Fitness Instructor Course | YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate (Gym-Based Exercise)

The online REPs-endorsed YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym-Based Exercise) is the essential qualification you need to practice as a fitness instructor and join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

You’ll learn about the principles of exercise, fitness and health; anatomy and physiology for exercise; supporting clients; and health, safety and welfare in a gym environment. You’ll learn how to communicate with clients effectively and motivate them to adhere to an exercise programme.

The course will give you the knowledge, understanding and technical skills needed for a career as an employed or self-employed gym instructor.

It is ideal for those who have no prior qualifications or experience in the industry. It also provides the perfect foundation for moving on to the Level 3 Personal Trainer course.

Through the YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing course, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to plan and instruct gym-based exercise sessions for adults of all ages. This involves learning how to teach a variety of gym-based exercises and use a range of gym equipment to plan and deliver gym sessions.

You will also learn how to provide effective support for clients who take part in exercise and physical activity. There are 6 mandatory units that total 24 credits and 158 guided learning hours (GLH):

• Anatomy and physiology for exercise

• Health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment

• Principles of exercise, fitness and health

• How to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity

• Planning gym-based exercise

• Instructing gym-based exercise

You will learn how to communicate with clients effectively, and motivate clients to adhere to an exercise programme.

You will acquire the skills and knowledge required to plan and prepare a gym-based exercise programme for adults, both individually and in groups. This may include young people in the 14-16 age range, provided they are part of a larger adult group.

Client groups also covered are older adults, ante and postnatal adults and disabled adults, provided the relevant contraindications and key safety guidelines are observed.

The YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing is widely recognised as the fundamental qualification required to practice as a fitness instructor. The course has been developed for those looking to acquire the knowledge, understanding and technical skills needed for a career in a gym environment.

This qualification has been specifically designed for the 16+ age group. It is the minimum requirement to join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). It also enables progression to further learning within the health and fitness or active leisure sectors.

This qualification is for you if you are new to the industry, want to be taught by a training provider and are looking to learn gym instructing.

No prior qualifications are required for this course; however, learners must be over 16.

You should have a reasonable level of fitness and gym experience, and good written and verbal communication skills are recommended.

This qualification is aimed at those looking to develop a career within the health and fitness industry as a gym-based fitness instructor. Learners who complete the Level 2 can join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) as a Level 2 member.

Potential jobs include fitness instructor roles in a range of locations:

• Gyms

• Health clubs

• Leisure centres

• Community centres

• Schools