GYM INSTRUCTING AND PERSONAL TRAINING Level 3 Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
Active IQ

Overview

This course is designed to provide you with the in-depth industry knowledge and experience required to work as a personal trainer in the fitness industry. The Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training requires learners to train to a professionally competent level, enabling them to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes developing their skills knowledge to pursue a career in personal training.

As part of this programme you will be expected to take part in a work placement as well as attending College to develop your skills and experience. Successful completion of the course will provide you access onto The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Some experience of gym-based exercises, including free weights, is highly recommended. The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential; therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary to undergo practical classes and assessments throughout the course.

You will be required to purchase and wear a practical sports kit for this course.

Please note: In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

Modules include:

Anatomy and physiology, functional kinesiology and concepts and components of fitness.
Nutrition for exercise, health and fitness.
Lifestyle and medical factors that affect wellbeing.
Analysis of client information using the most accepted techniques.
Assessment of a client’s current health and fitness status.
Planning and conducting of physical activity sessions, within a variety of environments using multiple resources.
Client consultations using the most accepted methods and providing strategies for successful behaviour change.
Communication skills to effectively build successful relationships with their clients and other health care professionals.
Legal and professional requirements for personal training.
How to set up and manage a personal training business on a self-employed basis.
How to manage, evaluate and improve own performance.

Assessment is completed through written assignments, projects, multiple choice examination, portfolio of evidence as well as a number of practical assessments some of which require a good general level of health and fitness and an ability to work with clients in realistic simulations.

Learners may undertake further fitness related qualifications in specialisms such as Instructing Kettlebells, Circuit Training or Studio Cycling (Spin). Alternatively they may progress to related areas like Sports Massage, where they will be provided with the knowledge and skills to practice sports massage alongside personal training in the health club environment or own business.