Level 3 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness: Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer

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Course Details

  • 9 Months

  • 02/03/2026

  • Part Time, Blended Learning

  • One day per month (5 Hours)

    • Questions and answers

    • Worksheets

    • Information resources

    • Applied case studies

    • Exercise induction portfolio

    • Client consultation and assessment

    • Nutrition case study

    • Session planning / progressive exercise programme design

    • Observation of practical skills

    • Evaluation documents

    • Showcase presentation

    • Professional discussion

    • Aged 16+

    • The course requires physical exertion and individual participation is essential, therefore a degree of physical fitness is necessary

    • There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) and Maths involved, so learners should have basic skills in communication and Maths

  • £1600

Course Information

Introduction

Learners that successfully complete this industry recognised qualification are able to gain access to the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory at Level 3 and work in Personal Training.

Overview

By completing this qualification, learners will meet industry requirements to become both a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer, as set out within the CIMSPA professional standards.
The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to:

  • Maintain health, safety, and hygiene in the gym-based environment.

  • Supervise and support participants in a gym-based environment.

  • Plan, deliver and evaluate gym-based exercise programmes.

  • Consult and assess clients’ needs and support them towards their health and fitness goals.

  • Plan, deliver and evaluate indoor and outdoor personal training sessions to support individuals (one-to-one) and small groups.

  • Apply methods of marketing to promote their own personal training business.

Completing this qualification provides learners with access to CIMSPA Practitioner membership, the industry prerequisite to access self-employed and employed personal trainer roles.

Course Units/Modules

Learners will cover underpinning knowledge and skills for exercise and fitness instructors including:

  • Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness professionals

  • Providing a positive customer experience to exercise and fitness participants

  • Principles of physical activity, exercise, and training approaches to develop fitness and health

  • Health screening, risk stratification and scope of practice

  • Health awareness and lifestyle management

Learners will also cover knowledge and skills related to supporting clients in a gym environment and delivering personal training sessions, including:

  • Consultation, assessment and induction processes in a gym-based environment

  • Maintaining safety and hygiene in the gym-based environment

  • Using client information to plan gym-based exercise

  • Principles for planning and designing gym-based exercise and group circuit training sessions for a range of clients

  • Delivering gym-based exercise and group circuit training sessions

  • Reviewing sessions and reflecting on practice