Exercise instructor
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work irregular hours, including early mornings, nights and weekends
- Usually work in gyms, recreation centres and exercise centres, and may travel locally
- May work in hot and noisy conditions
- May do physically demanding work
- Need to be organised, safety conscious and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Train people in physical exercises
- Teach people safe exercise techniques
- Show clients how to use equipment
- Check client fitness and strength levels
- Create exercise programmes for clients
- Encourage people to exercise correctly
- Teach healthy lifestyle habits
- Check and maintain equipment safely
Outlook
The exercise industry in New Zealand continues to adapt as more people prioritise fitness, healthy ageing and overall wellbeing. Demand for a range of exercise options, from gym programmes to group fitness and outdoor activities, remains strong. Globally, technology such as fitness apps, wearable devices and online coaching is changing how exercise services are delivered, while personalised and holistic approaches to health continue to grow.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Ability to motivate and encourage different people
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of exercise and healthy lifestyles
- Confidence leading individuals and groups
- Good planning and organisational skills
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
AUT programmes
- Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Instructing
- Certificate of Proficiency in Group Exercise Instruction
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.