Fitness Instructor
Tasks & duties
Fitness instructors may do some or all the following:
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discuss lifestyle and fitness goals with fitness centre members
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assess members' fitness and body types
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design fitness classes or individual fitness programmes
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explain and demonstrate exercises, weight training or class routines
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take clients for personal training sessions
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supervise fitness centre members to ensure exercises are done safely and that they are using the correct technique
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give advice on preventing or recovering from injuries
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give basic nutritional and lifestyle advice
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lead fitness classes
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cleaning and tidying duties
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reception and clerical duties
Specialisations
Fitness instructors may specialise in areas such as physiotherapy, nutrition or massage
Skills & knowledge
Fitness instructors need to have:
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skill in physical education, aerobics, personal training or testing people's fitness
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an understanding of anatomy and physiology
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knowledge of health and fitness, including knowledge of fitness assessment techniques
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expertise in first aid
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knowledge of gym equipment and how to operate it correctly
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an understanding of how to prescribe and demonstrate safe, effective exercises and routines
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an awareness of basic nutrition principles
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good communication and people skills
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problem-solving skills for determining which exercises suit different clients
Aerobics instructors also need to know about choreography and leading exercise classes.
Personal trainers often work as self-employed contractors, so they need to have sales skills and the ability to develop and maintain their own client base. Business administration skills are also useful.
Entry requirements
To become a fitness instructor you usually need to have a degree, diploma or certificate in exercise science, leadership, or physical education.
Secondary education
Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent biology, science and physical education are useful to become a fitness instructor.
Training on the job
Many skills are gained on the job, and fitness instructors attend workshops and courses to keep their skills up to date. Registered fitness instructors are required to continue their education by participating in approved education programmes.
Useful experience
Useful experience for fitness instructors includes:
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recreation instructing
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sports training or coaching
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dance tuition
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work in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy or physical education
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customer service work
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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