Do you love fitness and enjoy helping others become more active?
The Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing can give you the knowledge, skills and qualification you need to start your career as a Gym Instructor.
You’ll learn how to plan, deliver and supervise safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment, while developing the skills needed to support and motivate clients.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career in fitness, build on your passion for exercise or take the first step towards becoming a Personal Trainer, this course can help you get started.
Course Cost: £500
Is this course for you?
This course could be ideal if you:
- Are aged 16 or over
- Enjoy going to the gym and have a passion for health and fitness
- Are keen to develop your knowledge and practical skills
- Are a confident communicator
- Enjoy working with and supporting people
- Want to start a career in the fitness industry
No previous experience working as a Gym Instructor is required.
What will you learn?
During the course, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work confidently in a gym environment.
You’ll learn about:
- Anatomy, physiology and the principles of fitness
- Professionalism and customer care for fitness instructors
- Health and safety within the fitness environment
- Client consultations and supporting positive behaviour change
- Planning and instructing gym-based exercise programmes
- Safe and effective use of gym equipment and exercises
You’ll have the opportunity to put your learning into practice during practical sessions at The PEAK, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to work with clients in a real gym environment.
Course Dates
We have two course dates available, giving you the flexibility to choose the intake that works best for you.
Course 1
Booking deadline: Saturday 5 September 2026
Course starts: Saturday 10 October 2026
| Session | Details | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolment & Course Introduction | Course introduction and enrolment | Saturday 10 October 2026 9.30am–12.30pm | Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Gym Session 1 | Theory examination and preparation for Sessions 2 and 3 | Saturday 31 October 2026 9.30am–4.30pmOnline theory: 9.30am–12.30pm | Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Gym Session 2 | Practical gym session | Saturday 21 November 2026 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Gym Session 3 | Practical gym session | Sunday 22 November 2026 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Session 4 | Practical gym session, including group induction assessments | Saturday 12 December 2026 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Consultation Assessments | Client consultation assessment | Date TBC with learners | Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Practical Assessments & Self-Evaluation | Practical assessment and self-evaluation | Date TBC with learners | The PEAK |
Course 2
Booking deadline: Saturday 3 April 2027
Course starts: Saturday 8 May 2027
| Session | Details | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolment & Course Introduction | Course introduction and enrolment | Saturday 8 May 2027 9.30am–12.30pm | Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Gym Session 1 | Theory examination and preparation for Sessions 2 and 3 | Saturday 29 May 2027 9.30am–4.30pm Gym Online theory: 9.30am–12.30pm | Gym Course Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Gym Session 2 | Practical gym session | Saturday 19 June 2027 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Gym Session 3 | Practical gym session | Sunday 20 June 2027 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Session 4 | Practical gym session, including group induction assessments | Saturday 10 July 2027 9.30am–4.30pm | The PEAK |
| Consultation Assessments | Client consultation assessment | Date TBC with learners | Online – Microsoft Teams |
| Practical Assessments & Self-Evaluation | Practical assessment and self-evaluation | Date TBC with learners | The PEAK |
This is a blended learning course, combining online learning, independent study and practical sessions at The PEAK.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your theoretical knowledge online before putting your learning into practice during practical sessions in a professional gym environment.
- Blended learning, including theory and practical assessments
- Coursework/project work
- Multiple-choice examination
- Portfolio of evidence
- Practical demonstrations and assignments
- Client consultation assessment
- Self-evaluation
Learners must attend and complete all required sessions and assessments detailed in the scheme of work provided by Active Stirling’s Training Team.
This includes the scheduled online and practical sessions, as well as the required coursework, eLearning and assessments.
Career Progression
The Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing can be your first step towards a rewarding career in the fitness industry.
Once qualified, you could continue to develop your skills through further Active Stirling training opportunities, including:
- Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions
- Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Indoor Studio Cycling
- Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
Further qualifications can help you broaden your skills, develop specialist knowledge and progress your career within the fitness industry.
For other qualification and career progression opportunities, visit Active IQ.
Ready to start your fitness career?
If you’re passionate about fitness and want to turn that passion into a career, this could be the perfect place to start.
Click Enquire Now above and complete our Training Enquiry Form.
If you have any questions about the course or entry requirements, please contact our Training Team:
training@activestirling.org.uk
Terms and Conditions
Please see Active Stirling’s Training and Learning Terms and Conditions for information relating to our training courses and qualifications.