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 around £12.00 and £15.00 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.

Useful Subjects

• Physical Education
• SfW Sport and Recreation

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, YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing; or SVQ Instructing Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 5.
• You could do an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) 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.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

2428

3.6 %

RISE

2031

2516

  United Kingdom

2026

35289

3.4 %

RISE

2031

36495

LMI data powered by Lightcast

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 courses 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 CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). Members must complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and make sure their qualifications are kept up to date.
• Many gym instructors go on to train as personal trainers by completing the YMCA Awards Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. See the Personal Trainer job profile.

More Information

For more information please see organisations listed below:

• Fitness Scotland 
• Skills Active
• YMCAfit
• CIMSPA

Video