The surge in the popularity of physical leisure activities in recent years has created many opportunities for workers in the fitness industry. As people take greater responsibility for their own levels of fitness, they are increasingly turning to personal trainers, who devise tailor-made work-out programmes for their clients to help them achieve individual goals. Personal trainers generally need a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training and earn between £20 and £40 an hour
Fitness instructors provide exercise routines for individuals and groups and often specialise in a particular area, such as yoga or pilates, each of which has its own qualification. Once certified, instructors can earn salaries of between £13,000 and £20,000, or freelance rates of £10 to £20 an hour
There are also many opportunities for leisure centre assistants and managers. Assistants set up equipment, work on reception and ensure areas of the leisure centre are kept clean and tidy. No formal qualifications are needed for these positions, although lifeguard qualifications, a first aid certificate and previous customer experience will increase chances of gaining employment. Assistants receive salaries of between £12,500 and £19,000, while managers and senior managers can earn up to £25,000 and £35,000, respectively.

• Motivating and assisting clients
• Risk assessment and management
• Organisation and management
• Negotiating and teamwork
• Presentation and communication
• Teaching and mentoring
• Fitness and nutrition
• Multitasking and professionalism
• Being assertive and respectful
• Being dynamic and efficient

Having a degree qualification is beneficial, as more employers would be receptive of this. Certification must be nationally accredited or accepted to be a Fitness Instructor. OCR, NVQ, RVQ and other bodies offer courses in various areas that are applicable. They may include:
•    Fitness Instructing
•    Teaching Exercise and Fitness
•    Sports
•    Nutrition
•    Anatomy and Physiology