If you are interested in a career in fitness, there are a wide range of opportunities to explore. We have produced a series of guides, written by industry experts, to give you valuable insight into the options available.

First Steps in Fitness - what could I get out of a career in the fitness industry?

Robin Gargrave answers your questions.

Do you have to be really fit to be a fitness instructor?
No, you don’t. It’s fine if you are, but it can be a bit of a “turn off” and even intimidating to those new to exercise if the instructor is blatantly “really” fit. You are obviously going to become a role model so a degree of fitness is vital. More important are your people skills and a passion for health, exercise and fitness.

What does a fitness instructor actually do?
Their job is to listen to people, find out what their goals are and help them achieve those goals by planning and delivering safe and effective exercise or activity sessions. Once the instructor has helped the individual or group establish an exercise habit, the focus then is on motivating and stimulating them to keep going, which is what most people find tough. Other duties as an employee usually include fitness inductions, gym supervision, health and safety checks and record keeping.

Is there a big demand for fitness instructors in the current economic climate?
Interestingly the fitness industry has managed a modest growth during the recession. Also, instructors tend to move around and change jobs frequently - so yes, there is still constant and big demand for fitness instructors.

What makes a good instructor?
Sound knowledge of exercise and the benefits of regular physical activity are essential, but the key attribute of a good instructor is the ability to empathise, enthuse and communicate with customers. These qualities mark out the good instructors from the rest.

What is the difference between a fitness instructor and a personal trainer?
A fitness instructor can plan teach and evaluate safe, effective exercise sessions for groups and individuals, and offer general advice on exercise programmes to help them achieve their goals. A PT (personal trainer) will use advanced knowledge and skills to help the client design and manage a specifically tailored programme. The PT takes into account the client’s wants, needs and activity preferences to meet agreed outcomes within an agreed time-frame.

What training and qualifications will I need to be one?
Obviously I’m biased, but YMCAfit really is the gold standard in exercise instructor training! Saying that, you should always shop around. Do ensure that your training leads to a nationally recognised qualification like the CYQ Fitness Instructor (Gym or Studio Instructor) Certificate. You can check on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) website for lists of approved training providers (www.exerciseregister.org).

What are the hours and working conditions like?
Be prepared to work anti social hours...this is not a 9 to 5 job! Many clubs use shifts so they can stay open from early morning to late at night and weekend work is inevitable.

Apart from leisure centres and private health clubs, where else could I find work?
Being self-employed is a good option, enabling you to get potentially greater financial reward, for example, by setting up your own aerobics class. You could also look to qualifying and working as a private personal trainer. Alternatively, try health spas and research opportunities with your local authority or Primary Care Trust to see what health and activity initiatives are going on.

What further training and opportunities are there once I'm qualified?
The sky is the limit. For example, YMCAfit have over 30 further REPs approved professional development courses enabling instructors to develop their skills to work with specific populations (including older people, children and young people, disabled people, ante and postnatal women, people with mental health issues and exercise referral patients). You can also develop your ability to deliver different exercise formats, for example, Cardio Kick, Tai Chi, Aqua Exercise, Circuit Training, Step Exercise, Street Dance and Pilates. The fitness instructor should never stand still! In this ever changing world, there is a need to constantly improve and develop your skills.