You can do a recognised qualification in gym instructing or fitness instructing.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

You could do a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Community Activator Coach Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, to give you some of the skills needed for this role.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could work as a leisure centre assistant and do part-time fitness qualifications on the job, which would allow you to apply for jobs as an instructor.

You can do qualifications through private training companies who offer specialist courses like:

• fitness instruction
• group based training
• gym instructing

You could train in a similar role as a physical training instructor in the armed forces.

You can find out more from the:

• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy
• Army

You'll need:

• a desire to help people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to teach and motivate people
• customer service skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• have a first aid certificate
• pass enhanced background checks

You'll usually need public indemnity and professional liability insurance, if you're self-employed.

As a fitness instructor you could:

• assess people's fitness and create personal exercise programmes
• demonstrate activities, exercise machines and weights
• help people exercise safely and give advice on having a healthy lifestyle
• lead group exercise classes
• update client records
  
• follow health and safety guidelines and maintain equipment

You could work in the community, at a school, at a health centre or in a park.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.