JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 155

FOCUS :

LEISURE

F

rom hands-on
fitness to
managerial
careers, the fitness
sector's a perfect
choice for people
who love being
active and part of a workplace that
helps others achieve their fitness goals.
Gyms, in particular, play a massive
part in many people's lives and
contribute to a nationwide feel-good
factor. According to the 2015 State of
the UK Fitness Industry Report, there
are more health and fitness clubs
around than ever before.

Flexibility around commitments
Whether you want to teach fitness
classes, carry out personal training
sessions or work as support staff, this is
an area that gives you flexibility around
other commitments. Around 38% of
employees in this sector work full-time
and 42% are employed part-time.
Most jobs in the fitness industry are
in private gyms and fitness centres, but
there are also chances to work in public
health and fitness facilities. Don't rule
out career paths as a self-employed
fitness professional, either. Around 20%
of people who work in this area are
self-employed, and if you're qualified,
experienced and self-motivated, you can
find a role with a company that helps you
manage your business with its support.

WHAT ABOUT GYM
APPRENTICESHIPS?
Here are three things to know:

A gym instructor apprenticeship can
be a great way to learn the tricks of
the gym trade while gaining a qualification
(see www.apprenticeships.org.uk).
Through a combination of workbased learning with a mentor, and
home study through e-learning, you can

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Words: Dan Gordon. Images: Getty Images, Shutterstock

Fitness instructor
Love keeping fit? Practically live in the
gym? Want to help others reach their
own fitness goals? A fitness instructor
role could be for you.
Starting out as an assistant instructor
at a gym or fitness centre can be a way in
- you'd complete work-based training to
qualify on the job. Before you apply for a
course, get in touch with local gyms and
fitness centres to research what they ask
for in terms of entry qualifications for
fitness instructor roles.
In general, first aid, health and
safety and coaching awards will also
be valued by employers - as will GCSEs
(A*-C) in maths and English, as will
some kind of PE qualification, whether
that is at GCSE or A-level.
To become a fitness instructor, you'll
usually need a recognised fitness

achieve a Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ)
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
(Gym) - the qualification that is typically
required to work as a fitness instructor.
Depending on your apprenticeship,
you may also accrue additional
accreditations, such as a QCF Diploma
in Instructing Exercise and Fitness.

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instructor qualification such as the Level
2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.

Personal trainer
If you prefer working one-to-one or
in small groups, and you know you can
motivate and encourage people when
they want to give up, think about
becoming a personal trainer.
First, you need to study for a
qualification that's accredited by The
Register of Exercise Professionals
(www.exerciseregister.org). The Level 2
Gym Instructor qualification (or Fitness
Instructing qualification) will form a
basis, and then you can continue with
your Level 3 Personal Trainer Course.
Once you've achieved both Level 2 and
Level 3 qualifications, you can then be
awarded the Level 3 Diploma in Fitness
Instructing and Personal Training.
J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 1 5 5
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