The YMCA Awards Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification is the entry level qualification for anyone wishing to obtain employment as a gym-based fitness instructor. This course provides access onto the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and is necessary in order to progress onto the Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification.
Course Information
By the end of the course you will be able to;
- Plan, instruct and evaluate safe and appropriate gym-based exercise sessions
- Provide one-to-one or group induction, and general exercise programmes including the introduction to new equipment where appropriate.
- Select relevant exercises and design appropriate programmes which address safety at all times
- Produce suitable adaptations to allow for individual client differences or needs
- Using logical and progressive teaching methodologies to introduce a range of exercises in relation to clients' goals
- Select and/or correctly demonstrate a variety of cardiovascular and resistance training methods that can be used by clients/members
Course Locations, Prices & Dates
Study Methods
This is a blended learning fitness instructor course, so includes elements of home study, online learning and attendance to one of our 5-day practical workshops at the locations detailed above. The course can be started at anytime but attendance on workshops is essential. You can also benefit from being allocated a personal tutor including their direct contact details, wrap-around tutor support before, during and after the workshops, revision support days, and regular guidance emails.
Entry Requirements
Some experience of gym-based exercise, including free-weights is highly recommended.
Course Content
| Units | Study Method | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 - Anatomy and physiology for exercise | E-learning | Multiple choice exam* |
| Unit 2 - Know how to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity | E-learning | Worksheet |
| Unit 3 - Principles of exercise, fitness and health | E-learning | Multiple choice exam* |
| Unit 4 - Health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment | E-learning | Worksheet |
| Unit 5 - Planning gym-based sessions | Workshops | PARQ, informed consent, worksheet, programme card, and programme overview |
| Unit 6 - Instructing gym-based sessions | Workshops | Practical assessment** and self-evaluation |
*Theory exams can be sat during the scheduled workshop days, or on an alternative date at our exam approved centres by completing our 'book an assessment form'. You can also attend our revision support days.
** In the final practical assessment, you will be assessed instructing a variety of gym-based exercises to a client. This assessment will last approximately 60 minutes and will be observed directly, or via DVD by one of our assessors.
Learning Resources
- Gym (Units 5 and 6) course manual
- Login details to our elearning platform for the Mandatory Units (Units 1-4) - access for 215 days - Click here for a demonstration of the elearning.
- Learner Achievement Record (hard copy) for all units
- Link to a Dropbox file where you can access Powerpoint presentations, Mock exams and revision quizzes
- An Anatomy & Physiology revision workbook (sample below) can also be purchased from us for £9.00 plus postage
- You also have the option to purchase a hard copy Unit 1-4 course manual for £17.00 plus postage to supplement the e-learning.
- Revision support days.
Support
Throughout your studies, we are available via phone and email to support you anyway we can and mentor you throughout the duration of your course. Our job is to ensure that you are making good progress towards the achievement of your qualification and that you are managing to handle your workload comfortably.
Progression