Sport and Recreation: Gym Based

Qualifications

Active IQ Level 1 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity
Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training

Would you like to become a fully qualified Fitness Instructor? If you are interested in helping people to achieve their health and fitness goals and motivate them into making a positive change to their lifestyle, then this is the course for you.

Some people need support and encouragement to attend the gym, they may lack confidence or motivation in their ability to exercise safely and effectively, which is where you come in.  

What do the courses involve?

As a Sport and Recreation student, you will gain real experience of running the student gym and have responsibilities that will include meeting and greeting clients, setting up and taking down fitness classes, structuring a fitness session, components of warming up and cooling down, programme designing, and cleaning and maintenance. You will have the opportunity to lead exercise classes for your peers. These experiences will be used as case studies to enhance your understanding. The qualifications available are:

Active IQ Level 1 Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity, which gives you an understanding of the fitness industry by gaining knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, CV writing, preparing for interview, understanding healthy eating, and developing self.

Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, will develop your knowledge and skills in gym instruction to enable you to pursue a career as a Gym Instructor. During the qualification you will cover:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition and how they relate to exercise and fitness.
• health and safety in the fitness environment.
• the skills to conduct client and group inductions in a gym-based environment and 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.
• personal and professional development.
• the delivery of exceptional customer service.

This is an industry recognised qualification and successful achievement will provide entry to the Chartered Institute of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) as an affiliate member (exercise and fitness).

Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, will develop your existing knowledge and skills to a professional level in gym instruction, allowing you to become a certified personal trainer. During the qualification you will cover:

• further knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition applicable to personal training.
• lifestyle and medical factors that affect wellbeing.
• effective communication skills for client consultations to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours and strategies for change.
• skills to plan and conduct physical activity sessions with different types of clients in a variety of environments with a range of resources.
• legal and professional requirements for personal training.
• how to set up and manage a personal training business on a self-employed basis if they wish to.
• how to manage, evaluate and improve own performance.

You may also have the opportunity to undertake additional specialist training in:

Instructing Kettlebells, which trains students who already have knowledge and skills in fitness instruction, to a professionally competent level to plan and deliver safe and effective kettlebell exercises and training sessions.

Studio Cycling, which offers fitness instruction to a professionally competent level to plan and deliver safe and effective group cycling sessions.

Instructing Suspended Movement Training, which teaches you to plan and deliver safe and effective suspended movement exercises and training sessions.

Requirements

As a minimum, you will have an interest in fitness and health. Some experience within the industry would be an advantage. For Levels 2 and 3, you will have GCSE English at grades 3-2 or possess Level 1 Key Skills Literacy, Numeracy, and Communication.

Teaching Methods

We employ strategies for the teaching of theoretical, practical and assessment elements of the course based on individualised experiential learning that allows the trainees to operate on an equal footing to those of mainstream providers. Staff will identify individual needs and provide solutions to aid the trainee with building confidence, mobility, spatial awareness and communication skills.

For Levels 2 and 3, the trainee has excellent opportunities for development of work based practical skills with the provision of evening classes in which they can assist, under supervision, in a state of the art facility where all equipment is Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited.

Work Based Learning

RNC is an Active IQ approved centre. Active IQ is one of the UK's leading awarding organisations for the learning, wellbeing and active leisure sector. Active IQ is committed to providing vocational active leisure qualifications that are fit for purpose, dynamic and supported by innovative resources.

While undertaking a Sport and Recreation Active IQ in Fitness Instructing / Personal Training, you will gain valuable experience in working in the student gym and also thePoint4 Leisure Centre, working with paying customers from the local community.

Work placements will reflect on your level of study and ability and will provide opportunities to develop the skills and experience required to work as a fitness professional within the health and fitness industry. thePoint4 offers excellent facilities including a state of the art commercial gym. This exciting opportunity will enhance your experience and qualifications and best prepare you for employment within the health and fitness industry.

Assessment Methods

• Level 1
  Coursework/Project
  Portfolio of Evidence
  Practical Demonstration/Assignment

• Level 2
  Coursework/Project
  Portfolio of Evidence
  Practical Demonstration/Assignment

• Level 3
  Coursework/Project
  Multiple Choice Examination
  Practical Demonstration/Assignment
  Portfolio of Evidence

Duration

One to three years depending on the course

Where will it take me?

Upon completing Level 2, you can enter the workforce or further specialise. You can also advance to Level 3 Personal Training, a natural progression from your role as a fitness instructor.

Obtaining multiple qualifications enhances your employability and earning potential within the health and fitness industry. Many of our students find employment in a variety of settings, including leisure centres, health spas, fitness studios, and gyms. Self-employment as a personal trainer is also a popular career path.