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Fitness instructor

Alternative titles for this job include Fitness trainer

Fitness instructors organise exercise programmes to improve people's health and fitness.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

32 to 34 a week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a fitness instructor

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations

College

You can do a recognised qualification like:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
  • Level 2 Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness
  • Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships that may give you some of the skills for this role include:

  • an intermediate leisure team member or community activator coach apprenticeship
  • an advanced personal trainer apprenticeship

You can train in a similar role as a physical training instructor in the armed forces. You can find out more at:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work as a leisure centre assistant and do part-time qualifications on the job, which would allow you to apply for jobs as an instructor.

Other Routes

You can do qualifications through private training companies who offer specialist courses like:

  • fitness instruction
  • personal training
  • gym instructing

More Information

Career tips

It's useful to be fit and healthy yourself and to know about how to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Register of Exercise Professionals and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity for professional development and to help with your career prospects.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • a desire to help people
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to teach and motivate people
  • customer service skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll usually need public indemnity and professional liability insurance, if you're self-employed.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • assess people's fitness and create personal exercise programmes
  • demonstrate activities, exercise machines and weights
  • help people exercise safely
  • lead group exercise classes like circuit training or aerobics
  • give advice on healthy eating and lifestyle
  • update client records
  • follow health and safety guidelines and maintain equipment
  • market your classes to gain new clients

Working environment

You could work in the community, at a school, at a health centre or in a park.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could take further training to become a personal trainer or teach extra activities.

With experience and qualifications, you could become a senior instructor or manager. You could also start your own fitness club.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Sports Activities Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,158.72 to £20,048.08 Annually
  • Location: Alex Way, Hilsea, Portsmouth

Sports Coach Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: BISHOP AUCKLAND

Courses In England

Fitness Instructing Level 2 Certificate

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2024
  • Location: Reading

FITNESS INSTRUCTING ACTIVE IQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE Part Time

  • Provider: BARNSLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 April 2024
  • Location: Barnsley

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