In this article we will explore exactly what qualifications are required to work in a gym and what the key differences are between our Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification and our Level 3 Personal Training Course.
Required Qualifications to Work at a Gym
To work in a gym environment, and attain the adequate insurance you will need to graduate with a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification at a minimum.
This is your first step into the industry, there are no Level 1 Personal Trainer or Level 1 Gym Instructor Qualifications that you must first gain before beginning at Level 2.
You can choose to study your Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification as a standalone qualification or you can study it within our packaged Diploma that includes Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal Trainer.
The Qualifications
The way you achieve your qualifications is completely up to you, whether it is part-time, full time, or completely online.
To become a Qualified Fitness Instructor, you need to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing course, also known as a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.
These qualifications show that not only are you professionally competent but also that you have the relevant knowledge needed to safely work in a gym or fitness studio environment.
In most cases, a Level 2 qualification is the minimum requirement to work in a gym, and you can get qualified in a number of ways – on a college course as part of your further education upon leaving school, through a specific apprenticeship at participating gyms, or even through the workplace as professional development.
If you are thinking of changing your career or want to complete a Fitness Instructing class at your own pace, then you might be best using a private training company – like us here at The Fitness Group UK.
Our Level 2 courses are designed to take beginners right through to certification in range or different schedules – full time, part-time and online. If you are looking to further your education, you can take the next step with Level 3 – a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training will allow you to move into one-on-one coaching as your next career step, and then the world will be your oyster in terms of careers.
Beyond Level 3 you can choose to move on to study our Level 4 Personal Training Course and you can also specialise in areas like Pre and Post Natal or becoming a Spin Instructor
Possible Career Options When Qualified
Working in a gym is not the only thing that you could do once you are qualified. With some further learning, you could become:
- A Personal Trainer, running your own personal training business
- An expert in pre-and post-natal fitness
- A specialist in working with children, the elderly, or the disabled.
- A sports fitness trainer
- A physical therapist
- An occupational therapist
- A fitness consultant
- A gym manage
- A strength and conditioning coach with our Level 4 Personal Training Course
Future-proofing your career choice by achieving a recognised qualification means that in the future, if fitness teaching becomes a regulated industry, you will be protected – and it also gives you more freedom to choose where you work – and how much you can charge.
For more informational and inspiration, take a look at our posts on the best fitness jobs and strength and conditioning jobs.
Alongside basic requirements to work at a gym or a studio, your clients are going to want the reassurance that you are fully qualified to teach and encourage them – and if they feel that you are not knowledgeable enough, they might choose someone else. As a side note, you’ll also want to consider the right personal trainer insurance.
Get qualified for your career today with a course from The Fitness Group UK.