Inside Story - Group Exercise Teacher



Bruce

Age Range
26-35

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I completed my Matriculation in South Africa in 1989 and then came to England to complete a Leisure Management Course from 1990 to 1992, this was followed by a Sports Therapy Course in 1993. I have since completed numerous short courses and work shops on various fitness topics. I began working as a freelance personal trainer/sports therapist for six months before starting work as a fitness instructor at a corporate fitness facility. I have remained working with the company and am now a manager. In addition to this I continue to personal train, coach tri-athletes and do fitness coaching for a rugby team.

How long have you been doing the job?
10 years.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
At first I was unaware as to what career/job to pursue but knew I wanted to be associated with the health and fitness/sports industry and studied in this area. On completing the first part of my education I began working for myself and realised I wanted to have a bigger role in the industry and was offered an opportunity through a contact of my then girlfriend to work in a corporate gym. I was offered the job and have since grown into the role and really enjoy it.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
I attended various interviews and was then offered the job.

What does the job involve?
My current job involves the day to day management of a multi-purpose fitness facility, the marketing of the facility, motivating staff, developing programmes and classes for members, teaching classes, fitness assessments, lifestyle consultations and reporting to senior management on the site.

Describe a typical day at work.
An 8 hour day that consists of the following: reception duties, membership administration, exercise programmes, fitness testing, personal training, teaching exercise classes and organising external sports/charity events.

What do you like most about the job?
The health and safety aspects of it, essential, but very time consuming.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
The health and safety aspects of it, essential, but very time consuming.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
Whilst attending school they placed a lot of emphasis on career choices and offered a career's advisor, so was exposed to a wide selection of information.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
My results were slightly lower than I wanted and this was due to the amount of time spent playing rugby!

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
My school education was very substantial and has been extremely beneficial, where as the Leisure Management course was far too general. The short courses since have also been very specific and useful in developing my skills. The only regret was the Leisure Management Course.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
Yes, I have taken numerous courses and this is because the Fitness Industry is always changing and developing and you need to remain on top of it to provide clients with up to date information. ACSM HFI Boxercise Developing Team Performance Personal Training Work-shop Spin Workshop.

What was your first job?
My first job was a bar man.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
The most challenging job is the one I am in as it exposes you to so many different people wanting to achieve their goals and YOU are there to motivate, educate and deliver the success to them.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
My ultimate goal would be to have my own fitness studio and to be able to work with various clients on a day to day basis.

What are your top tips for personal success?
My top tips would be to stay focused on what you want to achieve. Plan to develop your skills and to work to a time plan so that you don't get distracted/complacent. Never think you know everything!

Any comments?
Being a group exercise teacher is great fun, to lead a class and to see the class participants enjoying their work-out whilst not being aware of the considerable 'pain & fatigue' that they are experiencing and knowing that you have got each person to exercise at their threshold, regardless of their current fitness level, so that they could benefit from the session. And to top it off I get to exercise everyday too!

Vote for Bruce, click here