Fitness centre manager : Entry requirements

This area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, but the following degree, HND or foundation degree subjects may increase your chances:

• sport, leisure or recreation management;
• sports science;
• psychology;
• education;
• travel, tourism or leisure studies;
• business, management or other business-related subjects;
• business with languages.

Personal qualities, business and management interests and skills, and relevant fitness qualifications can be as important as the subject you have studied at university or college.

Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is fairly common, although entrants are increasingly educated to degree level. Some organisations specifically target graduates, particularly for promoted posts.

Pre-entry experience in a fitness or leisure centre is almost always essential. Fitness instructor qualifications and other forms of certification in fitness instruction, or sports coaching or a national pool lifeguard qualification (NPLQ) or pool operator certificate can be useful. Ideally, fitness qualifications should be recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) . Marketing or events experience can be useful, and experience and qualifications in management, sales or finance may also be advantageous.

First aid certification and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks are invariably required.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• an interest (but not necessarily outstanding performance) in physical fitness and sport;
• good interpersonal, time management and organisational skills;
• the ability to work within, as well as to lead and motivate, a team;
• business acumen, creative thinking and problem-solving;
• motivational skills, energy and resilience;
• flexibility and multi-tasking skills;
• computer literacy;
• a customer-focused, approachable and outgoing personality;
• the ability to relate to the requirements of customers from all age groups and sectors of society, including people with special needs.

Your first step is to gain experience in a fitness centre. There are often vacancies for part-time and casual staff, particularly for evening and weekend shifts, in roles such as swimming pool attendant, membership sales adviser or fitness centre assistant. Be prepared to show your commitment by taking on as much responsibility as possible.

Learn as much as you can about the management of the centre, find out how other centres are run, and start to establish a network of contacts. If possible, attend events such as Leisure Industry Week  and listen to the key speakers from the fitness sector.

Most managers start their careers as fitness instructors or personal trainers, or in the public sector as centre assistants. Others may have backgrounds in the armed forces, teaching or coaching. Case studies and job profiles on these careers can be found on websites such as U-Explore , Careers Workout and The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) .

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.