Sport and Fitness - Introduction to: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
Ready to turn your passion for fitness into a rewarding career?
The Certificate in Gym Instructing (Level 2) at Glasgow Kelvin College is a nationally recognised qualification designed for anyone looking to start a career in the health and fitness industry.
You’ll learn how to plan, deliver, and supervise safe, effective exercise sessions for individuals and groups in a gym or health club environment. The course blends classroom learning with practical instruction and real-world experience, helping you develop both your technical knowledge and your confidence as an instructor.
Topics include anatomy and physiology, customer care, health and safety, and behaviour change strategies — all aligned with current industry standards and expectations. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to support clients in achieving their fitness goals and a strong foundation to progress in the fitness industry.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have a passion for health, fitness, and helping others achieve their goals.
- Are looking to start your career in the gym, leisure, or fitness industry.
- Already work in a gym environment and want to gain a recognised qualification.
- Are interested in progressing towards a Level 3 Personal Training qualification or other advanced fitness awards.
Whether you’re new to fitness instruction or seeking formal recognition of your experience, this course provides the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to get started.
What you will learn
You’ll complete five mandatory units designed to give you the essential knowledge and confidence to work safely and effectively as a gym instructor:
- Principles of Anatomy, Physiology and Fitness
- Professionalism and Customer Care for Fitness Instructors
- Health and Safety in the Fitness Environment
- Conducting Client Consultations to Support Positive Behaviour Change
- Planning and Instructing Gym-Based Exercise
You’ll also achieve an Emergency First Aid at Work award — an important qualification for working in gyms, leisure centres, and fitness facilities.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand how the body works and responds to exercise.
- Conduct client consultations and support positive behaviour change.
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate gym-based exercise sessions.
- Provide excellent customer care and maintain a safe, professional training environment.
- Reflect on and improve your instructional techniques to enhance client results.
Entry requirements
To apply for the Certificate in Gym Instructing (Level 2), you should have one of the following:
✅ Three National 5 qualifications, OR
✅ One Higher qualification, OR
✅ An NQ/NC qualification at SCQF Level 5 in a sport-related subject.
Some experience of gym-based exercise, including free weights, is highly recommended.
Because the course includes practical assessments, a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
ℹ️ Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course.
Please note: learners aged 16–18 may require supervision in a workplace environment.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Students of this course can begin their careers in a range of health, fitness, and leisure settings. Typical roles include:
🏋️♂️ Gym Instructor – delivering safe, effective exercise sessions and supporting member goals.
💪 Fitness Coach – motivating clients and helping them develop healthy lifestyle habits.
🏢 Health Club Assistant – assisting with day-to-day operations in gyms or sports facilities.
🏊♀️ Leisure Centre Attendant – supporting customers, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards are met.
With experience and further study, many learners progress to Personal Training, Group Exercise, or Fitness Management roles.
Future prospects
After completing the Certificate in Gym Instructing (Level 2), you’ll be ready to take the next step in your fitness career.
Most students progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (January – June), where you’ll develop advanced coaching, programming, and client support skills.
Real Industry Connections
At Glasgow Kelvin College, we work closely with local gyms, leisure centres, and health clubs to ensure your learning experience reflects real industry practice.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through:
- Guest speakers from across the fitness industry
- Site visits to leading training facilities
- Live client interactions and practical sessions
These opportunities will help you build professional networks, develop confidence, and gain valuable insight into what employers are looking for in a modern fitness instructor.
Our Environment
We offer a dynamic and supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to succeed. With access to modern gym and fitness facilities, expert tutors, and a culture that promotes inclusion, professionalism, and wellbeing, you’ll be empowered to thrive both academically and personally.
