How to become a Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors are involved in the assessment, teaching, training and supervision of a variety of people in health and fitness clubs, gymnasiums, sports centres and community recreation organisations. Fitness instructors may specialise in fields such as aerobics, aqua-fitness, personal training, exercise for specific groups (such as older people), resistance training and swimming.
Personal requirements for a Fitness Instructor
- Good level of physical fitness
- Enthusiastic, outgoing personality
- Background in fitness activities may be an advantage
- Good communication skills
Education & Training for a Fitness Instructor
To become a fitness instructor you usually have to complete a VET qualification in fitness. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a fitness instructor through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
Registration by Fitness Australia or Physical Activity Australia is generally accepted as the minimum requirement to work as an instructor in the health and fitness industry. Registration requires a current Provide First Aid Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.The registration category depends on your qualification and level of experience. Those who have obtained a Certificate III in Fitness can register as an Exercise Instructor and are eligible to register as a Gym Instructor, Children's Instructor, Older Adults Instructor, Aqua Instructor or Yoga Teacher. Those who have obtained a Certificate IV in Fitness can register as an Exercise Trainer and are eligible to become a Personal Trainer, Children's Trainer, Older Adults Trainer or Aqua Trainer. Those who have obtained a diploma can register as a Specialised Trainer.Fitness Australia and Physical Activity Australia are responsible for all aspects of assessing and registering fitness instructors in Australia. Registration is valid nationwide.
Duties & Tasks of a Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors:
- Assess the needs and capabilities of individuals through weighing, measuring and conducting fitness tests to check blood pressure, heart rate and lung capacity
- Provide training and assistance to individuals and groups by preparing a routine of exercises to music
- Provide advice to individuals on the correct method of exercising with weightlifting equipment, exercise bikes, treadmills and other training and exercise machines
- Devise personal exercise programs for individuals according to age and level of fitness
- Provide instruction in a variety of fitness activities
- Provide general non-medical nutrition advice
- Assist with the cleaning and general maintenance of the centre and ensure equipment is maintained and correctly set up.
Tasks
- Maintaining a working knowledge of current health and safety standards and ensuring working practices and procedures conform to current legislation
- Demonstrating and teaching body movements and skills used in fitness routines
- Ensuring clients are aware of and adhere to safety and injury prevention procedures
- Maintaining current first aid certificates
- Setting up and monitoring fitness equipment and ensuring that equipment is safe, clean and in working condition
- Consulting with various Health Professionals to develop and design fitness programs
- Teaching and advising on the use of fitness equipment
- Designing individual fitness programs based on assessment of the client's age, level of fitness, goals and abilities
- Delivering group exercise classes and personal tuition in a variety of fitness activities in a safe and creative manner
- Reporting accidents and preparing accident reports
Working conditions for a Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors may be employed on a casual basis and work at a number of different locations, including fitness centres, clinical settings, private practice and in the workplace. Shiftwork is often involved, including early mornings and late nights.
Employment Opportunities for a Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors can expect to find employment instructing individuals or groups in traditional settings, such as fitness centres or studios. Roles introduced more recently include assessment, consulting, health promotion and management roles in settings such as community, sport, workplace, clinical, outdoor and mobile services.A high proportion of fitness instructors are employed on a part-time or casual basis, although an increasing number of full-time positions are becoming available within the industry.
Specializations
Group Exercise Instructor
A group exercise instructor choreographs and delivers group classes to people who may vary in age and fitness levels.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer provides individual assessments, develops tailored fitness programmes and offers exercise instruction, demonstration and support for individuals and small groups.
Specialist Exercise Trainer
A specialist exercise trainer delivers advanced exercise programming and sports conditioning to a wide variety of clients. They may work in collaboration with allied health professionals like medical practitioners, dietitians, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. They may also be involved in the delivery of health promotion programmes and project management.
Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors are involved in the assessment, teaching, training and supervision of a variety of people in health and fitness clubs, gymnasiums, sports centres and community recreation organisations. Fitness instructors may specialise in fields such as aerobics, aqua-fitness, personal training, exercise for specific groups (such as older people), resistance training and swimming.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer provides individual assessments, develops tailored fitness programmes and offers exercise instruction, demonstration and support for individuals and small groups.
Average age
35 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
60% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,126
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
29% Full-Time
Employment Size
31,400 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.0%
NSW: 32.1%
NT: 0.4%
QLD: 19.8%
SA: 6.1%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 27.6%
WA: 10.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 3%
20-24: 14.7%
25-34: 31.8%
35-44: 25%
45-54: 16%
55-59: 4.4%
60-64: 2.6%
65 and Over: 2.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 20.3%
Bachelor degree: 24.1%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 34.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.7%
Year 10 and below: 2.8%
Year 11: 1.6%
Year 12: 11.2%
Years 11 & 10: 0%
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