Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
• Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programmes to meet any special requirements.
• Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
• Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
• Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
• Monitor participants' progress and adapt programmes as needed.
• Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.
• Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximise benefits from exercise routines.
• Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.
• Administer emergency first aid, wrap injuries, treat minor chronic disabilities, or refer injured persons to physicians.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways to a career as an Exercise Instructor. Some exercise is to music, one to one coaching, group training & instruction, others involving weights or equipment in various settings. Development of skills & instruction ability in line with your clients needs. 

Training can also help you progress, depending if you plan to go into instruction, or training for general fitness, sports performance or competition.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: sports recreation and exercise, group facilitation, training, outdoor activity instructor, surf instructor, beach lifeguard.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include:  fitness instructor, gym-based exercise, gym, fitness instructor, personal trainer, sports coaching, outdoor activity instructor, exercise.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: coaching and sports performance, sports management and coaching, exercise, health fitness management, strength and conditioning, physical education, sport and exercise.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: education, teaching.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

NCEF - National council for Exercise & Fitness  

Sport Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €41k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, sessional rates. shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Excel/ Payscale

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Leisure and sports managers; Sports players Sports coaches; instructors and officials; Fitness instructors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell in this occupation between 2021 and 2022, with 6,000 fewer people employed compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment numbers were small across the individual roles included in this occupation; although the Census shows that there was some growth over the period 2016 to 2022, this was primarily related to fitness instructors.

A half of all persons employed in this occupation worked part-time, far exceeding the national average of 22%. Employment permits issued for this group related to professional sports players sports coaches/instructors. The rising cost of living is likely to have an impact on the demand for the services provided by many people working in these occupations.

An increased use of digital fitness, particularly during COVID-19, may also have an impact on future demand for these roles, along with a shift in the skills profile required (e.g. digital skills). As such, the outlook for this occupation is uncertain, with any potential employment growth dependent on the levels of consumer discretionary spending.

• University of Limerick

  • Plassey Technological Park, Limerick
  • (061) 202015
  • Click Here

• Ireland Active

  • Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • 01-6251192
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Physical Education Association of Ireland

  • University of Limerick, National Technology Park, Limerick
  • 085 165 8180
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• NCEHS, National Training Centre for Fitness Instructors

  • 16A St. Josephs Parade- off Dorset Street, Dublin 7
  • (01) 882 7777
  • Click Here

• NCEF Office

  • Press Building, University of Limerick, Limerick
  • (061) 202829
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here