Sport & Leisure
Sport & Exercise Scientist
What's it like?
You would look at the human body, its shape, how it works and moves, and how people think about physical activity. You would work with athletes and sports people and help them to become better at what they do.
You might also work with the public to help them to improve their health through exercise, or recover from injury or illness through physical activity.
You could:
- Work with staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess sports people and help to improve their performance.
- Work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity.
- Work with hospitals and Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion.
- Take part in research projects.
- Give advice on the design of sports equipment.
Working conditions
Hours
You would typically work around 38 hours a week, which may include weekends and evenings to cover appointments with clients. You may have to work extra hours to complete research.
Environment
Depending on your job role, you could be based in a consultation room, but may occasionally work in other locations, such as sports stadiums. In health promotion, you would usually work in an office and may need to travel to visit partners, such as charities or sports organisations.
Travel
You may need to travel to visit partners, such as charities or sports organisations.
Fitness Instructor
What's it like?
You would lead people in exercise activities and advise them on healthy eating. You'd motivate and inspire them to get fitter and healthier.
You'd organise group and individual exercise programmes for your clients. You could offer a range of activities or specialise in a particular one, such as:
- Keep fit.
- Aquacise (exercise in water).
- Weight training.
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- You might also work with specific groups of people such as older adults, children, people with disabilities or people referred by doctors.
You would:
- Assess a person's fitness and ask them about their goals.
- Show people the health club facilities.
- Demonstrate exercise activities.
- Show people how to use exercise machines and free weights properly.
- Make sure people exercise safely and effectively.
- Lead group exercise classes, like circuit training, aerobics or spinning.
- Create personal exercise programmes.
- Advise people about healthy eating and lifestyles.
- You'd be outgoing and friendly to encourage people, who may not be used to exercise, to enjoy it and keep on coming to the training sessions.
As well as being healthy and fit yourself, you'd know about nutrition and healthy diets. A responsible attitude to health and safety is important.
In small health and fitness clubs you may carry out routine duties, such as working at reception and the swimming pool, and doing health and safety checks.
Working conditions
Hours
As a full-time fitness instructor, you would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, often on a shift or rota basis covering early mornings, evenings and weekends. Many instructors work part-time or freelance (self-employed).
Environment
You could work in gyms, health clubs or leisure centres. If you are self-employed, you may also run classes in places like school halls or community centres.
Travel
If you run classes in the community you you will need to travel locally.