Wellbeing fitness coaching
Fitness coaching is a collaborative and goal-oriented process where a trained professional supports the development of both physical and mental health to improve someone's overall wellbeing.
Many people now seek the help of a gym instructor or personal trainer to develop an exercise programme to improve fitness levels, focus on weight management and body shaping, or to improve their overall physical health.
As well as helping to achieve these goals, a wellbeing fitness coach is trained places equal importance on the link between the mind and the body, and will address both physical and mental wellbeing. Additional support can be offered through applied exercise science, a holistic review of medical history, guidance to develop healthy eating habits, and tools for stress management.
Training
You don't need to have specific qualifications to become a fitness coach, however it is essential ensure your employer and/or clients know you're trained and qualified in the right areas.
Generally, fitness instructors need to be educated to GSCE level or equivalent, and have knowledge about anatomy and physiology, fitness principles and health and safety. Studying at A level or equivalent will give you deeper knowledge of anatomy and nutrition and allow you to progress to personal training.
It is expected that a wellbeing fitness coach should have advanced knowledge or training to a minimum Level 4 Diploma / Foundation degree in a relevant subject such physical education, exercise science, sports medicine, kinesiology, biomechanics, or a related field, to be able to offer the recommended guidance and advice to their clients.
If you don't want to complete a degree, CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) offers a wealth of resources and information, and CIMPSA accredited-courses are considered the gold standard in the industry.
Regulation
Fitness coaching isn't a regulated profession, so there is no essential registration within this field. However, almost all employers will expect you to be professionally qualified. The titles 'fitness coach' and 'personal trainer' are not currently protected in the UK.
CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) is dedicated to setting the standards for the fitness sector and is the governing body for the UK Sports and physical activity sector.
Professional body
You may want to apply for practitioner membership with CIMSPA for professional recognition and career support: