anyone made a career change into fitness instructor

[Urbanvoltaire]

Hi all,

As the title suggests, I am looking into becoming a fitness instructor with the specific aim of teaching clases at the over-50 age category. I am fairly fit individual and am not worried about the physical aspect of the role.

I have looked into courses at the Open University and the YMCA and it looks like what I'm after.

Does anyone have any experience in this industry and if so, give me any tidbits of information. Is freelance the only way or does anyone work for a sports centre, Age UK? I'm especially interested in maybe going into senior centre, care homes, and hospices and helping in improving movement and mobility.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I've been working in fitness for over 15 years. I'm doing the opposite and retraining for a professional job. You can pm me if you've got any specific questions.

Before taking any course, make sure that it is recognised by the register of exercise professionals (reps), YMCA is fine, I'm not sure about Open university as the courses are very practical., specially if you want to teach group classes.

You can be employed by a fitness centre if working as a gym instructor, class teachers are usually freelance. I hope this helps.

I currently work in the leisure industry- PM me with any questions.