Fitness Instructor

The purpose of a fitness instructor is to build fitness participation for new and existing members. A fitness instructor welcomes and introduces new members to fitness by providing inductions and supports existing members with on-going programmes. A fitness instructor leads members through programmes and is responsible for the resulting member fitness experience, which should be positive and meet their individual needs.

A fitness instructor should be able to:

• Provide effective and safe fitness instruction.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Identify individual motives and resulting short, medium and long-term fitness goals.
• Suggest relevant exercise adaptations or options to allow for individual client differences or needs.
• Provide participants with advice on intensity and how to progress their individual performance and results.
• Observe clients and correct unsafe technique.
• Provide clients with technical models for exercise technique.
• Positively interact and motivate clients using appropriate tools in order to promote adherence to exercise.
• Deliver good customer service and be a positive role model at all times.
• Promote healthy activities and related strategies for daily living to clients (lifestyle management).
• Promote customer referral: invite customers to bring friends and family along and promote their fitness activities in their social environment.
• Promote a healthy and clean 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 although some experience of gym-based exercises is highly recommended.

Target students:

• students aged 16+*
• students wishing to pursue a career in the health and fitness sector as gym-based fitness instructors.

* Students may not be able to enter EReps or employment until aged 18.

The purpose of this programme of study is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment. During the programme of study, students will cover:

• Anatomy, physiology and nutrition and how they relate to exercise and fitness.
• Health and safety in a fitness environment.
• The skills to conduct individual inductions in a gym-based environment.
• How to support exercise adherence and a healthy lifestyle.
• The skills to plan, instruct and supervise safe and effective exercise and physical activity sessions.
• Professionalism for fitness instructing.
• How to deliver exceptional customer service.

Elements of the programme must be taught or delivered live, with the expected guided learning of approx. 48 hours.

• eAssessment
• Modular observation (consultation)
• Session plan
• Summative observation (session delivery)
• Modular observation (exercise modes)
• Self-evaluation

This programme of study provides progression to:

• Personal Trainer related qualifications or programmes of study.
• Group Trainer related qualifications or programmes of study.

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

• Fitness Instructor.

The programme of study has been mapped to the ICREPs:

• Core Standards.
• Gym Instructor Standards.

This programme is not affiliated with Ofqual. This programme is not endorsed by CIMSPA.

• £100 Registration / certification fee – includes eManual.
• Annual centre recognition fee of £625 exclusive of VAT will also apply. 

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 our enquiry form.

Training providers can apply to EuropeActive for accreditation of Active IQ’s Fitness Instructor 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.

Active IQ Fitness Instructor 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).