Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fitness Instructor

A Fitness Instructor is a professional who plays a crucial role in guiding individuals on their journey to physical well-being. These dedicated individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to inspire and lead others in achieving their fitness goals. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Fitness Instructors.

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Main Responsibilities of a Fitness Instructor

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Fitness Instructor:

Abide by

Abide by facility rules, policies and procedures.

Accept

Accept special projects as assigned by the Aquatics Director.

Adapt

Adapt workouts for clients with varying fitness levels.

Address

Address client concerns and inquiries professionally.
Address member needs when possible.

Adhere to

Adhere and adapt to all current and new policies, procedures and initiatives.

Administer

Administer emergency first-aid, when necessary.

Agree to

Agree to a telephone interview to discuss their application and discuss any questions.

Aid

Aid clients with exercise modifications.

Analyze

Analyze and understand your clients' needs and goals.

Answer

Answer phones in a friendly manner and assist callers with a variety of questions.

Assess

Assess and give modifications where applicable.

Assist with

Assist clients in setting realistic and achievable fitness goals.
Assist front desk and General Manager with studio tour, check in, and sales as needed.
Assist in keeping a clean, organized studio.
Assist in maintaining the neatness and cleanliness of the club.
Assist Sales Associates when needed, with OTF studio tours and sales.
Assist with adjustments as needed.
Assist with registering clients for memberships.
Assist with the proper use of resistance training equipment.

Attend

Attend educational in-services that are deemed appropriate by PT and / or coordinator.
Attend meetings / training as required.
Attend monthly fitness staff meetings and required educational presentations.
Attend staff meetings and required educational presentations.
Attend staff meetings as required.

Build

Build and re-create fitness programs.
Build and sustain relationships with new and existing Club members.
Build class attendance and retain current clientele through professional interaction.
Build OTF attendance and retaining current clientele.

Check

Check members into the system.

Clean

Clean and maintain the training environment to the location standards.
Clean and organize studio as needed, before / after each group fitness class.
Clean and organize the studio as needed, before / after each group fitness class.

Coach

Coach and correct form in order to maintain a safe workout environment.

Collaborate

Collaborate with General Manager on daily, weekly and monthly goals.
Collaborate with Head Trainer and team on daily, weekly and monthly goals.
Collaborate with other health professionals for holistic client care.

Complete

Complete additional duties as assigned by Head Lifeguard.
Complete records and reports.
Complete timesheets, bather load and other statistics collection sheets as required.
Complete training and development package.

Conduct

Conduct and run the Planet Fitness PE@PF program, including creating and following the schedule.
Conduct class with enthusiasm and motivation.
Conduct fitness assessments to determine clients' starting points.
Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions.
Conduct private, semi-private, demo or other additional sessions as needed.

Continual

Continual standing and walking during shift.

Create

Create a clean, organized, energetic, fun atmosphere.
Create a cover letter- State why you are the right person for this position.
Create and manage a clean, organized, energetic, fun studio.
Create a positive and inclusive fitness community.
Create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for participants to actively participate.
Create bi-weekly updates consisting of a variety of exercises.
Create challenging classes with energetic and creative music choices.
Create exciting group fitness classes as assigned, along with appropriate music playlists.
Create programs for clients based on specific fitness needs.
Create your own fitness brand in the community through F45.

Cultivate

Cultivate a member-centred environment through exceptional customer service.

Deliver

Deliver the premium F45 member experience at all times.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Demonstrate proper exercise techniques.
Demonstrate the use of fitness equipment.

Design

Design personal fitness programs.
Design personalized fitness programs for clients.

Develop

Develop, designs and create new ideas, concepts and movements.

Educate

Educate class participants on correct form and alternate moves during the fitness routine.
Educate clients on the importance of nutrition in their fitness journey.
Educate students on the different components of physical fitness.

Encourage

Encourage and engage students throughout classes.

Energize

Energize and motivate clients throughout the sessions.

Enforce

Enforce all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations.

Engage

Engage and lead individuals with a variety of abilities.
Engage members and encourage participation in other programs.

Ensure

Ensure all classes begin on time.
Ensure all equipment is returned to its designated area at the conclusion of drop in hours.
Ensure a safe and clean workout environment.
Ensure clients understand RPE (rate of perceived exertion) to reduce fatigue and injuries.
Ensure group fitness training methods and techniques conform to standardized Club training practices.
Ensure safety of participants in regards to heart rate and exercise technique.

Exercise

Exercise regularly to maintain fitness level (strength and endurance).

Foster

Foster and exude a passion for our brand.
Foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment.

Gather

Gather equipment and bring pool side, ensure in good repair.

Give

Give verbal, visual and tactile instructions and cues with pristine form.

Handle

Handle member concerns when applicable.
Handle non-routine customer service requirements with diplomacy and tact.

Instruct

Instruct challenging and enthusiastic group fitness classes for members of all levels.
Instruct clients on the importance of recovery and rest.
Instruct clients using proper form, safe methods, and modifications.

Interact with

Interact with studio clients pre and post class in order to accommodate client questions and needs.

Keep

Keep accurate records of clients' progress and attendance.
Keep Aquatics Director up to date on all relevant issues and situations.
Keep studio and space for online delivery clean, safe, orderly.

Lead

Lead and demonstrate group training classes on a daily basis.
Lead a variety of different class types with up to 10 clients at once.
Lead group fitness classes such as bootcamp, body sculpt and boxercise.
Lead group fitness classes with enthusiasm and energy.
Lead high-quality group training sessions.
Lead the designated class in a professional manner.

Maintain

Maintain a clean and orderly workout environment and assist with class setup.
Maintain a clean and safe workout environment.
Maintain a high energy atmosphere by constantly moving and speaking in confident tones.
Maintain and submit attendance records promptly after classes.
Maintain a positive working relationship with fellow staff and members of all ages and background.
Maintain clean, organized and visually appealing areas in and around all fitness & studio areas.
Maintain consistency for that class by keeping substitutions to an absolute minimum.
Maintain strong, professional social media presence to increase class following.

Meet

Meet class requirements based on club size and member traffic.

Modify

Modify specific exercises to accommodate various skill levels.

Monitor

Monitor clients' progress and make adjustments to their programs.

Motivate

Motivate and inspire clients to reach their fitness goals.
Motivate and inspire our members.

Offer

Offer results not just an hour of exercise.
Offer support and encouragement to clients facing challenges.

Organize

Organize and participate in fitness events and challenges.

Participate in

Participate in on-going review of service delivery process and evaluation.
Participate in regular in-service training sessions.
Participate in the ongoing education of residents within the scope of the programs.

Perform

Perform and demonstrate all exercises in class with modifications as needed.
Perform assessments on gym members.
Perform member consultations and sign up new members.

Plan

Plan and prepare music appropriate for class format and participants needs and preferences.

Prepare

Prepare and instruct group fitness classes to students in grade 7-12.
Prepare and provide adequate warm-up, class content, stretching and cool down.
Prepare current music and equipment for each class.
Prepare safety equipment, mat on deck.

Present

Present and instruct the group exercise format specific to the outline provided.

Promote

Promote a positive and healthy mindset around fitness.
Promote interest and enthusiasm for lifelong physical activity.
Promote other classes and programs to encourage and inform participants.

Provide

Provide a combination of education and motivation appropriate to the format and participant group.
Provide a motivating and welcoming learning environment for all students.
Provide clear & concise cueing to correct member technique to ensure safety.
Provide clients with nutritional advice.
Provide demonstrations and explanation of exercises, including modifications.
Provide feedback on form and technique during workouts.
Provide guidance on lifestyle changes to enhance overall well-being.
Provide members and guests with the highest level of professionalism.
Provide outstanding customer service.
Provide regular feedback to students on their performance.
Provide signature, energetic AKT workouts pursuant to AKT standards.

Recognize

Recognize and respond effectively in emergencies.

Record

Record Progression every session.

Report

Report and incidents / accidents or concerns to the immediate Supervisor.
Report any defect in any equipment which may endanger themselves or others.
Report any problems or concerns to your Manager or Supervisor on duty at that time.
Report any situations that are deemed inappropriate to their PT / coordinator.
Report any unsafe conditions or situations that require attention to your manager.

Set

Set a positive tone and appropriate level of energy for class type.
Set their own hourly rates in accordance with their experience.

Set-up

Set-up and take down equipment in the fitness space for each session.
Set-up and take down of group fitness classes in Fieldhouse, Studios, etc..
Set-up class with equipment in a timely manner.
Set-up studio and predetermined workouts relevant for the day.
Set-up / take-down of exercise stations.
Set-up tech and deliver online classes.

Share information about the community centre to class participants.

Stay updated on

Stay abreast of industry regulations and guidelines.
Stay current on CPR and first aid certifications.
Stay current with fitness trends and adjust to the needs and wants of each residential building.
Stay informed about clients' health conditions and concerns.
Stay updated on fitness-related technology and apps.
Stay updated on the latest fitness trends and research.

Supervise

Supervise and monitor the Fitness Space to ensure safety of all students.

Support

Support and participate in the development and implementation of programs and objectives.
Support and promote all Anytime Fitness Program.
Support studio growth by promoting retail, studio events, and classes.
Support team with quick turnaround times.

Take

Take prospective members on tours.

Talk

Talk with clients about their goals and introduce them to our membership sales and services.

Teach

Teach and conduct energetic and motivating classes in an organized, structured, and fun manner.
Teach assigned classes on time and ends on time, unless a delay occurs.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot basic technology issues as per training.

Understand

Understand responsibilities while the children are under your supervision.
Understand the components of a 45-minute cardio class (warm-up, a cardio component, cool-down).

Use

Use our mobile app as your schedule and booking tool.

Walk

Walk, Sit, Stand, Climb stairs.

Work

Work collaboratively with other trainers and staff on satisfying client needs and overall experience.
Work seamlessly with co-trainer.
Work to develop and maintain cooperation among other staff.
Work toward fulfillment of client goals as outlined on assessment.
Work with Manager and Supervisor to deliver safe and quality personal training and fitness classes.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Fisheries Biologist:

Proficient in exercise physiology and anatomy.
Knowledgeable about various fitness training methods.
Competent in creating personalized workout plans.
Familiarity with nutrition principles.
Ability to use fitness assessment tools.
Skilled in utilizing fitness equipment.
Proficient in group fitness class instruction.
CPR and first aid certification.
Knowledge of injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Competence in tracking and analyzing client progress.
Understanding of exercise modifications for diverse populations.
Proficient in using fitness-related technology.
Ability to adapt to emerging fitness trends.
Knowledge of sports medicine principles.
Understanding of biomechanics.
Proficient in designing interval training programs.
Skilled in creating circuit training routines.
Competence in program evaluation.
Knowledge of fitness-related software applications.
Understanding of exercise prescription principles.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Fitness Instructor:

Effective communication skills.
Motivational and inspirational attitude.
Empathy and understanding.
Patience and perseverance.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Positive and enthusiastic demeanor.
Interpersonal skills for building client relationships.
Leadership and organizational skills.
Problem-solving abilities.
Team player mentality.

Conclusion

In the dynamic field of fitness instruction, possessing a combination of these hard and soft skills is essential for success. Aspiring Fitness Instructors should strive to develop and refine these skills to not only excel in their roles but also to positively impact the lives of those they guide on their fitness journeys.