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 a number of fields such as gym instructor, group exercise instructor, or aqua instructor.

What you would do

• discuss lifestyle and fitness goals with fitness centre members
• assess members' fitness and body types
• design fitness classes or individual fitness programmes
• explain and demonstrate exercises, weight training or class routines
• take clients for personal training sessions
• supervise fitness centre members to ensure exercises are done safely and that they are using the correct technique
• give advice on preventing or recovering from injuries
• give basic nutritional and lifestyle advice
• lead fitness classes
• cleaning and tidying duties
• reception and clerical duties

Gym Instructor
Gym Instructors plan, lead and instruct basic exercise programs and activities for aerobic conditioning, flexibility and strength, and perform fitness assessments for low risk individuals.

Group Exercise Instructor
Group Exercise Instructors plan and conduct group exercise classes for groups of low risk individuals. Group Exercise Instructors may be required to plan and deliver exercise to music classes in a range of different styles to achieve varying class objectives.

Aqua Instructor
Aqua Instructors plan and instruct water based classes for low risk individuals. Aqua Instructors may be required to plan and deliver classes in a range of different styles to achieve varying class objectives.

You need to be

• skilled in physical education, aerobics, personal training or testing peoples fitness
• energetic and physically fit
• able to lift and carry
• well coordinated
• understanding of anatomy and physiology
• knowledgable about health and fitness, including fitness assessment techniques
• knowledgable about gym equipment and how to operate it correctly
• understanding of how to prescribe and demonstrate safe, effective exercises and routines
• aware of basic nutrition principles
• a good communicator
• a good problem-solver for determining which exercises suit different clients
• able to make good judgements
• self motivated and able to motivate others
• patient with a friendly attitude
  
  

You will require 

• Certificate III in Fitness
• Senior First Aid Certificate

Improve your chances by

• gaining a degree in physical education, exercise science or human movement
• gaining work experience at a recreaton centre
• having a background in fitness activities
• taking Physical Education as a subject

What you will earn

Shift work is often involved, including early mornings and late nights. To find more information about wages and conditions click here

Long term possibilities

Working as a fitness instructor can lead to work as a fitness manager