to think I could train as an exercise teacher at the age of 55

[FlyingUp]

In the past few years I've got into exercise and sport and would really like to inspire others to get active - perhaps people who consider they're not naturally that way inclined.

Not sure how I'd do this - I already have a teaching qualification, but no exercise qualifications or real training.

AIBU to think this is possible?

I don't see why not - I had a personal trainer / yoga teacher who was around that age, she was ace :) and much more flexible than I was, at 28

One of the fitness instructors at the gym I use, switched careers in her 40s, did the relevant training courses, and teaches body pump, Pilates, aqua aerobics etc as her main income now. Maybe go into your local franchise gym and ask how to go about it?

Nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it. You sound perfect for it, your age will be even more inspiring. I'd say find out about the training/qualifications needed and start now. Good luck!

There is a qualification to teach "Extend", which is for older and less able adults- this was very popular when I was organising exercise classes, lots of willing participants with not enough teachers. Women only classes were also oversubscribed so, maybe look at those two areas. I know general personal trainers are overfilled the other way, too many trainers with not enough punters, lots of highly qualified sports science uni leavers etc.

YANBU, it's a great idea. Go for it!

I asked my aerobics instructor about this, apparently you can do 'exercise to music' and other fitness class type teacher training through the YMCA. You may also be able to find 'branded' type training for the classes, can't remember the name of the guy but I want to say it's Les something...m. grrr, it's gone, but the brand includes Body Combat, Body Pump, Body Attack etc.

Les Mills!!! (I cheated and googled it).

My dad trained as a children's running coach at 56, and is training to teach adults now (and he's 60) so if he can do that, I'm sure you can do this! Could you ask at your local gym for some advice or courses or something?

Yes you could do it! Are you quite fit? YMCA do the best courses.

Go for it! Colleagues of mine qualified as Staff Nurses in their 50s for example, so you CAN change career in your 50s, definitely!

You could train to take exercise classes or to be a Personal Trainer or both.

Awesome idea

My friends husband just became an rpm instructor in his 40s. I think there's a market for fitness instructors that can relate to a different demographic than the sport 20-somethings.

Nothing to stop you - lots of the instructors at my gym are 40s upwards - but remember that your body is not as strong as it was in your teens and 20s (more worn out basically) meaning that you are more likely to get injuries and it will take longer to recover. Instructors that I know regularly teach 4 or 5 classes a day which is going to take its toll even on younger people. It might not be wise to make it your only income just in case an injury prevents you working.

Age shouldn't be a factor, as long as you have the stamina to perform the whole class and the skills to keep everyone motivated people will attend your classes. Are you a confident person? You will need to talk throughout the class even if it's nonsense!

I think you might have to complete Level 1 Gym Intructor before you can do the Exercise to Music qualification but could be wrong. Give YMCA a call, they will give you the info.

Courses can be expensive though and teachers aren't paid as well per class these days - £15-20 seems the average. Also check with your local gym to see if they need instructors or if you can go on the cover list. A lot of them use the gym staff now to take classes on shift to save money. See if the demand is there...or you could go down the route of setting up your own class in a village hall. You will need insurance for either, another cost to factor in.

Would you like to do this as a full time career or classes here and there?

My ex mil started body building comps In her 40s, she ran her own excercises classes 8 times a week and only recently stopped at the age of 72, her classes were full of ladies (and men) 15-70! Go for it I say

I used to teach tap to adults in my early 40s and I but chubby.
My ladies loved me being normal Nd felt confident in my classes.

Great idea if you have the bubbly personality

My neighbour teaches fitness classes, she started when her dc were all at school and is still teaching 4 classes a week. She's 75 now.

Good luck!

Yoga teaching can definitely last through your whole life. I've seen a number of articles on yoga teachers well into 80s or even 90s.

It also has scope for going it alone - a lot of people start up small local classes in halls; I know one wonderful teacher who offers a class in a local park, drawing anything up to 30 people who pay 5. However the best teachers IMO offer classes as a holistic practice rather than just exercise so a certain mindset or committment to the practice is needed.

Anyway, to answer your question - I think your age is no barrier.

Your MIL sounds amazing Preciousbane!
I'd like to be a yoga teacher but not sure I have the personality for teaching exercise classes, too much the introvert.

Hi there,

For more info about becoming a Les Mills instructor click here: w2.lesmills.com/uk/instructors/instructors.aspx - there are lots of programmes that I am sure you'd really enjoy. You should do it - it's a great and really rewarding career

Of course you could. Never to young to learn! What is it you want to do? Gym instructor, personal train, teach group classes or a bit of everything?

If you go onto the REPs (register of exercise professionals) website you can search for courses for what you want to do. Cos they are all a bit different. Ie. Just cos your a fitness instructor it doesn't mean your qualified to teach exercise classes.

I do exercise referral work myself for the NHS. But have been a gym instructor and studio instructor in the past