Fitness Instructor

• Certificate III in Fitness

The recreation and fitness industry is divided into four sectors (sport, outdoor recreation, community recreation and fitness) all of which provide services that help promote an active lifestyle. A diverse range of occupations exist in the industry, so people with a wide variety of interests may find suitable employment. For example, becoming a recreation officer might be the best choice for those who are interested in a career in administration, business or marketing. People who want to be directly involved in physical activity may prefer to work as a fitness instructor or an outdoor adventure leader.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Influencing and Personal Contact

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Accountant,  Actor,  Aromatherapist,  Author/ Book Editor,  Bank Officer,  Bar Attendant,  Beauty Therapist,  Building Surveyor,  Butcher,  Cellar Door Salesperson,  Child Care Worker,  Conveyancer,  Copywriter,  Counsellor and Community Worker,  Credit and Loans Officer,  Ecotourism Guide,  English as a Second Language Teacher,  Event Coordinator,  Fashion Designer,  Film,Stage, TV and Radio Director,  Financial Counsellor,  Fitness Instructor,  Florist,  Hairdresser,  Hotel Manager,  Human Resources Manager,  ICT Network Administrator,  Journalist,  Landcare Officer,  Management Consultant,  Market Research Analyst,  Marketing and Advertising Specialists,  Musician,  Nursing (enrolled),  Occupational Health & Safety Professional,  Optical Mechanics and Dispensers,  Park Ranger,  Patient Care Assistant,  Personal Trainer,  Police Officer,  Private Investigator,  Project and Program Administrator,  Real Estate Agents & Property Managers,  Reflexologist,  Restaurant and Catering Manager,  Retail Sales Supervisors and Assistants,  Sales Consultant (IT),  School Services Officer,  Security Officer,  Sports Coach,  Tourist Information Officer,  Travel and Tour Consultant,  Trichologist,  University - VET Lecturers and Tutors,  VET in Schools Teachers,  Veterinary Nurse,  Youth Worker or Disability Worker

Helping and Community Services

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Aged or Disabilities Carer,  Child Care Worker,  Counsellor and Community Worker,  Customer Service Officer,  English as a Second Language Teacher,  Financial Counsellor,  Financial Planner / Financial Investment Advisers,  Fitness Instructor,  Interpreter,  Kitchen hand,  Landcare Officer,  Librarian,  Massage Therapist,  Medical Administrative Officer,  Occupational Health & Safety Professional,  Park Ranger,  Patient Care Assistant,  Police Officer,  Reflexologist,  Tourist Information Officer,  Trichologist,  VET in Schools Teachers,  Youth Worker or Disability Worker

Of the current fitness instructors 19% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas, 17% have Certificate III of IV, 15% have Bachelor Degrees and 9% have Certificate I or II. While there are 32% who have no post school qualifications it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.

TAFE SA offers a Certificate III or IV and a Diploma in Fitness.

The Australian Institute of Fitness also offers a Certificate III and IV in Fitness.

Employment in this occupation has grown strongly in the past five years. This growth is largely attributable to the fact that peoples' awareness about health and fitness continues to increase. Although full-time employment of fitness instructors has increased, many people are employed on a part-time or casual basis. There is also a high turnover rate that contributes to these employment opportunities. New entrants often begin instructing on a casual basis, sometimes while studying for formal qualifications in the area of physical fitness and education.

Qualified fitness instructors can expect to find employment in fitness centres, health studios, gymnasiums, sport and leisure centres, self-defence centres or community organisations. This is a relatively small sized occupation, which generally experiences only moderate job turnover. Competition for positions is strong.

Cultural and Recreational Services,  Health and Community Services

To be updated.

Fitness Instructors don't just work in gyms, they develop and co-ordinate leisure events, from school holiday programs to sporting tournaments. Though duties vary, writing proposals, preparing budgets and writing reports may also be involved. They are also in constant contact with people, so it would help if you enjoy dealing with people in a variety of situations. One On One and Group Advice Fitness instructors design fitness programs for individuals and conduct fitness classes for groups. Fitness to music instructors can specialise in gym, aerobic or aqua aerobic instruction, resistance training or personal training. Instructors are often called upon to give advice to individuals and may specialise in working with specific groups, for example elderly people. ''I have worked in the fitness and recreation industry for over 10 years. I started out by teaching aerobics and although I do the odd class now, I'm finding that my interest is shifting toward personal training. That's the beauty of this industry, its progressive and you can move with it,'' says a local fitness instructor/personal trainer. Outdoor adventure leaders organise and lead groups on expeditions, from diving to orienteering. You will need to be familiar with a wide range of outdoor activities and obtain specific licenses to engage in some activities.

Fitness instructors need to have a good level of physical fitness. They also must have an enthusiastic, outgoing personality. A background in fitness activities may be an advantage as well as having good communication skills.

Fitness instructors spend most of their time in offices and hours are usually nine to five. Fitness instructors usually work in recreation centres. Personal trainers may spend some time outdoors if they incorporate outdoor activities into their exercise programs. Fitness instructors can work on a casual, part time or full time basis, with casual work the most common. Hours can be long and include early mornings and late nights. The working environment and conditions for outdoor adventure leaders depend on the area they work in, though employment is usually on a casual basis and includes weekend work.

People working in the fitness and recreation industry need to be highly motivated and be able to motivate others. Fitness instructors and outdoor adventure leaders also need to be physically fit. There is an increasing demand for recreation officers with marketing and/or management skills, so gaining these may be useful in increasing your employment prospects. ''Working in the sport and recreation industry is a rewarding career. There are not only opportunities for personal satisfaction, but also the reward of helping others through exercise and the social benefits of organised activities,'' says an industry professional.

For further information, contact:

Centre for Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Tafe SA Regency Campus
Days Road
Regency Park SA 5010
Ph: +61 8 8348 4335
Fax:+61 8 8348 4531
Email: SportRec@tafesa.edu.au

There is a wide range of earnings, varying between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. Some Fitness Instructors with good reputations can earn much more by working privately or starting their own business.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au