Fitness instructors work in local authority leisure centres as well as in the growing number of private health clubs throughout the country.
Recent statistics show that around 10 per cent of the population are members of a health and fitness club and this percentage is increasing all the time.
Fitness instructors can teach any one or a number of activities:
- keep-fit
- aerobics
- circuit training
- weight training
- aquarobics
- step aerobics
- boxercise
As well as instructing groups, many fitness instructors are expected to draw up customised exercise programmes for clients and give advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
The nationally recognised qualification (which enables instructors to run safe, effective and enjoyable classes) is the N/SVQ Level II Exercise to Music certificate.
This qualification covers:
- basic anatomy
- physiology of exercise
- safety and health issues
- nutrition
- teaching methods and music
Fitness Scotland, the national governing body for fitness and exercise in Scotland, organises SVQ Level II certificate training as well as many other exercise and dance fitness courses, including gym instructor and step aerobics. They will also offer advice on qualifications in other related areas such as resistance training and personal training.
For further information, contact Fitness Scotland on 01786 466 232 or visit the Fitness Scotland website.