The Careers Clusters in a gym

The Career Clusters in a gym
Gyms need more than just fitness instructors to operate. Learn about the different roles and Career Clusters you can expect to find in this Workplace Spotlight.

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The purpose of a gym is to help people get healthier and stronger by providing a place with exercise equipment and facilities. People go to the gym to do physical activities and workouts that can improve their fitness levels, build muscles, and increase their overall wellbeing. It’s a space where people also seek advice and support to achieve their fitness goals and lead a healthier lifestyle.

While every gym is different, they do tend to have some things in common:

  1. Face-to-face interaction – you’ll need to engage with members, answer their questions, and offer guidance, as well as collaborate with your co-workers.
  2. Safety is key – ensuring members don’t push themselves too hard and that machines are working safely is paramount.
  3. Cleanliness is important too – you’ll need to provide a clean and sanitary environment for your clients as well.

Key Outcome

Assist people with health and fitness goals

The main purpose of a gym is to help people get fit and healthy through exercise and advice.

Key Tasks

  • Assist clients with exercise and equipment
  • Clean and maintain the facilities
  • Conduct fitness classes or personal training sessions
  • Enforce safety rules
  • Manage administrative tasks
  • Promote gym services and membership packages
  • Monitor and adjust exercise equipment
  • Demonstrate proper exercise techniques

Industry

You can find gyms in the arts and recreation services industry

Gyms are generally found in the arts and recreation services industry. Some gyms might specialise in offering a particular service, such as weightlifting, group classes, elite performance, or rehabilitation.

Work Environment

You can expect flexible hours and on-site work

Flexible hours  |  Work on-site  |  Jobs more common in metro areas  |  Strong job growth

Gyms typically have flexible operating hours to accommodate different schedules and member preferences. Some gyms may even have extended or 24-hour access for members, allowing them to use the facility at any time.

Most of the work in a gym needs to be done hands-on, so you’ll need to work on-site. But certain roles, such as administration, marketing, programming, or even online fitness coaching, may allow for remote work opportunities.

Gyms are generally more common in metropolitan or urban areas compared to rural areas, as metropolitan areas often have a higher population and a larger market for health and wellness services.

The Career Clusters you’ll find in a gym

People from all Clusters are needed for a gym to run effectively, but the most common Clusters you’ll find are Guardians and Makers. As in any role, you might find yourself performing tasks across multiple Clusters.

Makers

Makers in a gym ensure that equipment is in proper working order, facilities are well-maintained, and clients have a safe and comfortable environment to exercise in. Their work contributes to the smooth operation and maintenance of the gym and its amenities.

  • Equipment Technicians
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Cleaners
Linkers

Linkers act as the bridge between clients and the various resources available in the gym, helping individuals navigate their fitness journey, access the right equipment, services, and programs, and build connections within the gym community. They also use their expertise to promote the gym’s services to the public.

  • Sales Consultants
  • Customer Service Representatives
  • Marketing Managers
Coordinators

Coordinators in a gym are responsible for overseeing administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, managing resources, and implementing policies and procedures to support the overall functioning of the gym. They might also manage membership databases and process membership-related transactions.

  • Floor Managers
  • Operations Managers
  • Administration Officers
Informers

Informers use their expertise and knowledge of health and fitness to train coaches and fitness instructors and ensure they are providing the best possible service for their clients. They might research the science behind particular exercises or body functions to optimise a client’s training routine or diet.

  • Fitness Trainers
  • Exercise Scientists
  • Wellness Advisors
Innovators

Innovators in a gym are responsible for exploring ways to improve workout routines, optimise training methods, and integrate technology to create a dynamic and cutting-edge fitness environment. Some Innovators are also involved with the initial design and layout of the gym.

  • Program Designers
  • Equipment Designers
  • Wellness Innovators
Guardians

Guardians are the most common Cluster you’ll find in a gym. They offer guidance to members in their fitness journey, advise on proper diet and lifestyle, and guide clients through recovery and rehabilitation. Guardians provide a sense of security, support, and care within the gym environment, ensuring that members can pursue their fitness goals.

  • Coaches & Personal Trainers
  • Dieticians
  • Physiotherapists
  • Wellness Coaches

How do we expect working in a gym to change in the future?

The demand for online fitness services, including virtual classes, personalised training sessions, and remote coaching, has grown significantly. Gyms may need to embrace and offer these digital fitness options to cater to a broader audience and adapt to changing preferences.

Gyms are also increasingly incorporating technology into their operations, such as using wearable fitness trackers, virtual reality (VR) workouts, or smart exercise equipment that tracks performance and provides real-time feedback.

With advancements in both technology and data analytics, gyms may also offer individualised training programs based on data-driven insights. Fitness professionals might need to enhance their skills in interpreting and utilising these metrics to tailor workouts and provide targeted guidance to clients.

Another recent trend in the fitness industry is moving towards more inclusive and accessible spaces for people of all abilities, body types, and backgrounds. Gyms may prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing modified equipment, inclusive training programs, and fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.