Welcome to the ARMR blog!

Welcome to ARMR Training Academy’s blog, where we talk about all things fitness related. 

Today is our first blog and since being in the industry, myself and colleagues have been asked multiple times ‘What course is right for me?’, ‘What jobs are in fitness?’, ‘What can I expect?’ or ‘When qualified, what can I do next?’

Over the next few weeks we go over the following: 

The Basics

Getting Started

Career Development

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The Basics

Are you passionate about fitness and looking to share your enthusiasm with others? Have you considered a rewarding career as a fitness instructor in the UK?

This blog post will hopefully kickstart your journey by guiding you through the essential first steps. We'll cover choosing the right qualifications, understanding the UK fitness industry, and building a strong foundation of knowledge.

Choosing the Right Fitness Qualification

The UK offers a variety of fitness qualifications, each catering to different experience levels and career goals. At ARMR Training Academy our courses will be different to other organisations, but ultimately, you should achieve the same outcome. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the best fit:

Fitness Qualification	Description	Ideal For
Level 2 Award in Fitness Instructing	This entry-level qualification provides the basics of training, in particular mainly practical, such as gym inductions. Typically takes around 6-12 weeks to complete.	Individuals with no prior qualifications looking to enter the fitness industry.
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing	This entry-level to mid-level qualification focuses more on theory as well as practical, allowing you to induct clients in a gym or leisure center. It's a great starting point for those new to the industry and a preferred choice.	Individuals with some knowledge and understanding of fitness and aim to start a career in fitness.
Level 3 Diploma in Fitness	This qualification equips you to design and deliver safe and effective exercise programs for clients, helping them achieve their fitness goals. These goals will range per client.	Individuals looking to work with a wider range of clients and potentially start a career as self employed.

There are additional qualifications specialising in areas like TRX, yoga, or Pilates. Researching your options and aligning them with your interest and future goals is vital. 

Understanding the UK Fitness Industry

The UK fitness industry is vibrant and diverse, offering a variety of job roles and work environments. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect:

Job Role	Description
Gym Instructors	Conducting gym inductions, taking fitness classes, walking the gym floor, reception duties, and cleaning duties.
Personal Trainers	Work one-on-one with clients to design personalised programmes aimed at developing the individual towards their fitness goals.
Specialist Instructors	As well as being a PT, they may also focus on specific areas like pre/post natal, lower back pain, medical referral and so on.
Gym Manager	They may hold a level 3 in personal training or higher, but will predominately be the one looking after the gym and business as a whole. Conducting H&S checks, staff appraisals and basic admin will be involved.

Salary expectations can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and location. However, the fitness industry offers competitive salaries and the potential for freelance work and building a successful business within fitness. 

Building Your Fitness Knowledge

Staying ahead of the curve in the fitness industry is essential. Here are some ways to build a strong knowledge base for your future:

• Invest in quality fitness courses that align with your values. Choose providers that offer in-depth training and stay updated on the latest exercise science and trends.

• Seek out educational resources by reading fitness publications and books, attend workshops, and participate in online courses to broaden your knowledge.

• Network with other fitness professionals via your socials. Connect with experienced instructors, share knowledge, and learn from their expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

• Follow your passion! If love exercise because of a sport you follow, a TV show you like or your idol, stick to it. Ask yourself, can I use this to develop? Can I use this as motivation? Can I use this to inspire others?

By following these steps and continuously developing your knowledge, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful and sought-after fitness instructor/personal trainer in the UK!

Look out for our next blog,  ‘Getting Started’.

Take care!

ARMR Training Academy.