Course overview

YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructor City of Bristol College

This is an intense 14 week course, taking place over two days per week, which will equip you with the knowledge, skills and qualifications you need to work as a gym-based fitness instructor in a variety of settings in the UK and throughout the world.

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults aged 19+.

If you enjoy exercising at the gym and want a career as a personal trainer, this course could be your first step towards achieving your ambition.

What you'll learn

You will learn:

  • How to plan, deliver and monitor personal fitness programmes and how these affect the body.
  • Relevant aspects of anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of the skeleton, the heart and circulatory system, the respiratory system, the nervous and energy systems and their relation to exercise.
  • About postural and core stability.
  • How to deliver basic health assessment techniques such as blood pressure and BMI tests.
  • How to gain the tools to develop and plan gym programmes for a wide range of customers.
  • The skills needed to deliver one-to-one consultations and group inductions.

Course entry requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including Maths and/or English or a Level 1 Diploma in a relevant subject plus GCSEs in Maths and/or English, or a Functional Skills qualification in Maths and/or English.

We will invite you to a Course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Some Level 2 Technical qualifications may require a slightly higher entry requirement based on the specific content of the course. This may include having English or Maths at Grade 4

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure that you can flourish.

Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process; we are here to help take you to the next level.

A good level of personal fitness would be an advantage.

You will need to have an understanding of using a gym and be participating at a gym or in some form of group exercise or water-based exercise.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

Our approach to training is to provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to encourage maximal retention of information. Our trainers are committed to providing the best possible delivery and support for you. They are experienced fitness professionals who relate theory to relevant and practical situations.

All of your teachers will be qualified instructors, personal trainers or gym managers, so you will benefit from their professional knowledge and industry expertise.

Your time will be split equally between the classroom and the gym, where you will put your learning into practice developing and evaluating fitness programmes.

You will be continuously assessed through a mix of coursework, practical work and written tests, with a multiple-choice online exam at the end of the course.

Future career and study opportunities

After completing this course, you could seek employment in a gym or extend your learning and career opportunities by joining a higher-level course, for example to become a personal trainer.

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. 

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

  • Career Coach
    For guidance on which career path to take, to explore career options related to our courses, find out which careers are in demand, and then get the training you need.

Where to find us