Fitness Instructor

Also known as:

Aerobics Instructor
Exercise Instructor
Gym Instructor
Health and Fitness Instructor
Keep Fit Instructor
Personal Trainer

Introduction

Fitness instructors provide exercise instruction in areas such as keep fit, aerobics and weight training. They may be involved in activities such as putting together exercise routines or showing people how to use machines and equipment.

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Work Activities

Fitness instructors provide exercise instruction to 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 and normally put music to them. 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 work. 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.

Some fitness instructors work as personal trainers, providing fitness instruction to individuals.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have an outgoing, friendly and approachable personality. You also need drive, enthusiasm and the ability to teach and motivate people. Good communication skills are necessary for tasks such as clearly explaining techniques or movements.

You need to have a smart appearance. You should be able to work effectively as part of a team, as well as on your own. It is important to be able to devise and develop exercise routines, so that your clients retain their interest and are challenged.

Physical fitness is also important in this type of work, as is a responsible attitude to health and safety. You should have a working knowledge of first aid. Self-employed fitness instructors need business management skills.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for fitness instructors vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Self-employed fitness instructors earn in the range of £6 - £25 an hour. Salaried staff in leisure centres earn in the range of £11,500 - £15,000 a year, rising to around £17,500 - £21,500 a year.

Opportunities are available all over the UK in private and local authority fitness centres/studios, gyms and health clubs. There are also some opportunities in hotels and holiday camps in the UK and in other countries.

Halls and studios can be hired, so self-employment is possible. Part-time work is common.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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.

Instructors usually have a background in exercise and fitness activity.

Some instructor qualifications at local colleges can be taken on a flexible, part-time (day or evening) basis.

Colleges may relax entrance requirements for applicants with relevant experience in sport and recreation.

A large number of centres throughout the country offer relevant courses by distance learning.

• 28% of people in occupations such as fitness instruction are self-employed.
• 49% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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