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Are you passionate about fitness? Do you enjoy helping people improve their health and reach their goals? If so, becoming a fitness instructor in Dublin could be the right career choice for you. This can be a great way to make some money working part-time or full-time, depending on your preference. Plus, the industry is booming, so jobs abound.
But how do you get started as a fitness instructor in Dublin?
Many people are under the impression that, to become a fitness instructor, all you need to do is go through a few classes and then start teaching. This simply isn’t true. You can’t offer fitness training services if you are not certified.
Why does a certification matter? Having a certification sets you apart and makes you credible. When you become certified, it means that you have completed formal training that covers everything from the history of fitness to how to teach people how to do different exercises.
Suffice it to say, the certification proves your expertise. It is like a badge of honour that says, “I’ve learned all of this information, and I’m now qualified to help others.” It lets potential employers and clients know you have the knowledge and skill set needed to do the job well.
To be eligible to work as a fitness instructor in Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland, you need to have at least a Level 2 Gym or Fitness Instructor qualification. With this certification, you can teach group exercises at gyms and health studios.
However, this certification does not qualify you to offer personal training services. So, if you want to work as a personal trainer as well, you should look at a Level 4 certification like the National Training Centre’s Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer course.
The prices vary per institution and type of course or certification. To give you an idea, the NTC’s Fitness Instructor course costs €2,350. This already includes a complete course manual and use of their facilities.
Discounts and grants are available to eligible students. So, make sure you ask the training centre about their availability.
The length of the programme varies depending on the training centre and the type of course. But basically, they can run from 9 to 18 weeks.
Intensive fitness instructor training programmes usually have a packed schedule, with classes set around 4 times per week. Meanwhile, programmes with longer duration hold classes once or twice a week, typically scheduled in the evening or during weekends.
The National Training Centre’s Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Certification is undoubtedly the best not just in Dublin but in Ireland. It is accredited by the REPs Ireland at EQF Level 4, the highest standard available for fitness instructors in Europe. It is also internationally recognised, which means you can use it to work abroad.
To add, with this certification, graduates are eligible to work both as fitness instructors and personal trainers. There is no need to take a different course and spend more money to become a qualified personal trainer.
Furthermore, no other qualification is needed to enrol in this programme. You can take this course even if you do not have a Level 2 or Level 3 certification.
The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) is the governing body that oversees fitness instructor certification in Ireland.
It is not a legal requirement for exercise professionals to register with REPs Ireland. However, joining the organisation communicates to employers and clients that you are committed to adhering to the highest professional standards for fitness instructors. It can also give you an edge as many employers in the health fitness industry prefer hiring REPs members.
To become a member, complete an application form and provide copies of certain documents. You can do this online or at one of their offices across Ireland.
To be accepted, you need to meet certain criteria. Once your application has been processed, you will receive an email with instructions on activating your account so that you can log in and view information about your registration certificate and purchase ID badges for yourself.
Before you start applying, prepare a CV and cover letter. Ensure it is up-to-date (include any new qualifications), easy on the eye (use bullet points instead of paragraphs), and highlights relevant experience. Also, write a strong cover letter. It should state your interest in the position and highlight any skills/experiences relevant to the job description.
Visit your local gyms to learn about employment opportunities. Many will have bulletin boards outside with information about current jobs available within their facility. Make sure you bring your CV, as the manager or owner may offer you an interview on the spot. If not, they will at least remember who you are and what your qualifications are, which is very important when applying for jobs in Dublin.
To add, many gyms and studios will advertise their openings on their websites, so this is a great place to search. If not, then use the internet and social media to look for open positions.
Gym associations also often advertise jobs in their magazines and newsletters, which can be found in your local gym or health club. You can also learn about new openings by attending industry events such as fitness expos or trade shows where employers may recruit staff face-to-face with potential candidates.
Becoming a fitness instructor is an exciting career choice, and it’s one that can lead to many opportunities within the industry. You should know, though, that there is a lot of competition, and it can be difficult to stand out. But with the right training and certifications, you can build your brand and develop yourself as a fitness instructor.
If you’re serious about this career path, then take some time to find a comprehensive and accredited course. Remember, becoming a successful fitness instructor starts with finding the certification that is right for you.
Are you interested in becoming a fitness instructor in Dublin? Send us a message here to learn more about our REPs-accredited Level 4 Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer course!
