Planit : Job Profiles : Gym Instructor Sport and Fitness

A gym instructor works with individuals in a gym, designing a fitness programme for them, and ensuring that they work out effectively and safely.

The Work

You could be:

supervising gym users to ensure they are using equipment correctly
carrying out gym inductions for new members
completing fitness assessments for clients
making up an exercise programme to suit an individual's needs
delivering gym based classes to a group of clients
maintaining and cleaning gym equipment
using a computerised membership and bookings database
dealing with telephone and reception enquiries
carrying out basic first aid.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.

Gym instructors in Scotland usually earn between £9.50 and £13.00 an hour.

Conditions

You would be based in a gym, health club or leisure centre.
You will work shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Part time work is common.

Workforce Employment Status

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Getting In

You do not need formal qualifications from school.
You will require a Level 2 gym instructor course such as the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym), YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym Based Exercise) or Gym Instructing; or SVQ Instructing Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 5.
You could do an HNC or HND in fitness, health and exercise. 1-2 Highers are needed for entry to an HNC or HND.
A first aid qualification may be required.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

Unemployment

Percentage of workforce registered as unemployed (Scotland)

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

Scotland

2019

2320

1.8 %

RISE

2024

2361

United Kingdom

2019

36015

2.8 %

RISE

2024

37030

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

excellent communication skills
good customer care skills
a friendly and outgoing personality
the ability to motivate and encourage
a high level of fitness
knowledge of nutrition and a healthy diet.

Training

You would train on the job alongside an experienced instructor.
You could take SVQs in sports subjects, including the SVQ in Instructing Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 5, while you are working.
You could also take the ITC Certificate in First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 6.
You could take CPD modules in areas such as Strength and Conditioning, Kettlebells and Core Stability, allowing you to teach gym based classes.

Getting On

You could work your way up to gym supervisor or manager.
As a qualified gym instructor, you can join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). Members must complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and make sure your qualifications are kept up to date.
Many gym instructors go on to train as personal trainers by completing the YMCA Awards Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training. See the Personal Trainer job profile.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Disclosure Scotland
Tel: 03000 2000 40
E-mail: info@disclosurescotland.gov.scot
Website: https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland/
Twitter: @DisclosureScot

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
Tel: 0330 004 0004
Website: http://www.exerciseregister.org/
Twitter: @REPsUK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REPsUK

SkillsActive
Tel: 0330 004 0005
Website: http://www.skillsactive.com/
Twitter: @SkillsActive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkillsActive

SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for active leisure and learning, including sport, recreation, health and fitness, outdoor education and adventure.

YMCA Awards
Tel: 020 3994 9500
E-mail: awards.support@ymca.co.uk
Website: http://www.ymcaawards.co.uk
Twitter: @YMCAawards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ymcaawards/

YMCAfit
Tel: 0370 218 8923
E-mail: ymcafit.bookings@ymca.co.uk
Website: http://www.ymcafit.org.uk/
Twitter: @ymcafit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ymcafit

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Planit

Gym Instructor

The Work

Pay

Conditions

Getting In

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

Training

Getting On

Contacts

Career Area

Career Sectors

Sport and Fitness

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