to have to pick up other responsibilities such as working on reception.The advanced apprenticeship might see you working as a personal trainer, class teacher or studio coordinator, so you would have greater responsibility and would develop an additional skills set.To work as a fitness instructor you will need:Public Liability InsuranceA First Aid CertificateIf 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.To find opportunities in the leisure sector, including fitness instruction check out our job posting page.You might also like to read our articles on kick starting your fitness instructor career and becoming a fitness instructor.
