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There is an ever-growing interest in exercise and general fitness as a means of promoting well-being and a healthy body. People of all ages are increasingly taking up exercise, to keep in shape, reduce body fat and tone muscles. The upsurge in interest in exercise and fitness has led to an increasing number of jobs for professionals in this field.
There are many different places, offering a tremendous number of activities.The range includes large sports and leisure centres, which have hi-tech fitness suites and run fitness classes and aqua-aerobics and other pool-based exercise programmes; small private clubs with pool facilities, sauna and a multi-gym; health studios offering fitness training for individuals and groups; village halls and local authority premises which run evening classes in aerobics, step, keep fit and other exercise and movement instruction. All these provide employment opportunities for exercise and fitness instructors.
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There are many activities that instructors may specialise in and teach to individuals or groups. Aerobics is an overall body exercise that increases oxygen levels in the blood. During this (cardiovascular) exercise, the pulse rate is increased and heart and lung rates work to improve condition. Instructors in fitness suites and similar establishments monitor aerobic exercise through cardiovascular equipment such as joggers and cycles. |
Obviously to work in this field you have to be fit and healthy, with a keen interest in keeping yourself in shape. Another important requirement is having an interest in people and a real desire to help them. You will need to be able to motivate people, explain things in a straightforward manner and give encouragement.
People going to a class or a fitness suite for the first time may be very shy and self-conscious, and it will be your job to put them at ease and help them to relax and enjoy the exercise. If it is too painful, exhausting or humiliating the client is unlikely to come back for more.
| Instructing demands patience and you will have to assess your clients’ capabilities and pace exercise programmes accordingly. You may have to adapt certain exercises to suit people’s individual needs, perhaps taking into account an individual’s health or injury problems. You will also have to recognise when a client has a serious health problem and should be referred to a doctor. |  |
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and current good practice is needed to enable you to give safe and effective instruction. An interest in nutrition is also an essential component in co-ordinating good health and fitness.
Further education colleges offer a wide range of part time evening and substantial daytime programmes of subjects that will help you towards your goal of being a Gym/Fitness Instructor, Aerobics or Step Instructor. Courses range from a YMCA Foundation Certificate to aid in the delivery of exercise to music, Gym Instructors and an NVQ in Facility Operations that would enable you to competently work within the leisure industry with a wide range of leisure facilities.
Some colleges offer a state-of-the art gym for students, staff and members of the public. You can often use the facilities both during the day and in the evening and even have a special fitness programme designed by the resident instructors.
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Apart from health and fitness there are a number of other qualifications that can lead a variety of careers in sport and leisure and will be attractive to those active-types who shudder at the thought of life behind a desk. Most colleges of further education run such courses and there are sports teacher qualifications run by universities and teacher training colleges. |
| The level of qualification range from GCSEs and ‘A’ Level in PE or sports studies to NVQ2 and NVQ3 in coaching and activity delivery. Most of these courses require some prior qualifications; adults with limited qualifications can take the Access to NVQ sport and recreation that prepares you for the NVQ2 course. Many colleges run courses in coaching, weight training, gym instructors, rock climbing and orienteering on a substantial daytime or part-time basis. |  |
Many colleges run courses in coaching, weight training, gym instructors, rock climbing and orienteering on a substantial daytime or part-time basis.
Obviously, because the activities can be dangerous, a high level of training is required. This is why to work in most outdoor activities you do need proper training and formal courses. But naturally the courses themselves involve a high level of outdoor activities and pursuits that means even while training you won’t be tied to a desk.
For further information on courses, please contact your local college or careers service.This article appears with thanks to Calderdale College and first appeared in the Halifax Evening Courier.
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