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Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors help people improve to their general fitness or train for special events, through individual programmes or classes.
Fitness instructors may do some or all the following: 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 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.
Fitness workers instruct or coach groups or individuals in various exercise activities. Because gyms and health clubs offer a variety of exercise activities such as weightlifting, yoga, aerobics and karate, fitness workers typically specialize in only a few areas.
Fitness trainers help clients to assess their level of physical fitness and help them to set and reach fitness goals. They also demonstrate various exercises and help clients to improve their exercise techniques. They may keep records of their clients' exercise sessions in order to assess their progress towards physical fitness.
Fitness instructors may also specialize in areas such as physiotherapy, nutrition or massage. Fitness instructors need to know about: anatomy and physiology; health and fitness; first aid; fitness assessment techniques; how to use gym equipment; how to prescribe and demonstrate safe, effective exercises and routines; basic nutrition principles.
Equipment fitness instructors work on: fitness and body composition testing equipment including stationary cycles, scales, tape measures and heart rate monitors; gym equipment and weights; office equipment; and stereos or tape recorders.
Fitness instructors work in gyms, recreation centres and fitness centres. Conditions at fitness centres and gyms vary, and can be noisy and crowded at times. Some fitness instructors do freelance work which may involve local travel to different fitness centres or outdoor training venues. Travel may also be required to attend training.
Most fitness instructors do shift work. They may work early mornings, evenings and weekends. Fitness instructors have contact with the public, fitness centre members and other fitness centre staff.
Fitness directors oversee the operations of a health club or fitness centre. Their work involves creating and maintaining programmes that meet the needs of the club's members.
Many fitness workers become personal trainers, in addition to their main job in a fitness centre, or as a full-time job. Some workers go into business for themselves and open up their own fitness centres.
Personal trainers work with clients on a one-on-one basis in either a gym or the client's home. As personal trainers often work as self-employed contractors, they need sales skills and the ability to develop and maintain their own client base. Business administrative skills are thus also useful.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping people and seeing them progress in their fitness
- keeping fit while enjoying yourself
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work after hours to suit clients' needs
- frustration with individuals who do not respond to encouragement
Requirements
- patient, friendly and supportive
- self-motivated and able to lead and motivate others
- professional and having good judgement
- organized, patient and adaptable
- energetic, fit, healthy and strong,
- good coordination and a clear voice
School Subjects
No specific high school requirements are necessary to enter this career, however, it is recommended that you go as far as you can at school
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, General Science
Training
Universities offering courses in Biokinetics, Exercise Science and Human Movement Science are: NWU, UP, UV, UCT, RU, UZ, UFS, NMMU, UJ, US, UWC, Wits.
Universities of Technology offering courses in Sport Management - TUT, CPUT, CUT, DUT, VUT.
Exercise Teacher’s Academy courses are offered as full-time, part-time, home study and e-study courses and are recognised by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, taking from 5 months to one year.
Various courses can be undertaken at academies for trainers, or at colleges.
Many skills are gained through further training on the job, and fitness instructors also attend workshops and courses to keep their skills up to date. Registered fitness instructors are required to continue their education by participating in approved education programmes.
As is the case in many fields, managerial skills are needed to advance to supervisory or managerial positions. College courses in management, business administration, accounting and personnel management are helpful for advancement to supervisory or managerial jobs.
An increasing number of employers require fitness instructors to have a bachelor degree in a field related to health or fitness, such as exercise science or physical education. Some employers allow workers to substitute a college degree for certification, while others require both a degree and certification.
A bachelor degree and, in some cases, a masters degree in exercise science, physical education, or a related area, along with experience, is usually required for advancement to management positions in a health club or fitness centre.
Employer
- private gymnasiums
- gymnasium and health centre chains
- universities and universities of technology
- large organizations
- self-employment - some aerobics instructors do freelance work or work from home and others have their own gyms
Contact
Exercise Teachers’ Academy
P O Box 694
Rondebosch 7701
Tel: (021) 683-8342 Fax: (021) 683-3515
www.exerciseacademy.com
Biokinetics Association of SA
P O Box 39051
Garsfontein East, 0060
Tel: (079) 509-9556 Fax: 086 519 8090
www.exerciseacademy.com
www.biokinetics.org.za