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Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training

About this course

This qualification will develop your gym instructing and personal training knowledge and skills to pursue a career in personal training. The course will enable you to prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes and personal training sessions to a range of clients.

This accredited achievement is valued and recognised by employers and can assist learners to increase or enhance their career opportunities, career progression and earning potential.

While there are no specific entry requirements, an element of communication (discussion, presenting, reading and writing) is involved, and those entering the programme should possess the basic communication skills pitched at Level 2. The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential - therefore, a degree of physical fitness is necessary.

Successful achievement of this qualification will provide entry to the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) as a practitioner (exercise and fitness). Launched in 2011, CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK's sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA was awarded Chartered status by the Privy Council, which came into effect at the beginning of 2012. CIMSPA provides leadership, support and empowerment for professionals working in sport and physical activity, and a single unified voice for the sector.

Course pre-requisites:

Learners must be over the age of 16

Course duration:

660 hours

Coach education courses at solent

Solent University offers an extensive programme of coach education courses, as well as a wide range of National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications. Courses are open to Solent University staff, students, and the general public.

Basketball being thrown through the hoop

What you'll study

  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology applicable to gym instructing and personal training
  • Principles of exercise, fitness and health
  • Health and safety in a fitness environment
  • Customer care
  • Nutrition for exercise, health and fitness
  • Lifestyle and medical factors that affect wellbeing
  • Effective communication skills for client consultations to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours and strategies for change
  • The skills needed to plan and conduct physical activity sessions with different types of client in a variety of environments and with a range of resources
  • Legal and professional requirements for personal training
  • Setting up and managing a personal training business on a self-employed basis, if desired
  • Managing, evaluating and improving your own performance
  • Using technology to support clients and manage a personal training business

Ready to book

If you have any questions about the course or would like to register your interest in potential future open courses please email: coach.education@solent.ac.uk