Getting fit is taking OVER FROM partying for many people. Why not join the movement as an instructor?
Eating clean and getting lean are the latest buzzwords among young people, who are focusing more and more on improving and maintaining their health and fitness levels.
Spending on UK gym membership has soared by 44% in the past year, according to data published by Cardlytics, which monitors and analyses consumer spending.
Global market research provider Mintel said: ‘Nearly four-fifths of UK adults have set themselves at least one health or fitness goal, yet only 12% currently use a gym. However, the indications for the private health and fitness club sector remain promising, with the continued rise of budget gyms helping to break down the barriers associated with more established clubs, namely cost, location and the requirement for long-term contracts.
That means thousands of employees are needed to sign up clients for membership, teach fitness classes and carry out personal training sessions.
Health-conscious consumers are demanding more flexible ways of improving their fitness, research has found. They are taking advantage of new technology, such as apps and wearable devices – effectively virtual personal trainers alongside gym facilities. Just look at Joe Wicks, the Body Coach, whose Instagram diet and fitness routines net him more than £1million a month.
Flexible approach
Gyms and fitness centres form a key part of the health and fitness industry, focusing on the supervision of physical activity. There has been a surge in budget gyms that don’t tie you in to long contracts or charge extortionate monthly fees.
While the majority of employment in the fitness industry is in private gyms and fitness centres, there are also opportunities to work in public health and fitness facilities, so don’t rule those out when searching for vacancies. Self-employment could be a good option for qualified, experienced professionals with a self-motivated approach.
The workforce tends to be young, as is the case for much of the leisure industry. Nearly a third of workers are aged between 16 and 24, compared with the 14% average across all UK industries.
The balance between full-time and part-time workers is reasonably equal, with 38% of employees working full-time and 42% working part-time. The remaining 20% work on a self-employed basis. Therefore, there’s bound to be a position that suits your requirements and commitments.
Be a… Fitness Instructor
There’s no set way to enter the health and fitness industry, but working as a Fitness Instructor is a popular way in. A recognised fitness instructor qualification is typically expected for this type of role. One of the best known is the Level 2 certificate in fitness instructing, which you can study for through a college or private training provider (tryactiveiq.co.uk). This certificate has four pathways – gym-based exercise, water-based exercise, exercise to music and physical activity for children enabling you to focus on your particular interests or desired specialisms.
Alternatively, you could start out as an Assistant Instructor at a gym or fitness centre and compete work-based training on the job to qualify. Typically, this would be the Level 2 diploma in instructing exercise and fitness.
Before applying for a college course, contact local gyms and fitness centres to find out what they require in terms of entry qualifications for Fitness Instructor roles. Remember that first aid, health and safety, and coaching awards will also be valued by employers, as will GCSEs (A*-C) in maths and English, and a GCSE or A-level in PE.
Be a… Personal Trainer
If you’re someone who loves keeping fit and you’re interested in helping others reach their fitness goals, then working as a Personal Trainer could satisfy all your career needs.
To become a Personal Trainer, your first port of call should be getting qualified. Make sure your qualification is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals, otherwise it may not be taken seriously by prospective employers.
First, you’ll need to complete a Level 2 qualification, such as a certificate in fitness instructing/gym, a diploma in health, fitness and exercise instruction or a diploma in instructing exercise and fitness, as a basis for your personal training course. With that under your belt, you can progress to take your Level 3 diploma in personal training.
This focuses on increasing your ability to assess the needs of your clients and recommend a training and diet programme that will enable them to achieve the results they are looking for.
The course also covers business skills, such as how to run your own personal training business.
Personal training courses are available through some further education colleges and many private training providers.
You will also need public liability insurance and a first aid award.
Deciding whether you want to work on a freelance, self-employed or employed basis is vital when you’re planning a career as a Personal Trainer.
According to discovery.uk.com, 76% of Personal Trainers are freelance and only 16% are employed on a full-time basis.
