Career outlook for fitness instructor
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£18,200
Currently employed in Scotland
4,600
Average UK salary
£18,200
Currently employed in Scotland
4,600
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would lead people in exercise activities and advise them on healthy eating. You’d motivate and inspire them to get fitter and healthier.
You’d organise group and individual exercise programmes for your clients. You could offer a range of activities or specialise in a particular one, such as:
- Keep fit
- Aquacise (exercise in water)
- Weight training
- Yoga
- Pilates
You might also work with specific groups of people such as older adults, children, people with disabilities or people referred by doctors.
You would:
- Assess a person’s fitness and ask them about their goals
- Show people the health club facilities
- Demonstrate exercise activities
- Show people how to use exercise machines and free weights properly
- Make sure people exercise safely and effectively
- Lead group exercise classes, like circuit training, aerobics or spinning
- Create personal exercise programmes
- Advise people about healthy eating and lifestyles
You’d be outgoing and friendly to encourage people, who may not be used to exercise, to enjoy it and keep on coming to the training sessions.
As well as being healthy and fit yourself, you’d know about nutrition and healthy diets. A responsible attitude to health and safety is important.
In small health and fitness clubs you may carry out routine duties, such as working at reception and the swimming pool, and doing health and safety checks.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
23%
Part-time
22%
Self employed
56%
Create a qualification route
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Discover my routeTop skills
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- Resilience
- Positive attitude
- Coaching
- Mentoring
- Time management
- Developing a plan
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Building relationships
- Empathising
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Many applicants have a relevant sports, fitness or coaching HNC/HND (SCQF level 7/8) or a degree (SCQF 9/10).
You could get into this job through a Modern Apprenticeship in Active Learning, Leisure and Wellbeing (SCQF Level 5/6).
To enter an HNC or HND course usually requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and at least three Highers.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- physical education
- science subjects in particular biology, human biology and chemistry
- Health and food technologies
You will also need
- To pass a fitness test for entry to some courses and jobs.
- A First Aid Certificate, which includes a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate, for some roles
- Lifeguard qualifications, for some roles.
It is recommended that once you are qualified you join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Helpful to have
Recognised work-based qualifications in fitness instruction such as Instructing Exercise and Fitness at (SVQ level 2)
Qualifications that show skills in health, fitness and working with others such as the Sports Leaders UK Youth Award or Skills for Work Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5)