At Focus Training, we have over 12 years experience in training Gym Instructors, Personal Trainers, and other health and fitness professionals throughout the UK.
All our courses are fully accredited and awarded by nationally recognised bodies. At Focus Training, we understand that choosing the right course can be a minefield. So before making the decision, here are some of the questions that you need to ask:
- What type of course do I need?
- How can I ensure that the qualification that I choose is recognised by the industry?
- What level of course do I need?
- How much time will I need to take off work?
- Which method of learning is the right option for me?
- How do I know that the training provider that I choose is a good one?
1. What type of course do I need?
Always choose a course that leads to an awarding body qualification specifically in the area of health and fitness related qualifications that are government approved, such as CYMCA, OCR or City & Guilds. Approved centres are subject to rigorous inspection from awarding bodies to ensure standards and quality.
Focus Training use CYMCA as their awarding body as they offer a full range of qualifications to enable progressive learning and career development. CYMCA has 17 years of fitness industry experience and has established itself as a credible, nationally recognised specialist in the health and fitness industry. The CYMCA qualifications have industry wide respect amongst employers and fitness professionals.
2. How can I ensure that the qualification that I choose is recognised by the industry?
The industry has set up the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) to regulate exercise and fitness instructors and trainers by recognising qualifications allowing entry to the register at different levels. It allows employers to check that any potential employee has the required qualifications for employment in the industry. All fitness professionals on the REPs must complete more training to maintain their status on the register by gaining continuing professional development (CPD) points. This ensures that their knowledge is valid and current.
All Focus Training qualifications give full entry to the REPs and our series of workshops give CPD points to qualified instructors.
3. What level of course do I need?
There are three levels of qualification in the health and fitness industry.
Level 1 Assistant Fitness Instructor
- Provides a foundation for those considering progressing to level 2. This is a good qualification to supplement existing GCSEs as it works with the national curriculum. It is equivalent to a Key Stage 4, GCSE Grade D-G or an NVQ Level 1
Level 2 Fitness Instructor
- This is the course needed for entry into employment in the health and fitness industry. The two main Level 2 courses are Gym and Exercise to Music. Other disciplines include Aqua, Step, Circuits, Studio Cycling and Instructing Health Related Exercise to Children. It is the equivalent of GCSE Grades A-C or an NVQ Level 2
Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor
- This is the highest level currently available. The Personal Trainer Diploma is a level 3 qualification, it is at an equivalent level to A levels or an NVQ Level 3.
Focus Training offers all three levels of qualifications to ensure that our students have a progressive career path and a good rounded knowledge of all facets of being a fitness professional.
4. How much time will I need to take off work?
Focus Training recognise that people who are training whilst in employment or training for a career move need the flexibility to learn around their busy schedules. We have developed all our courses to allow students to study at their own pace, in their own homes with the minimum of time spent away from home and work.
5. Which method of learning is the right option for me?
Focus Training use a mixture of distance learning and course attendance. Distance learning is an excellent form of learning for people to enable them to study around their day to day life at a pace that suits them and also for people who cannot afford to take a lot of days away from work or home.
Focus Training provide a team of telephone support tutors who will guide you through the distance learning homework, providing technical support and advice. Our tutors will agree set times for you to be contacted and we also run a help line for you if you get stuck!
Once the distance learning is complete, you will attend one of our national centres, where you will spend all your time on practical learning, using the latest equipment in the most up to date fitness centres, at locations throughout the UK.
6. How do I know that the training provider that I choose is a good one?
The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) is a government body that grades the quality of adult training providers, similar to Ofsted in schools. The ALI award grades to training providers on a 1-4 scale where 1 is outstanding and 4 is unsatisfactory.
Focus Training received an overall Grade1 for the quality of its training provision.
Please click here if you wish to see a copy of our report.
The ALI commented that our tuition was outstanding and that our pass rates were excellent. Over 90% of our students gain their chosen qualification.
