JobQualification.co.uk

Health and Fitness Instructor Courses...

The health and fitness training market covers a very broad spectrum. If you're going to work in this industry, you'll need recognised certifications to prove your level of competency - but make sure you opt for something that people want and will pay for.

Even so, the health and fitness market is very buoyant all over the UK. Which suggests that anyone who's prepared to apply themselves and gains the correct certifications and skill-sets will achieve their goals in time.

Your First Assignment...

It's worth pointing out (although you may have already discovered this) that not all retraining companies offer the same standard and quality of training and course material.

Regard your exploratory searching of different training providers as your first piece of coursework! Don't just be satisfied with the first company you come across - an evening at your PC will teach you an awful lot about the best training, certifications and study methods for you.

Which Direction Should You Take?

So you know the fitness industry is the right one for you, but you don't want to choose the wrong area. Let's break it down. If you took ten fitness instructors and asked them to describe their job, they'd each say different things. Working on a client's cardiovascular techniques is not what fitness training is all about - yes you'll do a lot of that kind of work, but you'll also need a good deal of knowledge on several other subjects too.

Science plays a big part in professional fitness courses. Subjects covered include biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and psychology. Followed by food science and technology, which covers health and weight issues. Together with cardio and strength training and gym machinery. Consider also health and safety, computer user skills and client appraisals. As if that's not enough, anybody starting up in business for themselves will need some sales training, a business plan, marketing know-how, finance and accounting knowledge and a tad of legal info on dealing with clients. Ouch...

Start Small and Grow...

Don't panic though, nobody knows it all to start with, and lots of people learn one thing in depth and become an authority on that subject alone.

There's nutrition and weight control. On the nutrition side you can learn about the different nutrient groups, in which foodstuff they're to be found and how they affect the body. Look at how food is absorbed, and how we metabolise and digest food. Move onto weight management and you'll learn about the energy value of food, and the effect of lifestyle on diet. Then there's eating problems, healthy eating, balanced diets and the relationship between diet and exercise.

What do you think of focusing on personal training? If you're a positive, upbeat person you'll inspire others with your attitude. A good personal trainer will understand how the body functions. To gain this knowledge for yourself, check that any training course you're considering has a section on physiology.

If you have a real interest in working out and currently visit the gym 3 or 4 times a week, then perhaps gym instruction is for you. Look for practical courses that will give you a deep understanding of your professional requirements. You must be able to work with a new person and create an exercise routine that is safe and functional for their needs. Good client assessment training is therefore essential. Added to this your learning must include equipment, cardio and strength routines, warm ups and their importance and teaching techniques.

For Those Who Want A Bit More...

The treatment and prevention of injuries can be a valuable add-on to your health and fitness career. Some fitness experts extend their offering by getting into things like sports massage, yoga, pilates etc.

What about bolting on physical fitness assessments to your main role? After all, most of us prefer prevention to cure! Get trained in how to carry out evaluations of a client's fitness performance, and monitor their progress. These would include cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, endurance, muscle strength, posture, blood pressure, body composition analysis and risk factors for heart disease.

It's a Win-Win Situation

Whichever area of the health and fitness industry you choose to get into, (and there are many more than we've discussed here,) you'll find yourself part of a friendly, cheerful, spirited bunch of achievers whose goals are based on helping others to achieve.

What could be better than going to work every day with new challenges to give people a better quality of life than they previously had?

Equally, by inspiring other people to get slimmer, more toned, fitter and stronger, you will also benefit from your own teaching at every session you do. Check out your training options now, and find the best certifications to get you there.