Fitness Assistant

The purpose of a fitness assistant is to promote health and fitness participation to new and existing gym and health club members. It will also give learners the tools to provide a friendly and informative fitness environment, actively assisting other workers and members.

A fitness assistant works to provide a clean, safe and friendly environment that encourages regular member attendance and satisfaction. They are a source of information and encouragement for all members and actively assist fitness instructors wherever possible.

A fitness assistant should be able to:

• Provide a safe, clean and friendly fitness environment.
• Promote fitness exercise as a part of a healthy lifestyle and be a positive example of it.
• Support fitness and health-related motives and goals for individuals.
• Provide information about the role of physical activity, modes of exercise and related services.
• Observe clients/members at all times and inform them where necessary about health and safety requirements and emergency procedures in the fitness environment.
• Positively interact and motivate clients/members to participate in regular physical activity.
• Promote healthy activities for daily living to clients/members (lifestyle management).
• Promote customer referral: invite customers to bring friends and family along and promote fitness activities in their social environment.
• Work within the parameters, recognising the standards and professional limitations of this role, referring to appropriate members of staff for guidance and support.

There are no specific entry requirements.

Target students:

• Students aged 14+.
• Students wishing to improve their knowledge of physical activity and wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle for themselves and influence others to do the same.
• Students considering a career in the active leisure sector.

The purpose of this programme of study is to provide students with the core knowledge of how the body works; how to adopt an active, healthy lifestyle; and how to ensure a safe, clean and friendly environment to support the industry’s main goal to get ‘more people, more active, more often’.

Students must complete the following programme of study:

• The principles of anatomy and physiology for fitness and physical activity
• Principles of active, healthy living
• Assist in the delivery of a fitness or physical activity session

Elements of the programme must be taught or delivered live, with the expected guided learning of approx. 26 hours.

• eAssessment

This programme of study provides progression on to:

• Fitness Instructor.
• Group Fitness Trainer.

The programme of study has been mapped to the EuropeActive standards for:

• Fitness Assistant.

The programme of study has been mapped to the relevant ICREPs:

• Core Standards.
• Gym Instructor Standards.

Not affiliated with OfQual. This programme is not endorsed by CIMSPA.

• £50 registration / certification fee – includes eManual
• Annual centre recognition fee of £625 exclusive of VAT will also apply

To view a sample of the Fitness Assistant eManual please use the page-turning version below:

Training/education providers based outside the UK who wish to have their training programmes accredited (endorsed) by Active IQ must complete an application form and submit accompanying evidence. All international programme accreditations must map to one of the EuropeActive Professional Standards, aligned to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or ICREPs standards where they exist. Details of these are listed in the application form, and programme content must map to Active IQ’s international programme specifications.

(NB. If an applicant wishes to seek EuropeActive endorsement, they are responsible for submitting their application independently from this process).

If you would like further information on registering as an education provider or delivering the above programme please complete the enquiry form on this page.

Training providers can apply to EuropeActive for accreditation of Active IQ’s Fitness Assistant programme. Upon accreditation successful students can then apply to be members of EREPs (European Register of Exercise Professionals).

EREPs is a fully independent register of instructors, trainers and teachers working in the European fitness sector. EREPs recognises the qualifications and skills of fitness professionals as an important assurance for consumers and employers.

ICREPs is a membership-based organisation. Members operate independent, competency-based registration systems for exercise/fitness professionals in over 10 countries.

The ICREPs Global Standards cover three fitness disciplines of Gym Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. There are also standards for special population clients.

Although ICREPs does not have a standard that supports the role of a Fitness Assistant the Active IQ Fitness Assistant programme of study has also been mapped against the ICREPs 2020 Global Standards for Exercise Professionals where they are relevant.

(NB. If an applicant wishes to seek EuropeActive endorsement, they are responsible for submitting their application independently from this process).