Fitness Professionals

wannabedamned · 25 Feb 2010 at 15:47

Old thread bump: I posted up dates @ Post 27

Hi, I'm 27 and looking to retrain as a Fitness professional, I would like to work as a personal trainer in the long run, but for now a gym instructor would be a good aim for me. I currently have my own place and so full time study isnt an option for me, as I need to keep up work.

I just wondered what I need to be aiming at aquiring to be taken seriously in the industry, and I also wondered if anyone here actually works as a fitness pro. I've been working or studying in the IT sector for 10 years now, and I've reached a point where i've realised if i do it all my life i wont be happy. I dont enjoy the work, I do it because it comes somewhat naturally to me.

Since splitting with my girlfriend around 2 years ago, I buried my head in bettering myself, mentally, health and body wise. And it really has been an enjoyable experience and I feel that if i was to work and study in the fitness sector, I could actually be happy at work, rather than just being there to get paid.

I wasnt sure whether to post this here or in general, But Im sure I'll avoid the stupid replies if its here.

So any help would be much appreciated

BennyC · 25 Feb 2010 at 17:39

I'm in a similar boat to you. Currently finishing my degree at Uni (am only 20) but found a passion for fitness during my time here. I've decided whilst I still enjoy my degree 'Furniture' (fine/bespoke manufacture) a career amongst the fitness industry is better suited to me.

My uni gym recently did a 'Level 2 Gym Instructor' course which is recognised by REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals - you want your qualifications recognised by these guys) and is all about introducing beginners to safe and effective exercise. Mostly showing freeweight/fixed resistance/CV exercise. Basic coaching skills, basic programmes and general all round 'safety'. It's, from what I'm told, the minimum requirement you'll need to work in a gym. (There is no level 1, starts at level 2 for some reason

)

My Level 3 'Advanced Gym Instructor' begins on the 6th of March

and is all about advanced exercise techniques for both CV & resistance. So things like intervals, circuits, drop sets, pyramiding etc. And being able to write and adapt advanced programmes.

It does cover the biology side (Level 2, and 3 a bit more indepth. E.G. Level 2 you learn 'quadriceps' as a group and on level 3 you will learn each of the 4 quads) It isn't too tough and I managed to do it along side my degree. Basic stuff like the respiratory system and circulatory system etc.

With a level 2 & 3 you'd probaly (I hope for both our sakes) be taken more seriously. Level 3 is also part of the Personal Trainer Award. I'm studying with 'Envisage' and would highly recomend them. They're CYQ qualifications.

Level 2

Level 3

WantoN is a PT but not always around these parts too often.

WantoN · 25 Feb 2010 at 23:33

Hello Chap

I absolutely love, love, love my job. The fitness industry is wonderful and I was lucky to get my first club in a pretty prestigous club.

As a Fit Pro, don't expect good money, at all. And hold out for working in a big club, with lots of cool stuff going on and loads of training. From what I can gather, working in small clubs, or very competitive envireonments (Fitness First et all) is miserable.

To be taken seriously, you need to have a big personality, with a big knowledge backing. Deliver awesome service, be it as a fitness instructor or PT. And have area(s) of speciality that carry you in good stead. The beautiful thing about this industry is it's not just about what it says on your CV, especially with Virgin Active.

YMCA is very respected, as is Premier. I don't recommend Future Fit.

I did what you're considering, jacked in a job in electronics and became a Fit Pro, then PT. I've been very lucky with my career, but you have to put in serious, serious hours initially if you want to make it work for you. My favourite part of it is the awesome team I work with, the wonderful envireonment, fantastic clients and constant challenge I get. I get such a buzz from my job its stupid

And now I've rabitted for ages and will shut up. Good luck my man, it's tough, not always lucrative, and no one tells you how much ****ing cleaning you have to do, but goddammit it's awesome.

Ant :cool:

EDIT: To illustrate my point about training, I've been paid to do the following:

Nike Training, Punch (boxing classes), PT Boxing Skills, Vcycle (spinning), Vcore (core stability class), PT Service Skills, PT Business Skills, Kettlebells, Powerplate, Glide Pads

There's more but I can't remember

Pick a club that sends you on lots of training, and runs lots of classes,events and promos!

wannabedamned · 26 Feb 2010 at 15:02

Thanks for that guys, Just had a look at the YMCA courses, And they're reasonably priced, a lot less than I was expecting!! Only down side is I'm in Barnsley(Near Sheffield) And the closest to me seems to be manchester. So that's looking to be a slight hurdle. But i do plan on looking around some more, I'm going to have a look at premier. I actually spoke to future fit a few weeks ago and explained my situation, got myself a prospectus through the post and it does look good, and its distance training too so i may have no choice but to look at them.

They cost a fair bit more than YMCA though lol

*edit*

I've just had a look at premier, And i think we're onto a winner. Leeds is only a 35minute train ride from here. So excellent, Time to do some reading

BennyC · 26 Feb 2010 at 15:25

Envisage run courses at Sheffield. I'd recommend them especially if Dave Ireson will be teaching the course. An excellent tutor.

wannabedamned · 26 Feb 2010 at 15:54

Excellent, Im on the site now

*edit* BennyC you beauty, The prices on there are fantastic! I'm going to give them a ring get a prospectus, and have a chit chat

Think i'll be looking at the level 2 Gym Instructor course

ben90 · 26 Feb 2010 at 17:40

Good thread, im looking to maybe do something like this int he future, I love training and reading about training, so like you say, being paid for something you like doing is definately worthwhile, even if it isnt great pay!

BennyC · 26 Feb 2010 at 18:05

wannabedamned said:
Snip

Your welcome

Speak to them and ask because * I think* if you can find a gym willing to let them teach the course and you can get enough people, I think it's around 8-10, to participate they will come and run it near you. You also get a free space too. The free place thing may have been an offer for my uni gym so they could train staff but no harm in asking. I've seen the level 2 range from £395 to around £800, just make sure it's recognised by REPS and worth something!

WABBA, which are a bodybuilding qualification, aren't recognised by most employers from what I'm told.

Paramount · 27 Feb 2010 at 18:51

Without meaning to cause offence, whats special about the training that sets you up to be a better PT than someone whos passing off their own experiences gaining/losing weight?

deus3x · 27 Feb 2010 at 18:55

My friend is a personal trainer, he loves his job but always earned little when working at the gym. He managed to get some clients and got mixed with a rich group of people. He is now a personal trainer for them and their friends and done extremely well. Earns very very well now.

BennyC · 27 Feb 2010 at 19:52

Paramount said:
Without meaning to cause offence, whats special about the training that sets you up to be a better PT than someone whos passing off their own experiences gaining/losing weight?

I'm not quite sure what you mean?

How to the PT qualifications make you 'better' than somebody else who has succeded at achieving their own weightloss/muscle gains?

asillars · 27 Feb 2010 at 20:01

The fitness industry is one where the more you put in, the more you get out of it. You'll probably find at gym instructor level you'll have those that have lost the motivation and just go about the job day after day and give everyone an almost same programme. Then you get those that want to put in the hard work and enjoy their job a lot more. Although i think i sit in the middle of this. I have been doing this 3 years and just come to work and do my job, but at the same time, the part i enjoy most is the interaction with clients and making them enjoy their sessions. I just lose the will to live when the gym is quiet and get on with the cleaning and checking the toilets every hour.

To be successful in the industry you have to be highly self motivated and good with people. I believe every good instructor should have the want to improve their own knowledge without needing prompted. If i was motivated enough to put a business plan together i would be become a PT, and i believe a good one. So motivation is the key.

BennyC · 27 Feb 2010 at 20:12

asillars said:
To be successful in the industry you have to be highly self motivated and good with people. I believe every good instructor should have the want to improve their own knowledge without needing prompted. If i was motivated enough to put a business plan together i would be become a PT, and i believe a good one. So motivation is the key.

Bang on.

I find when I take one of my friends ,who I've trained, with who is trying to trim down currently that I can't help it but try and help and encourage him. Especially during our barbell complexes and circuits today. We usually always end up talking about nutrition too.

Knowledge in this area (fitness & exercise in general) is something I crave. My level 3 starts next weekend. I head home to London on the 25th of March and will be attending a 'Core Stability' workshop to gain a 'YMCA Core Stability' qualification. It's only for the day but I already can't wait.

The more I think about it the more I know this industry is for me.

asillars · 27 Feb 2010 at 20:30

And the industry needs BennyC people. I have met too many people in the industry who treat it as a job (i don't believe it is a job when you are working with peoples health and fitness) or a filler in their careers. They give out half hearted and simple advice that everyone has read in a magazine. Infact, i believe some people who read these exercise magazines know as much as some instructors and its annoying. Only some instructors though.

Here's a story. I work with 3 other gym instructors. Myself and 2 other instructors went on a course last year called Advanced Resistance Training ran by Juice. A year later and i am the only instructor who has used any of the methods or techniques with clients. What's the point in learning when you won't use it? Examples of instructors who aren't interested. And it was the best course i have ever been on in my life. I learnt so much and couldn't wait to get my clients try some stuff out.

asillars · 27 Feb 2010 at 20:32

My posts are sounding a bit negative. What you should learn from this is that, if you intend on becoming an instructor, willingness to learn is key. If you are reading this as a gym user, pick your instructor wisely. The good ones will keep in close contact with you.

BennyC · 27 Feb 2010 at 21:07

I know where you are coming from Asillars.

a lot of people see and hear the 'Become a PT' adverts with fast track courses etc, when they don't really have a great deal of existing knowledge or passion about the industry. Not to say they will be a bad PT as we all started somewhere but I think a lot of people see it as a 'glamourous' profession, one that's supposedly 'easy'.

I think I've understood what Paramount was getting it. Whilst I'm not a 'qualified' PT (Am a Level 2 Gym Instructor and level 3 soon

) I'm confident I could do as good, if not a better job that some of the PT's already out there. I have the same level of knowledge and find I spend most of my time obsessing over the subject.

Fitness, Health & General well being are very important and a big part of anybodies life. I view it as quite a privallege if somebody were to hire my services and knowledge and allow me to help them better themselves. It's so much more than just 'exercise'.

Paramount · 28 Feb 2010 at 10:23

BennyC said:
I'm not quite sure what you mean?

How to the PT qualifications make you 'better' than somebody else who has succeded at achieving their own weightloss/muscle gains?

Well, yeah. Why do the qualifications when I could just pass off what I know having achieved it myself? (in theory, I'm not an expert)

Theres lots of gimmicks but at the end of the day: eat more + lift heavy = growth and eat less + cardio = loss, right?

BennyC · 28 Feb 2010 at 10:43

Paramount said:
Well, yeah. Why do the qualifications when I could just pass off what I know having achieved it myself? (in theory, I'm not an expert)

I know what you mean. Currently I'm in the same boat but you need qualifications to be taken seriously if you expect to make any money.

For example, I might have read and learnt every book ever written on medicine, disease, illness etc and have as much knowledge if not more than your local GP. However I'm fairly sure you'd be a little uneasy coming to me for medical advice purely based on my word that I know what I'm talking about.

I understand medicine and exercise are different but hopefully that example helps.

Theres lots of gimmicks but at the end of the day: eat more + lift heavy = growth and eat less + cardio = loss, right?

Yes...sort of. You don't need to lift 'heavy' but enough to stimulate enough muscle damage to trigger repair and hypertrophy.

You don't need to eat anyless to loose weight either as you can use more intense aerobic types of exercise such as fullbody splits, circuits, HIIT etc which require more energy and use the anaerobic energy systems to drop bodyfat.

As a general rule of thumb what you have said is mostly correct though. I'm just being pedantic

ben90 · 28 Feb 2010 at 17:32

Paramount said:
Well, yeah. Why do the qualifications when I could just pass off what I know having achieved it myself? (in theory, I'm not an expert)

Its incredibly hard tbh, when you try and teach what you know to others their usually reluctant to want to listen. When they see you have a qualification or two under your belt, you can have them believing anything. Thats why so many PT's give a program but its usually absolute balls! You local gymrat would probably be able to come up with a program twice as good, but walking upto someone and saying "do this, it will work" wont cut it with most.

wannabedamned · 14 Sep 2010 at 19:53

I just thought I'd give this thread a little bump =)

i am enrolled at college! Level 1 award in fitness and physical activity followed by level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing - Gym-Based Exercise . CYQ btw

Level 1 starts next week, Level 2 in January. And level 3 is a possibility, the college arent currently doing it, but the instructor(Who was absolutely stunning) said she was considering trying to run the level 3 depending on success rates over the next few months.

So woo!

Just noticed the date on this thread.... Only took 7 months to get my ass in gear