Could you become a fitness instructor?
Could 2017 see you take your passion for fitness to a new level?
If so, you may consider turning a hobby into a career and pursue a college course or seek out an apprentice scheme as a gym instructor, personal trainer or fitness instructor teaching group exercise.
You can start as an assistant instructor at a sports centre and train on the job, or take a qualification in fitness instruction.
To work with children or other vulnerable groups, you’ll need to pass a background check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
You’ll need public liability insurance and a first aid certificate. You’ll need a good level of personal fitness.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
You will need the ability to motivate and inspire people; good communication skills and planning skills to create exercise programmes.
Your day-to-day tasks may include: • Assessing people’s fitness • Demonstrating activities • Showing people how to use
exercise machines and weights • Helping people exercise safely • Leading group exercise classes
like circuit training or aerobics • Creating personal exercise programmes giving advice on healthy eating and lifestyle The typical starting wage is £14,000 a year; experienced: £15,000 to £17,000 and self employed can earn from £20 to £30 a session.
You’ll usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. You could work shifts covering early mornings, evenings and weekends.
You could work in a gym, health club or leisure centre.
If you’re self-employed, you could run classes in schools or community centres, so you’ll travel locally.
You could take further training to become a personal trainer or teach extra activities.
With experience and qualifications, you could become a senior instructor or manager. You could also start your own fitness club.