This comment was sent in an email by an email subscriber of the HomeCalisthenics blog.

Thanks Daniel. I really appreciate the info you send on fitness. I would like to take up a career as a fitness instructor in Kenya. Do you know what it would take? Sincerely, Steve.

I replied with the below comment and thought that if one person wants to know the answer then maybe others do too. Therefore, this post will outline the different paths on the road to becoming a fitness instructor.

Hi Steve, I’m pleased that you find my fitness information interesting and useful. A career as a fitness instructor is very rewarding and exciting, you will meet lots of people and discover many new perspectives on fitness. I can give you advice on how people in the UK can become fitness instructors. I’m sure the same rules will apply in Kenya.

The role of a fitness instructor
The primary role of a fitness instructor is to help people exercise in a safe and effective manner. This is usually achieved by instructing classes to large groups of people like circuits, aerobics and spinning, advising people about technique when performing free weights, or one to one tuition. As a fitness instructor becomes more qualified, with professional governing bodies, their role and responsibilities are increased.

Depending on qualifications and where they work a fitness instructor can be responsible for:

• fitness assessments, consultations and inductions
• advising clients how to use free weights and machines properly
• supervising clients to ensure they are exercising safely and effectively
• instructing group classes or one to one sessions
• designing personal exercise plans
• offering advice on health, exercise and nutritional aspects
• marketing and sales initiatives

Secondary roles can include working on the reception, health and safety checks of equipment, and testing water content of the swimming pool.

Specialist qualifications can be gained that will enable fitness instructors to work with special populations. These people include the elderly, children, pregnant or post pregnant women, and people with specific illnesses referred by a doctor.

How do I become a fitness instructor?
There are two paths for people who wish to become a fitness instructor, the first is to gain a nationally recognised qualification, the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) are a self governed organisation that was set up to regulate training, recognise industry based qualifications, and requires members to follow a coded of conduct. REPs are the preferred industry standard and recognise two qualifications that prospective fitness instructors are required to complete:

1. Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing awarded by City & Guilds, Active IQ, VTCT and CYQ
2. OCR Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Exercise and Fitness

The second path is to start as an assistant instructor and complete a work based qualification. You may be able to start as an assistant instructor and complete qualifications whilst working under the supervision of a qualified instructor. As an assistant fitness instructor you could work towards NVQ Level 2 in Instructing Exercise and Fitness, which is awarded by City & Guilds, CYQ, Active IQ and Edexcel.

When you have completed the NVQ you would be eligible for level 2 entry on the REPS.

Academic qualifications are not needed for this career but if you studied college classes in the a related area this will stand you in good stead. Fitness instructors are required to be over 18 for insurance and public liability purposes.

Continuing your training and development
REPs is made up of 4 professional levels. Level 3 is an advanced instructor and requires a fitness instructor to complete advanced qualifications that can be found on the REPs website. Level 4 was introduced at the end of 2007 and requires fitness instructors to complete units centred on specific illnesses and can also be found at the REPs website.

Promotion and the future
Fitness instructors are often promoted to senior instructors and oversee the junior fitness instructors acting as a mentor, this can lead to supervisory roles and management positions. Other possibilities include sports coach or personal trainer with further qualifications.

Thank you to Steve for the email and good luck with your quest in becoming a fitness instructor. To other readers please do not hesitate to email me a question or leave a comment, no question is a silly question, my philosophy states that if you want an answer to a question then you can guarantee that others do too.

If any fitness instructors from outside the UK have anything to add information about the specifics of fitness instruction in your own country then please comment or send an email. Thank you.

Links: learn-direct | connexionsdirect | REPs