Are you eyeing a career in the fitness industry? If yes, you have probably encountered two terms innumerable times: fitness instruction and personal training. The question is, are these two jobs the same? No. Depending on the role you opt for, your everyday responsibilities will change dramatically. Also, one requires more knowledge than the other.

Who is a fitness instructor?
Fitness instructors are usually found inside gyms. They instruct people on how to use different equipment like free weights, resistance machines, cardiovascular machines, etc. At times, they also write exercise manuals that help members follow an exercise routine correctly.

Who is a personal trainer?
People hire personal trainers to receive guidance and advice on fitness, nutrition, and exercise. They help people change their lifestyles and adopt healthy habits to meet their overall fitness goals. Clients retain their trainers only on noticing progress, which can be challenging.

To become a personal trainer, your understanding of different exercises should be cutting edge. Only then will you be able to offer the most versatile techniques and strategies for keeping your clients engaged. You must also possess sound skills and knowledge in behavior change and psychology to keep individuals motivated and progressing towards their goals. A good personal trainer is capable of helping people work long-term because results do not come overnight.

Differences in qualifications
Since the role of a fitness instructor and personal trainer vary, the qualifications also differ:

Fitness instructors
To become a gym instructor, you would need to complete an accredited Level 2 Gym Instructor Course from an approved institution. Some providers refer to it as the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.

Personal trainers
All personal trainers should complete an approved Level 3 Personal Training Course. Some people pursue a higher level 4 qualification to amplify their earning potential. You can organize one-to-one sessions with clients if you are a fully qualified personal trainer.

Differences in responsibilities
Although fitness instruction may seem similar to personal training, there are differences between the two. Here is a closer look into the responsibilities of each:

Fitness instructors
Primarily, a fitness instructor works in a gym or is self-employed and runs group fitness sessions. One of their primary responsibilities is ensuring gym members employ the gym equipment correctly and safely. They also ensure people use the correct technique while exercising to avoid injuries. Further, a gym instructor works to ensure the members make the most of their workout. But, they do not focus on one member and assist everyone alike.

Beyond their primary responsibilities, an instructor helps with other tasks at the gym. For instance, they sign up new members, tidy up the equipment, and offer a tour around the gym. Sometimes, people start as gym instructors before becoming personal trainers. But unlike personal trainers, fitness instructors do not create long-term relationships with clients.

Personal trainers
A personal trainer’s primary responsibility is to help clients materialize their fitness goals. They may offer one-on-one or group sessions. In the first class, the instructor sets targets for each individual after consulting with them and noting their fitness level and injuries. Then they come up with a personalized plan to achieve those targets. Usually, these plans revolve around increasing fitness levels and gaining muscle mass.

Unlike fitness instructors, personal trainers enjoy flexibility in their jobs and can offer training wherever it works best for them. Hence, these sessions may be based in or outside the gym. Beyond assisting the clients with physical exercises, personal trainers help with the client’s emotional well-being. They offer encouragement and support at times when individuals feel like giving up.

Fitness instruction vs. personal training – which career should you choose?
The skills and responsibilities of a personal trainer and gym instructor may seem alike, but they are not. The significant difference between the two is in how they work. Besides, a personal trainer has to possess more knowledge and undergo advanced training because they work one-on-one with the clients to help them materialize their fitness and health goals. On the contrary, a gym instructor does not offer tailored sessions. They usually assist the gym members perfect their technique and use equipment safely.

Broadly, becoming a gym instructor is the entryway into the fitness journey. It lets you work in the gym and build a rapport with clients. So, starting as a gym instructor would be a better option if you have just started learning about fitness.