Aspire
InstructAbility
InstructAbility is a multi award winning bespoke programme designed to engage disabled people in the fitness industry as gym instructors and gym users.
The scheme provides disabled people with free, accessible fitness industry training and qualifications followed by a voluntary industry work placement where instructors work to encourage more disabled people in the local community to participate in fitness activities.
The programme has been created by Aspire, the spinal injury charity and delivered in partnership with YMCAfit, the leading fitness industry training provider.
Check out their YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/AspireSCITV
What does the programme involve?
Phase 1: An 18 day YMCAfit training course delivered over seven weeks (2-3 days/week, approximately 10.00am – 4.00pm) The course is designed to give participants the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin their fitness career and includes comprehensive learning resources and all the guidance and support needed to pass the course. Successful completion will lead to an internationally recognised qualification, the CYQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing and a Level 3 Exercise & Disability qualification. Aspire also leads a training session on engagement strategies and presentation skills.
Phase 2: Following the training phase, qualified disabled instructors will undertake a twelve week (3 days/week) voluntary placement in a public or private fitness gym. Volunteer instructors will undertake community outreach to engage other disabled people in fitness and exercise sessions.
On completion of the programme instructors are encouraged to continue volunteering or progress into paid employment.
What can the programme lead to?
- Full-time or part-time work as a gym instructor within a health and fitness club
- Become a gym supervisor or fitness manager within a health and fitness club
- Deliver popular group classes (by taking CPD modules) including Circuit Training, Keiser Cycle or Core Stability
- Build towards becoming a level 3 personal trainer by completing the remaining personal trainer modules
