YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (Fast Track)

YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (Fast Track)

This qualification is specifically for learners who are aspiring to progress to an exciting and highly rewarding career as a Gym Instructor on an employed or self-employed basis. This qualification is mapped directly to The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) professional standards for a Gym Instructor, and is your first step towards a career as a Fitness Instructor in just 12 weeks!

This course combines elements of both practical and theoretical learning where you will have the opportunity to apply the theory of gym instructing in our on-campus, fully equipped gym. Our industry-experienced lecturers are all fully qualified and will guide you every step of the way, enabling you to progress towards a career as a Gym Instructor. You’ll be learning everything the industry requires from designing bespoke programme cards to developing skills when instructing on a variety of pieces of equipment in our fully equipped college gym. You will cover everything that makes up a session including warm-ups through to the use of cardiovascular and resistance machines as well as free weight and body weight exercises. In essence, you’ll be developing all of the essential skills you need to start your journey towards a career as a Gym Instructor.

If you want to work in the fitness industry as a Gym Instructor, our fast track course is for you. Taking place over a 12-week period you will study the elements required to be able to plan and deliver gym-based sessions to clients within a gym or health club facility.

Our highly-skilled and motivated staff have a wealth of industry and are here to give you the very best start to your career as a Gym Instructor.

What you will learn Entry requirements Work experience Assessment Progression Cornwall College St Austell

What you will learn

This 12 week course will enable you to learn anatomy and physiology providing you with information on the different systems of the body that are utilised during fitness sessions.

You will develop the knowledge and skills a fitness instructor needs to present themselves in a professional manner, provide excellent customer service and demonstrate effective communication skills.

You will develop knowledge on how to promote a healthy and active lifestyle including the importance of healthy eating and what is needed to prevent a range of health conditions. You will also learn how to plan and deliver safe and effective gym sessions.

Entry requirements

Candidates must be over 16 at time of interview and have a passion for the fitness industry. Having a grade C or level 2 equivalent in English and Maths is desirable – if you do not hold one or either of these qualifications the college can support you to complete these alongside this course as part of your study programme.

Work experience

The college has a fully equipped gym open to both students and the public. Learners will be able to gain work experience working within in this environment and we also have links with local facilities where work experience can be gained.

Assessment

You will be assessed in the following ways:

By completing various Worksheets

1 x A&P Theory Exam, in addition to 1 Nutrition Exam

A series of on-course practical assessments

1 Hour Practical Exam

Formative, mock examinations with be carried out throughout the programme to support you in preparation for the theory exams.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructing course, students will be able to programme and instruct in the gym environment carrying out safe practice.

Upon successful completion of the level 2 course and a successful interview you may then be able to progress onto the a YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) which includes nutrition, fitness testing and personal training programming and delivery.

On completion of the YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing: Exercise to Music (Freestyle) course, students will have the skills and knowledge to programme and deliver safe and effective exercise to music sessions for a range of clients.

All courses allow successful learners to apply to be on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). This means that they meet strict industry standards to deliver exercise advice and/or demonstration. To protect the public, all registered exercise professionals are bound by a code of ethical practice that covers professional standards and conduct.

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

What You Will Learn

This 12 week course will enable you to learn anatomy and physiology providing you with information on the different systems of the body that are utilised during fitness sessions.

You will develop the knowledge and skills a fitness instructor needs to present themselves in a professional manner, provide excellent customer service and demonstrate effective communication skills.

You will develop knowledge on how to promote a healthy and active lifestyle including the importance of healthy eating and what is needed to prevent a range of health conditions. You will also learn how to plan and deliver safe and effective gym sessions.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must be over 16 at time of interview and have a passion for the fitness industry. Having a grade C or level 2 equivalent in English and Maths is desirable – if you do not hold one or either of these qualifications the college can support you to complete these alongside this course as part of your study programme.

Work Experience

The college has a fully equipped gym open to both students and the public. Learners will be able to gain work experience working within in this environment and we also have links with local facilities where work experience can be gained.

Assessment

You will be assessed in the following ways: By completing various Worksheets 1 x A&P Theory Exam, in addition to 1 Nutrition Exam A series of on-course practical assessments 1 Hour Practical Exam Formative, mock examinations with be carried out throughout the programme to support you in preparation for the theory exams.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructing course, students will be able to programme and instruct in the gym environment carrying out safe practice. Upon successful completion of the level 2 course and a successful interview you may then be able to progress onto the a YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner) which includes nutrition, fitness testing and personal training programming and delivery. On completion of the YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing: Exercise to Music (Freestyle) course, students will have the skills and knowledge to programme and deliver safe and effective exercise to music sessions for a range of clients. All courses allow successful learners to apply to be on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). This means that they meet strict industry standards to deliver exercise advice and/or demonstration. To protect the public, all registered exercise professionals are bound by a code of ethical practice that covers professional standards and conduct.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Case studies

I originally enrolled on the Level 2 course purely to gain the qualification to become a reputable health and fitness journalist (after graduating with a journalism degree). But the course was so interesting, informative and fun that I couldn't resist staying on to complete the Level 3! I didn't even want to leave after that! The qualifications enabled me to spend a few years working as a personal trainer and gym instructor alongside my writing work. And I know for certain that the knowledge and experience I gained from both the courses and my time spent working as a trainer has enabled me to write content at a much higher standard. It's also helped when interviewing high-level fitness professionals for articles as I can actually understand what they're talking about, which has given me a distinct advantage when pitching articles within the fitness industry. The knowledge has also improved my own training, so it's a win-win!

The college really helped me gain the knowledge and the capabilities to be able to streamline my business to where I am now. This has helped immensely as I am able to work with each individual client, helping to build self confidence and self esteem, whilst seeing them get fitter not only physically but also mentally. We really are very fortunate to have such a great college on our doorsteps.