Fitness instructor

Fitness instructors provide exercise instruction to help improve people’s fitness. They normally specialise in one of the following areas: keep fit, aerobics, aquarobics, weight training or circuit training.

Also known as:

• Aerobics instructor
• Exercise instructor
• Gym instructor
• Health and fitness instructor
• Keep fit instructor

Work activities

Fitness instructors provide exercise instruction to help improve people’s fitness in areas such as keep fit, step aerobics, aquarobics, weight training and circuit training. Fitness instructors normally specialise in one area of exercise. Those who specialise in keep fit or aerobics usually work with groups of people, mainly adults. They make up routines, which are usually set to music. During the session, the instructor demonstrates routines, so that the group can follow them.

Fitness instructors who specialise in weight training mainly work with individuals. They begin by testing the individual’s fitness by checking blood pressure, grip, and how well their lungs and heart are working. They then develop an exercise programme according to the person’s fitness level. They also show them how to use free weights and exercise machines properly, and how to exercise without causing injury. All fitness instructors need to understand the human body and the effects of exercise on it. They may also give advice about diet and nutrition. Fitness instructors in gyms and clubs might also work on the reception desk and deal with customer enquiries.

Personal qualities and skills

As a fitness instructor, you need:

• A positive attitude and an approachable personality.
• The ability to teach and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Good communication skills for explaining techniques and movements clearly.
• A good level of physical fitness.
• A responsible attitude to health and safety.
• A flexible attitude to work.
• Self-employed fitness instructors need business management skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for fitness instructors vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed. The pay rates given are approximate. Fitness instructors earn in the range of £14,000 - £25,000.

Working hours for fitness instructors vary depending on where they work. However, evening and weekend work can be expected.

Opportunities for fitness instructors occur throughout the UK. Employers include private and local authority fitness centres/studios, gyms, health clubs, hotels and holiday camps.

Fitness instructors are often self-employed, either full- or part-time. Halls and studios can be hired in which to hold sessions.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

• In local newspapers and on their websites.
• On job boards such as Leisure Jobs.
• On employers’ websites.
• On the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of personal trainer is a great way to begin this career path.

Organisations, for example YMCA Fitness Industry Training offers a variety of relevant courses, including:

• Exercise to music.
• Gym instructor.
• Fitness testing.
• Certificate in circuit training.
• Certificate in fitness instructing.

Other organisations also offer short specialist courses in areas such as aquarobics and step aerobics. It is important to check that a course is accredited by a recognised body before starting it.

Relevant work-based qualifications are available.  Some types of fitness programmes, such as Zumba and BodyCombat are licensed.  This means you have to be trained by the company that created them in order to lead fitness sessions based on their techniques.

With experience and further qualifications, it is possible for to move into personal training and senior positions at sports facilities.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working with children and young people aged under 18 in this career can be an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Some instructor qualifications at local colleges can be taken on a flexible, part-time (day or evening) basis. Some colleges relax entrance requirements for applicants with relevant experience in sport and recreation.

A range of colleges and universities offer courses and degrees in Sport and Exercise Science including at postgraduate level. Always check a specialist source, for example Ucas.com for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements. You can check directly with an institution to ensure that the course content suits your interests and requirements.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Related careers

• Outdoor pursuits instructor
• Personal trainer
• Pool lifeguard
• Sports and leisure centre assistant
• Sports coach
• Sports professional
• Sports scientist
• Yoga teacher