Health and Fitness Instructor

Health and fitness instructors are responsible for teaching people how to exercise in a safe and effective manner. They may work in private gyms, independent health clubs, leisure centres and village halls. Instructors may deliver group exercise classes, such as aerobics, or they may give one-to-one tuition. They may be responsible for:

• running initial assessments and writing individual training programmes
• inducting members and showing them how to use the equipment
• adapting training programmes for members with health problems or injuries
• offering advice and guidance on healthy eating and lifestyle
• implementing marketing initiatives.

They may instruct in a range of activities and in one or more centres. They may devise routines for their exercise classes, choose music and check that the necessary equipment is available, such as weights, steps and mats.

Health and fitness instructors often work in a shift pattern, which includes early mornings, evenings and weekends. Gyms are usually open from 6.30am until 11.00pm. Many instructors work part time or on a freelance basis.

Salaries range from approximately £12,000 to £30,000 a year or more.

Health and fitness instructors should:

• have good communication and interpersonal skills
• be physically fit
• have drive and enthusiasm to motivate people
• be able to think up new ideas for exercise sessions
• have a working knowledge of first aid
• be aware of health and safety issues and know their legal responsibilities
• be aware of healthy eating and healthy diets and sound nutritional advice
• keep up to date with developments in the fitness industry and new equipment.

The health and leisure industry is worth over £3.8 billion a year. Over the next ten years employment levels are expected to increase. Opportunities are found throughout the UK, both in rural and urban areas.

Specific academic qualifications are not usually needed and people with qualifications at all levels enter this career. Applicants can work as an assistant instructor from the age of 16, but need to be aged 18 or over to obtain public liability insurance and to be recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) as able to work unsupervised. To be placed on REPs, fitness instructors need an approved national qualification, such as an NVQ, and must hold current insurance.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships in active leisure, learning and well-being may be available.

Most employers provide induction training and many have extensive in-house training courses. Areas such as customer care, health and safety, and first aid may be covered.

Qualifications and experience will improve promotional prospects. Instructors can be promoted into supervisory and management roles, such as fitness manager, leisure manager and sports facility manager.

Further details