Everywhere you look, you’re always being told to stop lounging in front of the TV, put down the second doughnut and do some exercise. While it might seem like nagging, this new exercise culture has created thousands of jobs within the fitness industry. So, if you’re passionate about health and fitness, have a positive attitude and bags of motivational skills, then a career as a fitness instructor awaits.
How do I become a Fitness Instructor?
Working as a fitness instructor isn’t just about working your pecs: good instructors advise clients on diet, develop bespoke personal training plans and give vital advice and encouragement.
As a fitness instructor you should be able to:
• Demonstrate the correct way to use exercise equipment
• Monitor the misuse of fitness equipment
• Ensure the gym is clean and free of health and safety hazards
• Deliver exercise classes and workshops
• Develop personal exercise plans and offer dietary advice
The cold, hard facts
You could be working at a health club, leisure centre, hospital, university or on a cruise ship, but be aware that shift work is common and it’s likely that you’ll be working some evenings and weekends – the times when most people prefer to exercise.
Career Progression within the Fitness Industry
In terms of career progression, you can become a senior fitness instructor, a personal trainer, or even look at moving into the management of a health club. If you want to pass on your skills instead, there are also opportunities to train as a tutor.
Money, money, money
Newly-qualified fitness instructors can expect to earn around £13k per year. With experience and qualifications you can expect to earn up to £20k per year.
If you fancy being your own boss, self-employed fitness instructors can set their own rates for personal training sessions and choose how busy to make their schedule.
Is there study involved?
The minimum qualification you need to work as a fitness instructor is:
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – To find out more about this course, please visit our courses page.
To become a personal trainer you will need to complete the following qualification:
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training – To find out more about this course visit our Courses page.
Do you have to be a beefcake to work as a fitness instructor?
Definitely not!
It’ll definitely help to be physically fit, but more important than an athletic body is a passion for health and fitness, great communications skills, endless patience and fabulous motivational skills.
You will get the chance to interact with a diverse collection of clientele. The varied role ensures you could be working with people from specialist rehabilitation clients to elite athletes or members of the public wanting more general health benefits. Each individual has different requirements, needs, timescales and desires that must be catered for. This ensures a thought-provoking and lively working environment.
To find out more on how to get qualified as a fitness instructor or personal trainer, please click on the relevant link on the Homepage.
