Fitness Instructor
What is the work like?
As a fitness instructor you would lead and organise group and individual exercise programmes to help people to improve their health and fitness. You would either instruct a range of activities or specialise in a particular area such as:
- keep fit
- aquacise (exercise in water)
- weight training
- yoga
- Pilates.
Your work could include:
- carrying out fitness assessments, consultations and inductions with new clients
- demonstrating routines for clients to follow
- showing clients how to use exercise machines and free weights properly
- supervising clients to make sure that they are exercising safely and effectively
- leading group exercise classes such as circuit training, aerobics or spinning
- designing personal exercise programmes.
You may also give advice on healthy eating and lifestyle. You could work with specialist groups of people, such as older adults, children, people with disabilities or clients referred by doctors.
In smaller clubs you may also carry out routine duties, such as reception, health and safety checks and pool operations.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To qualify as a fitness instructor, you could either complete a nationally-recognised vocational qualification before starting work, or start as an assistant instructor and complete work-based qualifications.
Nationally-recognised vocational qualification
The Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing is approved by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), and is the preferred industry standard. It is awarded by City & Guilds, Active IQ, VTCT, CYQ, OCR and NCFE.
You can choose to focus on gym, group exercises or water-based exercise. The qualification will allow you to gain level 2 entry on the REPs, (also known as the 'Exercise Register'), which will show employers that you are competent and qualified to do your job.
Before you can work as an instructor you will also need public liability insurance and a first aid certificate, which includes a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate. You might need lifeguard qualifications for some jobs (see the Lifeguard profile for more details).
If you intend to work with children or other vulnerable groups you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
Work-based qualifications
You may be able to start as an assistant instructor and complete qualifications whilst working under the supervision of a qualified instructor. As an assistant fitness instructor you could work towards NVQ Level 2 in Instructing Exercise and Fitness, which is awarded by City & Guilds, CYQ, Active IQ, Edexcel, OCR and VTCT.
When you have completed the NVQ you can apply for level 2 entry on the REPS.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you have a level 2 qualification you can go on to qualify as a Level 3 Advanced Instructor by completing qualifications, including:
- Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Fitness Instructing, awarded by CYP
- Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Fitness Instructing (Gym), awarded by OCR, City & Guilds, CYG, VTCT and NCFE
- Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, awarded by CYP and Active IQ
- industry-recognised awards offered by some employers and universities – see the REPs website for details
- NVQ Level 3 in Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise, awarded by OCR, City & Guilds, CYP, Active IQ and VTCT.
When you have completed the main qualification you can join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at level 3. You can also do further units in working with children, older people, pre- and post-natal, people with disabilities and GP referrals.
The new Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor qualification includes units on designing and adapting physical activity programmes for the following areas:
- coronary heart disease
- mental health
- obesity
- diabetes
- frail older adults/falls prevention
- after-stroke care
- back pain.
You would need to be qualified and experienced as an advanced instructor before beginning the level 4 qualification.
See the REPs website for details of all recognised qualifications.
Where can I go for more information?
CitygateSt James' Boulevard
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4JE
0191 239 8000
Willowside Park
Canal Rd
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8RH
Tel: 01225 353 535
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
One90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7BH
Tel: 0870 240 9800
8-10 Crown Hill
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1RZ
Tel: 020 8686 6464
Cromwell Business Centre
New Road
St Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 5BG
Tel: 01480 467950
London
WC1B 3NQ
Tel: 020 7343 1800
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £13,000 a year.
- This can rise to from around £14,000 to over £20,000.
Freelance instructors can earn £10 to £20 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a full-time fitness instructor you would usually work 38 to 40 hours a week, often on a shift and rota basis to cover early mornings, evenings and weekends. Many instructors work part-time or freelance.
You could work in gyms, health clubs or leisure centres. If you are self-employed you may also take classes in places like school halls or community centres, so would need to do some local travel.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good communication and 'people' skills
- an outgoing and approachable personality
- diplomacy and tact
- the ability to motivate and enthuse people
- a responsible attitude to health and safety
- knowledge of nutrition and healthy diet.
What opportunities are there?
There has been growth in the number of leisure facilities in recent years, leading to an increased demand for instructors. However, competition for jobs is still strong.
With experience and higher qualifications, you may be able to progress to senior instructor, then to management. Other options could be to move into training other instructors or coaching a sport. You could also start your own fitness club.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Leisure JobsLeisure Opportunities
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