Focus Awards Level 2 Certificate in Planning and Delivering Gym Based Exercise (RQF)

Modules

Unit 1 - Principles of health and wellbeing for exercise, fitness and health

The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles of exercise, fitness and health, including the components, principles and variables of fitness, benefits of physical activity, and the importance of healthy eating.

Unit 2 - Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology for exercise and health

The aim of this unit is to develop learner knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the human body, and how this relates to exercise and health, including postural and core stability.

Unti 3 - Know how to support clients’ lifestyle management and enhance client motivation for exercise and physical activity

The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of how to develop effective working relationships with clients, how to provide ongoing customer services, and how to support clients to adhere to exercise/physical activity.

Unit 4 - Principles of professional practice and health and safety in a fitness environment

The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge and understanding that personal trainers need to maintain health, safety and welfare in a fitness environment, including the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

Unit 5 - Planning & delivery of Gym based exercise

This units aims develop the skills and knowledge required to plan and prepare a gymbased exercise programme with apparently healthy adults – both individuals and groups. 

Entry Requirements

This is an entry-level qualification that does not require any previous experience or qualifications to enrol. Full training is provided.

Minimum age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

The average completion time for this course is 6 months however it can be successfully completed in as little as 6 weeks by studying full-time. You have up to 24 months to complete this course.

Assessment requirements

Assessments are completed through a combination of written assessments, self-reflection, and video assessments. The video assessments require access to appropriate equipment - details of which can be provided upon request.

Placement or Practical required

No placement or face-to-face practical is required. Assessments are completed via video submission and learners will be required to record themselves and evidence of their work and progess, and upload it for review. See the guidance document for more information.

If placement or practical required, when?

No placement is required but learners should have access to a gym or gym equipment. Learners will also need to have access to a demonstration client for the video assessment.

Exams required

None

Is Membership Required?

No Membership

Certification Timeframe

Please allow up to 12 weeks from your course completion date for your certification to arrive. Please note this can be longer if an EQA sample is required

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A minimum course payment of 25% must be paid before we are able to register you on the course and book your unit 1 exam. Until this threshold is met, you will be unable to sit your unit 1 exam, although you are welcome to continue working your way through the course content.

Equipment Requirements:

Your laptop/desktop will run the assessment software and your smartphone or tablet will be used to record you and the assessment. The assessment itself cannot be sat on a smartphone or tablet.

Laptop/desktop Requirements:

You’ll need to have access to a laptop/desktop that has the following set-up:

• Broadband speed/bandwidth: - Minimum 1Mbit/s upload speed - recommended upload speed is 1.5Mbit/s - Minimum 10Mbit/s download speed - Tethering via a mobile phone is not supported. Tip: You could try connecting your computer directly to your Wi-Fi router using an ethernet cable to improve and/or guarantee your connection. You can test your broadband speed/bandwidth here: https://www.speedtest.net/ The operating systems supported are Windows 8 or higher, and MAC OS X (latest and previous releases). Chromebooks are not supported therefore shouldn’t be used
• Wi-Fi connection – you should be positioned where the signal is strongest
• Web browser – you’ll need the latest version of Google Chrome
• Webcam required – maximum resolution of 1280 x 720
• Microphone required
• Audio required
• If possible, turn off any updates on devices
• Ensure that your laptop/desktop is plugged in for the duration of the assessment

Note: Attempting to use a laptop or device that is intended for work purposes may have restricted access and admin rights installed. This may cause issues when trying to access the ProctorExam platform and therefore it is recommended that you use a personal laptop or device.

Review the following list of technology not currently supported by ProctorU.

Not Supported: 

• Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
• Apple Boot Camp
• Remote Access Software
• Inactive Version of Windows and Test Builds/Test Mode
• Microsoft Edge browser 
• Windows 10 and 11 in S mode or Surface RT
• Linux operating systems
• Google Chromebooks (with Guardian Browser)
• Google Chromebooks for Live+ or Review+
• Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
• Smartphones

Guidance from Proctor U

Review the following minimum and recommended requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, microphones, and browsers. 

Additional Requirements: 

• A functioning microphone (some web cameras have them built-in); the microphone should not be part of headphones.
• Headphones are generally not permitted,  check with your testing organization to determine if headphones are permitted
• A compatible browser: Guardian (If applicable), Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox
• If you are using a work-issued device, Admin access is required to Download

Review the following list of technology not currently supported by ProctorU.

Not Supported: 

• Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
• Apple Boot Camp
• Remote Access Software
• Inactive Version of Windows and Test Builds/Test Mode
• Microsoft Edge browser 
• Windows 10 and 11 in S mode or Surface RT
• Linux operating systems
• Google Chromebooks (with Guardian Browser)
• Google Chromebooks for Live+ or Review+
• Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
• Smartphones

Assessment

The course is assessed through a variety of methods, depending on the unit. We have outlined the assessment structure below:

Units are assessed through a combination of:

• Written assessments
• Video submissions
• Programme cards
• Reflection documents

Please note that each assessment will be explained when you reach them during your studies.

*Please note that you will need to have paid 15% of the overall course cost before we are able to book your first examination.

Qualifications

Focus

Upon successful completion of our Gym Instructing course, you will be awarded with the Level 2 Certificate for Gym Instructing (RFQ), accredited by Innovate Awarding.

To work in a gym or lead group fitness classes in the UK, you must have an accredited Level 2 Gym Instructing qualification.

Career

Anyone who wants to embark on a career in the health and fitness industry will benefit from this course. It is a brilliant starting point, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to engage, educate, enable, and support clients in a gym environment.

You may decide to begin your career path working as a Gym Instructor getting accustomed with leading client consultations, interacting with clients on the gym floor, and planning and delivering gym programmes. Alternatively, you may want to teach group fitness classes at your local gym or online.

As this qualification is a great starting point, you can use the knowledge gained to progress on to further study, enrolling on one of our other related courses. This will give you the ability to assist clients in a wider sense. Most of our students choose to eventually complete their L3 Personal Training qualification so that they can take that next step forward and train clients on a one-to-one basis.

Frequently Asked Questions