How to become a fitness instructor from scratch: step-by-step instructions and list of skills

The fitness instructor profession is the number one profession on social media today. No wonder, because it allows you not only to get money, but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In general, not a job, but a dream! Let’s find out what it takes to realize it.

Coach, teacher of the Department of Physical Education and Sports of the SSU

The requirements that are imposed on a fitness instructor are provided by the professional standard for the position “Coach”. This is approved by the order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation from March 28, 2019 №191n. So what do you need to do to comply with them?

1. Get an education

To become a coach, it is important to have a diploma. What kind? On higher (university) or secondary vocational (college or technical school) physical education. It can also be pedagogical – in the field of physical culture and sports.

It is allowed to have a non-core education, but on condition of passing professional retraining courses. The educational institution must have a license and issue a state diploma.

When applying for a job it is important to have two documents: a certificate of no criminal record and a valid medical book.

2. Develop additional skills

A fitness instructor should be “pumped” not only physically, but also psychologically. He will have to interact with people, to influence their mental health. Appropriate additional education will be very helpful. Without the ability to build communication with the client, there will be no results.

It is also important to know human anatomy and physiology. To be able to correctly assess the capabilities of the person who came to work out. Properly distribute the load in the presence of injuries. Another important skill is workout planning.

Founder of Alisa Neverova’s own online healthy fitness club, fitness instructor

A fitness instructor’s success depends on the results of his or her charges. If a trainer achieves the desired goals with his client, then he will definitely stay with him for a long time. After all, this speaks volumes about his knowledge base. Let’s assume that you have already received an education. What do we do next?

3- Seek clients and gain experience

Even if you have several diplomas and certificates, it’s not enough. Theory alone is not enough. It is important to start applying the knowledge. How? For starters, don’t be afraid.

You can start by organizing master classes or online trainings. At first, the circle will be narrow – close people and their acquaintances. Later it will expand. Another option is to go offline.

Get a job at a fitness club or gym. Perhaps at first you will conduct simple introductory briefings or monitor the equipment. The main thing is that you will already be in this environment.

It is realistic to combine the methods. In any case, the first clients will have to look for. How to do it? There are many options. Turn to social networks. Tell about the new stage of life to your subscribers, run advertising. Put hashtags: #nuzhentrener, #look for a coach, #recommend a coach. You can hire an SMM-specialist. Create a profile on Yandex.District, Yandex.Services. Provide markers in 2Gis, Google Maps and Yandex.Maps.

4. Upgrade your skills

It is important to follow different conferences in the fitness niche. Constantly watch seminars in this field. It is necessary to learn, develop, take new trainings and share your experience.

Adopt techniques and improve yourself. Refresh your knowledge every three to six months. You can look for professional development on social media, search engines. Get to know your colleagues, expand your fitness environment. This is how new knowledge is most effectively acquired.

5. Have a trim body

A fitness instructor should be in good shape. A flabby person can hardly inspire confidence in a client who came to get rid of a similar problem. If you do not look after yourself, do not take care of your body, do not eat properly, what can you give to your mentee?