small logo
fitness courses blog

A level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing is the qualification starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in the fitness industry, for working in a gym environment. So who are you allowed to train at this level?

Who you can train as a level 2 gym instructor

A level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing is the qualification starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in the fitness industry, for working in a gym environment.

So who are you allowed to train at this level? You will be qualified to train adults on a one to one and in small groups, this could include giving inductions or gym programmes. It is also possible to train those in the ‘special population’ group (eg pre or post natal, older adults, children) as long as it’s not on a progressive basis but just for one off inductions or sessions. If you are looking to teach one of these ‘special populations’ then it is required that you complete the qualification in that particular discipline. During the gym instructor course you will be taught the important exercises that may be unsafe for special populations, but you will not be taught specific programming in relation to these.

The latest gym instructor qualification also allows you to teach small groups, such as circuit classes using basic equipment or bodyweight exercises,,for someone choosing this as a regular discipline it is recommended that a relevant group exercise qualification is gained such as a level 2 Certificate in Group Training. If using specialised equipment such as kettlebells , TRX etc. you are only qualified to carry out basic exercises such as squats, lunges etc., if you are looking to teach more advanced exercises using this equipment it is recommended you complete a specific CPD course in the particular discipline.

Gym instructor jobs are usually on an ‘employed’ basis and you could be based in a variety of facilities. Health and fitness clubs, gyms, hotel gyms, leisure clubs, school gyms, college and university gyms, council gyms, private sector gyms or workplace gyms. Salaries can change depending on the job role, the location and the employer, so this is something you would need to look into when considering one of these options. Working in any of these facilities usually means working shifts, this is usually because these type of places open early in the morning and close late evening. Shift working therefore is usually part of the job description so that the gym floor has staff working at all of these times. Discussing this with your potential employer at the time of recruitment is therefore a good idea. It is also important to discuss other potential career opportunities such as working towards becoming a personal trainer within the facility.

The gym instructor qualification is that stepping stone for those who are interested in becoming a personal trainer. Some people choose to do both courses back to back so that the brain is still active from everything you are learning along the way. Other options are to do the gym instructor course first, get a bit of experience working with clients in a gym, and then move on and do the personal training course once you are more confident. Once qualified as a level 3 personal trainer you can advertise your skills as a personal trainer and open up a much wider client base, this would allow you to potentially earn a much higher salary, work on a more self-employed basis (if that suits you), and open up a whole new learning experience.

So hopefully this has given you an understanding as to what a level 2 gym instructor is qualified to do. For anyone looking to teach and advertise as a personal trainer which involves more advanced training methods then the qualification which allows you to do this would be the level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. The pre-requisite for this would be the level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing.