how difficult is a fitness instructing course

What is the fitness instructor course?

Whether you wish to work in a gym or set up a personal fitness business, the Fitness Instructor Course will guide you every step of the way to turning your passion into a sustainable income.

What are the expectations of a group fitness instructor?

As with any career, there are legal, ethical, and professional expectations for certified Group Fitness Instructors. Included in these expectations is the need for continued educational and experiential development, as well as methods for self-care to help you sustain and thrive.

Does being a fitness professional make it harder to workout?

In fact, sometimes becoming a fitness professional makes it even harder to fit in your own workout, Dawson adds. "At the end of the day, after working in a gym, the last thing you'll want to do is stay for a personal workout. Motivating yourself can be challenging when you're teaching (or training) often."

Are fitness instructors in demand?

The need for fitness instructors is expected to increase at a rate much faster than other jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [ 1 ]. Yoga and pilates, in particular, continue to grow in popularity as older adults look for low-impact ways to stay active. Just like our bodies, fitness programs come in all shapes and sizes.

How hard is it to become a fitness trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer isn't hard, but serious work and study are required. Look at both entry-level and advanced certification programs. Personal trainers need to spend a lot of time experimenting in the gym to gain knowledge. Personal trainers must put the necessary effort into marketing.

Is being a fitness instructor worth it?

Passion and profits. If you're passionate about health and fitness and helping others, personal training can be a great career path. Median pay for personal trainers is $38,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and demand is expected to grow by about 8 percent.

Can you make a living being a fitness instructor?

Yes, many trainers that put in hard work can make $100,000 or more a year as a personal trainer. Personal trainers that take their businesses online also benefit from higher incomes as they can sell services while they sleep and are not limited to the available hours in a day as are in-person trainers.

How long does it take to get a Level 2 Certificate in fitness Instructing?

If you study from home for the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing then, we find that, on average, qualification tends to take around six weeks. However, the time frame is flexible.

Can I become a personal trainer at 40?

Over the years, we've heard tons of people question 'am I too old to be a personal trainer? ', and tons of reasons why they think that it's too late for them to get qualified. The truth is, there are no personal trainer age limits. In fact, the fitness industry needs more diversity!

What are cons of being a fitness trainer?

4 cons of being a fitness trainerInconsistent income. Whether you work for yourself or for an employer, income can be inconsistent as a personal trainer because your earnings depend on how many clients you work with each week. ... Challenging clients. ... Risk of injury. ... Inconvenient work hours.

Why I quit being a personal trainer?

I quit being a personal trainer for three simple reasons; money, disillusionment, and career progression. These are the same reasons that thousands of other personal trainers have quit the industry too. They can't earn enough money, lose faith in what they're doing, and no longer see it as a long-term career.

How do you get 100k personal training?

In the personal training industry, 25-32 hours is considered full-time (once again, depending on location and self-drive). In order to make 100k, you need to be bringing in $8,333/ month. This is the first step in organizing your year. THIS IS PROJECTED.

Do personal trainers sleep with clients?

“Every gym I've ever belonged to I've heard stories of trainers sleeping with their clients, and usually not just with one,” says Cohen, who says she has been a member at an upwards of 10 gyms. “At one gym I went to, a trainer was sleeping with five of his clients before they all found out.

How much do fitness instructors make UK?

Generally, the hourly rates all tend to be around £8.50 to £8.90, which roughly equates to £16,320 to £16,742 per year.

How do you qualify as a fitness instructor?

To become a Fitness Instructor you need to qualify from a Level 2 Fitness Instructor course such as:Level 2 Gym Instructor Certification.Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification.Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing.Level 2 Diploma in Health, Fitness, and Exercise Instruction.

What can you do with a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification?

So, what can a level 2 gym instructor do? As well as giving gym inductions and showing members how to use the exercise machines and equipment, they can provide general training advice, use marketing and business knowledge to build client relationships, and ensure that all customers are safe and satisfied at all times.

Fitting Learning Around Your Lifestyle

The first thing to consider is how the course will fit around your lifestyle. You may have the free time to study the course on a full-time basis or you may have other commitments that will require you to study a part-time course.

Career Support

Once you know how you’d like to study, you can begin looking for courses.

What else will I need to become a fitness instructor?

A career in fitness is extremely desirable, but it’s not for everybody. To really excel in this industry, you’ll need to have a few personal traits alongside the skills and knowledge gained from your certification.

Other benefits of taking a fitness instructor course

If you are passionate about health and fitness but aren’t quite ready to take the leap into becoming a personal trainer, a level 2 course in fitness instructing is a perfect introduction into the fitness industry.

What is a fitness instructor course?

Are you passionate about fitness and want to make that step from fitness enthusiast to qualified fitness instructor? Whether you wish to work in a gym or set up a personal fitness business, the Fitness Instructor Course will guide you every step of the way to turning your passion into a sustainable income. This course includes step-by-step training on how to conduct a fitness assessment, create a HIIT workout routine, set long-term goals for your clients, minimise the risk of injury, and much more.

How to become a fitness instructor?

Develop the most in-demand skills required to become a qualified fitness instructor. Know how to assess fitness levels of clients and create the ultimate workout and diet plan. Understand the science behind healthy weight loss management and muscle development.

How many hours does it take to become an accredited college?

To provide you with ease of access, this course is designed for both part-time and full-time students. You can become accredited in just 20/30 hours, with the freedom to study at your own pace.

What does an assessor look for in a programme?

The assessor is mainly looking to see you set up the exercise for your client (teaching), analysing your clients performance (coaching), then giving feedback on performance etc (educating). Once these have been observed the assessor will move you on to the next stage of the session (even if only 1 or 2 work sets of a planned 3 set exercise has been delivered – this will be re-iterated throughout this article).

How to start a post stretches?

Start your post-stretches (at least a 30 second hold and develop most stretches) by showing your client where they can do this on their own, and get them lying down on a mat. By starting with the lying down stretches first, you really enforce the para-sympathetic nervous system to start calming the body.

What is a level 2 certificate in fitness instruction?

The Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing course requires you to programme a session for your client that you need to coach them through so that they can perform this programme on their own , i.e. without you coaching them in every session.

What to do if you can't do it to your satisfaction?

If they cant do it to your satisfaction, give them an alternative exercise they can do . Assume you are to perform all planned work-sets and rest, the assessor will ask you to move on at points, don’t just rush to the next one, make sure the gym is left as it should (weights away, benches/matts wiped etc).

How to teach a dumbbell lunge?

Give clear instruction of each teaching point and target muscles used. If a body weight exercise could be used, i.e. bodyweight lunge before a dumbbell lunge then go through that first to check client technique.

How long to stretch for level 2?

Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. The Level 2 Fitness Instructor needs to show good knowledge in using developmental stretching. To perform developmental stretches, and do this and a good few of the stretches, coach as follows: Breathe in and on the exhale perform the stretch on the muscle – hold for up to 30 seconds.

What to say when someone asks about becoming a fitness instructor?

The first thing I usually hear when someone asks about becoming a fitness instructor is, "it seems like such a fun job–I mean, you get paid to work out!" Not exactly. When you're on the clock as a trainer or instructor, getting in a good workout should be the last thing on your mind.

What is it like to be a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer or fitness instructor means you are responsible for running your own business. A huge part of that is getting all of the appropriate certifications, CPR training, and liability insurance, says Jeff Bell, master trainer and owner of The Bell Fitness Company in New York City. Even though you'll spend your own money, time, and energy studying and passing your certification course (s), that's the easy part, he says. "The hard part is creating a sustainable business that doesn't absorb all of your physical and emotional energy trying to get clients." It's important to recognize that you're selling yourself as the product people will buy; so not only do you have to offer something of real value to a potential client, but you'll also have to constantly develop, update, market, and sell your product too, Bell says.

Do you have to demonstrate movements in your classes?

While you will demonstrate movements, all of the exercises you include in your classes (or with clients) should be done with the student's best interests in mind, not your own personal desire to get in a good workout, Matthews says. In fact, sometimes becoming a fitness professional makes it even harder to fit in your own workout, Dawson adds.

Is it hard to fit in your own workout?

In fact, sometimes becoming a fitness professional makes it even harder to fit in your own workout, Dawson adds. "At the end of the day, after working in a gym, the last thing you'll want to do is stay for a personal workout. Motivating yourself can be challenging when you're teaching (or training) often.".

Is Zumba class easy?

The Actual Class is the Easy Part. zumba-class-rotator-ro. It might look like your Zumba instructor is having the time of her life (and she probably is!), but that doesn't mean her job is all fun and games. Before she even showed up at the gym, she likely spent hours compiling the perfect playlist, attending conferences to learn new moves, ...

Is it rewarding to be a fitness trainer?

A fitness career can be very rewarding (and often comes with great perks like a free gym membership), but there's much more to becoming a successful trainer than most people know. To help you decide if you should get certified, we asked top experts what they wish they'd known as a budding trainer or group fitness instructor.

BEFORE CLASS

Prepare everything about the class. Winging it or going in with a half-baked idea of what you will teach has the potential to backfire, leaving you feeling panicked and looking unprepared. New instructors often find it useful to write down the entire lesson plan.

DURING CLASS

When you're afraid or nervous, it's tempting to keep your head down and just go through the motions until the class is over. But that doesn’t provide the best experience for participants, or you.

AFTER CLASS

Recognize your achievement—you’ve just completed your first class! Shortly afterward, spend a few minutes reflecting on what worked well with this group of participants and what you might need to tweak for next time. Also, what felt especially right for you? Teaching fitness is all about gaining experience and refining your skills as you go.

About the Author

Amanda Vogel, MA, human kinetics, is a self-employed fitness instructor, presenter and writer in Vancouver, B.C. In addition to being a social media consultant, Amanda tests fitness gadgets, gear and clothes and writes about them on her blog www.FitnessTestDrive.com. Find Amanda at @amandavogel on Twitter and @amandavogelfitness on Instagram.

What is AFAA GFI?

The AFAA-GFI certification is the foundation of a group fitness instructor. You will learn the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills, and leadership strategies for teaching safe, effective, and enjoyable group fitness classes no matter what the format is.

What is group fitness certification?

A Group Fitness Certification is the Foundation. Group fitness formats have gained and waned in popularity through the years. With a Group Fitness Certification you'll learn foundational teaching skills, empowering you to adapt quickly and easily to new exercise formats. 1980.

What is Module 13?

Module 13: Nutrition. Achieving optimal health and fitness goes beyond human movement, it also encompasses nutrition. Nutrition is an evolving and quickly changing science. As new research is conducted, new information provides fresh insights that may influence the work you do as a Group Fitness Instructor.

What are the expectations of a certified fitness instructor?

Included in these expectations is the need for continued educational and experiential development, as well as methods for self-care to help you sustain and thrive.

What is a good resource for a group fitness instructor?

One precious resource for an aspiring Group Fitness Instructor is a vast inventory of exercises that might be useful across multiple formats. Additionally, instructors should be familiar with the appropriate technique for each exercise they offer, as well as be prepared to offer modifications to accommodate participants' needs.

What is integrated fitness?

Integrated fitness is the foundation for the successful development of any fitness program, combining multiple types of exercise to help participants achieve their goals. Through the application of the various components of integrated fitness, you can design safer, more effective fitness classes.

How to become a certified group fitness instructor?

In order to become certified, you must pass an NCCA-accredited certification exam. The course content is designed to prepare you to pass this exam. The course is designed to be self-paced, and has been designed to walk you through ...

What is a group fitness instructor?

A group fitness instructor or group exercise instructor is a trainer who coaches multiple people in a single session. Unlike a personal trainer, who can focus exclusively on one person and their current status, a group trainer is a bit more removed from each client.

What are some examples of fitness certifications?

Examples include the ACE group fitness certification, NASM group exercise certification, fitness instructor certification, and any other aerobics certification that covers coaching methods for small or large groups.

What is ACE fitness?

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) The above personal fitness training programs are the most popular institutions out there with massive industry recognition. Their fitness professionals certification programs are their flagship offerings and have the highest enrollment for excellent reasons.

What is a certified health coach?

As a certified health coach, you will be able to work with special populations. This includes people with serious chronic or terminal illnesses, senior fitness, the disabled, and other special needs groups.

Is nutrition more important than exercise?

Whatever the case, nutrition is as important, if not more important, than the exercise methodologies that come in with health and fitness. Having a separate nutrition qualification is our top recommendation for a secondary certification to go with any of the exercise-centric credentials mentioned in this article.

Do you need to recertify for NASM?

Where NASM wins as a group fitness cert is in the fact that once certified, you don’t need to recertify.

What is a level 2 fitness instructor?

A Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing is the minimum qualification required to work as a fitness instructor in a gym or sports centre. This means you’ll be able to create and instruct fitness classes and routines either on a freelance basis, or as an employee.

What qualifications do you need to be a fitness instructor?

What fitness instructor qualifications are there? To become a qualified fitness instructor and work in a gym or sports centre, you need one of the following qualifications: Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing. Level 2 Diploma in Fitness and Exercise Instruction. Level 2 Diploma in Health, Fitness and Exercise Instruction.

Why are fitness instructors important?

However, there are several reasons fitness instructor qualifications are important. These include: Future proofing – the fitness industry is famously unregulated, but change could be on the horizon. You don’t want to lose clients or damage your reputation after regulation does come in. Gyms often enforce a minimum qualification requirement in order ...

What level of training do I need to become a fitness instructor?

If you do, the next step is to get more advanced fitness qualifications, such as: Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. If you enrol at a college to take a Level 3 course, you’ll likely need 4 or 5 GCSEs graded C or above, plus a Level 2 qualification unless it’s a part ...

What is a specialist in fitness?

As such, being a specialist will solidify your career and help you stand out in the fitness industry. If you can emerge as an authority on a specific area of fitness, you’re consequently more likely to get a regular stream of work. Some examples of specialisations include: Yoga. Pre and postnatal fitness.

Can I get an apprenticeship as a fitness instructor?

Apprenticeships – gyms and leisure centres may offer fitness instructor apprenticeships in order to upskill future potential employees. Through your job – if you work at a leisure centre, it may be possible for your employer to enrol you on a fitness instructor course.

Do gyms require fitness instructors?

Gyms often enforce a minimum qualification requirement in order to work for them as a fitness instructor. Therefore, you may limit your job prospects if you don’t meet this requirement. Discerning clients could ask what your fitness instructor qualifications are. If you don’t have any, they may look elsewhere.

Becoming a Spinning Instructor

My indoor cycling instructor gave me information on the next Spinning Instructor Training in our area. This workshop was great! It was nice to be around other people who were interested in becoming certified and having the opportunity to get all my questions answered.Afterwards, I registered for the official Spinning Instructor Training session.

Life as an Indoor Cycling Instructor

I’ve been teaching Spinning classes for over a year now! I only teach one or two classes per week in between my accounting job. This is a great way to get a good workout in and actually see how my classes are making a difference in the lives of my students.I have to get re-certified every two years, but that wasn’t as daunting as it seemed.