If you have ever visited a gym, you would have seen the guys training individuals or groups – these guys are the fitness practitioners. Armand Botha is a fitness practitioner and he got into this line of work through his hobby, which was to become an Aerobics instructor. Armand is also a qualified teacher and says this is his dream job. He also emphasises that “if you are doing it to help people and not to make money,” then you will always be happy in this career. Armand currently trains people to become fitness practitioners at the International College of Kinesis.

Due to the increase in concern over health and fitness in the last few years, people have been jumping on the bandwagon to muscle up or tone down. Most of them unfortunately don’t know how to go about this and therefore they need a fitness practitioner. Fitness is vital to the health and well-being of a person and the longevity of a person’s life. Fitness has been around for millions of years and will be around for many more to come. Armand spoke to SA Career Focus about his active career.

Basics

A fitness practitioner is the combination of a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. The average salary varies between R150 and R350 per hour, with a maximum of 10 people a day. So, your salary is dependent on what you charge per session. According to Bodyline Fitness Academy there are a variety of places where you can work in the fitness industry all around the world, from Cruise Ships, Health clubs and hotels to sports clubs, health spas and retirement homes, to mention a few. The choice is endless.

Job description

“You do personal training,” says Armand. “You screen and test clients and design personalised wellness programmes. You also teach exercise community classes, where you teach exercise-to-music classes and create, market and manage your own business. You can teach individuals or groups, working as a Personal Fitness Trainer, a Group Fitness Instructor or both.” As a fitness instructor you will have to show people how to use certain equipment and ensure that they don’t injure themselves from exercising too strenuously or from using the equipment incorrectly.   

The

“The pros,” says Armand, “are that, if you work for yourself, you are your own boss, the unlimited pay check, and it is quite versatile – you can work almost anywhere, in a gym or on a cruise liner.” An established gym will have set hours, but an in-house trainer has more freedom.

“The cons are that it’s hard work and long hours. Also, you need to spend money to continue learning and educating yourself. In some cases, the money is not great and you can get tired of people and their issues. You take on the negative energy from other people,” says Armand.

Required studies and experience

To become a fitness practitioner, you are required to complete a national certificate in fitness on an NQF Level 5. Most of the experience you gain will be in-house experience while studying. You need good health, a reasonable level of fitness, current participation in fitness, enthusiasm and passion to follow this career. Another prerequisite as a fitness practitioner is that you will need to understand the human body and how exercising will and can affect it.

Personality types

The personality needed to be a fitness practitioner is an outgoing, people person, who enjoys exercise and has a passion for the fitness industry, and is a salesperson, teacher, counsellor and advisor. “Basically, an all-rounder,” says Armand.

An average day

An average day for Armand starts at 05:00. He then sees clients every hour, has a lunch break and continues seeing clients for the rest of the day. Armand also does group training, usually between 05:00 and 19:00.

The best thing about the job

“It’s not work, you are doing something you enjoy,” smiles Armand.

The worst thing about the job

“Getting up early, the late nights and the people can get to you,” shrugs Armand.

If you love staying fit and helping others, then this might be the job for you. Go visit a gym near you to find out more about this career and others that they have to offer.

Gabrielle Venter