Fitness Instructor

Answers supplied by Vanessa
Launchbury, gym manager at Fitness Exchange, at the Riverside complex. Fitness Exchange was branded as "London's brightest health club chain" until it spread nationwide a few years ago. It has a bright, trendy, young feel and is known for its friendly and professional staff.

What does the job entail?
Primarily the job involves health screening and providing exercise programmes tailored to the individual needs of your clients. Teaching fitness classes, sharing your knowledge, educating, advising and motivating members is also part of the job. You will be working as part of a team and will be required to carry out a certain amount of cleaning and maintenance of the equipment. It is important to provide outstanding customer service at all times.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
It is essential to have the YMCA gym instructor or Premier Training qualification or equivalent. There are hundreds of training courses available but not all are recognised. The courses must be S/NVQ level 1-3 and accredited by a fitness industry body. If you are in doubt look on their web page, get a brochure or contact a gym and ask the advice of a fitness professional.

What type of person will fit in?
Someone who is friendly, approachable, enthusiastic and a team player. You must have excellent interpersonal skills, be confident and well presented (with health and fitness in mind), reliable and flexible.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
On the plus side you are doing a job you love and it is satisfying to help people achieve their fitness goals. You will also get free use of the fitness facilities which is a bonus. The fitness industry is not highly paid unless you can acquire a variety of skills and move into personal training, freelance teaching or management.
You will also have to work shifts including weekends and carry out cleaning and maintenance as part of the job.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
For those who excel, there are opportunities to progress and move into different areas. With extra qualifications you could become a personal trainer or if you prefer teaching fitness classes, you could progress to a studio co-ordinator which may also require some extra qualifications. If you prefer an all-round role you could progress into management by becoming a senior instructor or gym manager.

What can I expect to earn?
An average starting salary in Norwich is about £10,000 depending on skills and experience. You could expect to earn about £15,000 for junior management roles. Personal trainers can earn £12-25 per hour and freelance class instructors can earn about £15 per hour. Salaries would probably be higher in London.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
For details of training courses, contact YMCA Fitness Industry Training on 0207 343 1850 or Premier Training International on (01255) 353535. Visit gyms and fitness clubs to find out as much as you can about them. Don't always wait for a job to be advertised; find out the name of the gym manager and send them your CV. Fitness Exchange currently has vacancies for part-time instructors. Send a CV with covering letter to Vanessa Launchbury, Fitness Exchange, 4b Riverside, Norwich.