Am I too old to become a fitness instructor?
Every day, people enquire about how to become a fitness instructor and ask us these questions. Am I too old? Am I fit enough? Do I have what it takes?
We can all be guilty of having a skewed idea of what a fitness instructor looks like: young, super skinny, and extremely fit. Group exercise instructors come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and they have different backgrounds. Feeling like an imposter is normal when starting something new. But remember that you don’t need to fit the stereotype to pursue this opportunity.
So what do you need to become a fitness instructor?
A fundamental requirement to become an exercise instructor is the knowledge and certification required to teach. We can provide you with all the knowledge and expertise you need. But, what you also need is to be passionate, caring and have a desire to work with people.
Do not allow your age to discourage you from pursuing your aspirations. When people ask us, “Am I too old to be an exercise instructor? Our reply is simply, “There’s no such thing as too old.”
We encourage older trainers. We’ve trained people in their 20s through to their late 70s. The average age of a Move it or Lose it instructor is 50.
Age has no bearing on the success of an instructor in the fitness industry. More than half of the people we train are over 40, with no prior fitness instruction experience. They simply want to embark on a fulfilling second career or retirement job and have a passion for health and fitness.
Get motivated by Pip’s journey of becoming a fitness coach for the elderly.
So why should you consider becoming an exercise teacher in retirement?
Job satisfaction. If you love your job, it doesn’t feel like work. Many people express their enjoyment of being a group fitness instructor and often regret not starting earlier.
Teaching group exercise classes can bring a sense of appreciation and satisfaction. Improving the quality of life for adults by teaching fitness is truly rewarding work.
Health & Wellbeing. This career path will keep you active and healthy. When you retire, it’s all too easy to fall into bad habits and become less active.
Job flexibility. By becoming a group exercise instructor, you have the power to set your own hours. It enables you enjoy retirement and still pursue interests or look after your grandchildren.
Here are 5 top reasons why you should consider becoming an exercise instructor for older people.
So is becoming an exercise professional the right opportunity for you?
Don’t discount your life experience. It’s a valuable tool for fitness instructors. Being personable, empathetic and caring are key attributes you need to work with older clients. You’ll have so many transferable skills.
We know becoming a fitness professional makes an ideal mid-life career switch. You’ll be amazed at home quick and simple it can be to start a new career and generate supplemental income. You can choose to work full time or part time.
How long does it take to become a fitness professional?
Becoming an exercise instructor is easier to get into than many other second careers. All you need is hard work, dedication and certification. To work in gym settings, you need to complete a level 2 fitness instructor course, such as a personal trainer qualification which can take just a few months. If you want to teach exercise for older adults in community or care settings, you can take our certified instructor training, click here. to find out more.
Start a new career with a purpose
Transitioning into retirement is a significant shift in life. One day you’re indispensable, the next you may feel devoid of purpose. Without a well-thought-out plan for retirement, you could end up feeling lost.
A common misconception some retirees make is to replace their career void with hobbies. Hobbies are wonderful, and retirement is the perfect time for them, but they don’t necessarily offer a sense of purpose.
To be happy in retirement, it’s important to find a balance between having fun and having a purpose. Working with class members to stay happy and healthy can fill this role. Being with others and inspiring them to be happier and healthier will give you the purpose you’re missing.
Is there truly no age limit to becoming a fitness instructor?
No maximum age exists to pursue a career as a fitness instructor. But, you must be capable of fulfilling specific physical prerequisites. These requirements differ based on the kind of fitness instruction you wish to deliver. You need to be able to deliver the types of workouts you’ll be guiding your class members through.
Check out this story about Sian who started a new career in her 60s.
Becoming a fitness trainer at 50, 60, and more
If you’re considering a midlife career change or seeking a new profession post-retirement, here are the steps to become a group exercise instructor for older adults:
Do your research. The fitness industry can be a minefield with all the training courses on offer. Whether you choose a career as a personal trainer or group exercise instructor. So, ensure you go to a quality training provider specialising in the type of exercise you’d like to deliver. They can equip you with all the necessary skills and confidence to work with the demographic you choose.
Complete your training. It’s absolutely essential to have a certification to work as a fitness professional. You can acquire the skills and certification necessary to gain your liability insurance to deliver group exercise.