Fitness
Essential resources for fitness instructors and personal trainers
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of resources for current or aspiring fitness instructors and personal trainers.
Qualifications: how to become a fitness instructor or personal trainer
To be qualified as a fitness instructor, you must complete the Certificate III in Fitness course (SIS30321) through an approved registered training organisation (RTO).
To be qualified as a personal trainer, you must complete the Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) course through an approved RTO.
Many fitness professionals choose to do both courses. The courses can be undertaken both face-to-face and online.
Handy calculators
One Rep Max (1RM) Calculator
You can put down the calculator and pen and paper – our 1RM calculator does all the heavy lifting to instantly provide you with submaximal estimation of 1RM. Plus, it provides a handy table of 1RM percentages to make programming for your clients super easy.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Whilst it has some significant limitations, BMI is still a commonly used measure. Check out our calculator and full guide to BMI.
Maximal Heart Rate (MHR) Calculator
Use our MHR calculator to get predicted maximal heart rate instantly. Plus, it provides a handy table of MHR percentages to make programming a breeze.
Daily energy calculator for weight maintenance or weight loss
Use our Daily Energy Calculator to determine the appropriate dietary energy intake for weight maintenance or weight loss. The calculator outputs the results in both kilojoules and calories.
Our calculator is designed in line with the recommendations of the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Apps and desktop software
BioDigital Human
The BioDigital Human mobile app features 3D anatomy and 3D health condition models.
The app can be used for free with some limitations.
Purchasing an annual subscription (in-app purchase) will unlock all the premium features of the app.
Visible Body
Visible Body offers software solutions for learning about anatomy and physiology.
A subscription is required to access the software, there is no free version available.
Books
The Essential Guide to Fitness For the Fitness Instructor (5th Edition)
This text book is for students undertaking the Certificate III in Fitness course (SIS30321) qualification.
Available to purchase at Booktopia.
Fitness Trainer Essentials For the Personal Trainer (4th Edition)
This text book is for students undertaking the Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) qualification.
Available to purchase at Booktopia.
Strength Training Anatomy (4th Edition)
Frédéric Delavier is a gifted artist with an extensive knowledge of anatomy and strength training.
This highly regarded book offers incredible insights into the anatomical aspects of strength training.
Available to purchase at Booktopia.
Fitness equipment
For fitness equipment, we use and highly recommend Iron Edge. They’re an Australian company with very high quality fitness equipment at affordable pricing.
Use our exclusive discount code (IE-616) for 5% off!
Industry associations
Fitness instructors and personal trainers may wish to register with one or more industry associations.
There’s usually a fee for registering with an industry association; however, some offer free student registration.
There are numerous industry associations, including:
- AUSactive (formerly known as Fitness Australia);
- Physical Activity Australia;
- FITREC;
- Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA);
- Sports Medicine Australia; and
- Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Setting up a fitness business
Australian Business Number (ABN)
If you want to operate a fitness business or work as a contractor for other businesses, then you’ll need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
You can apply for an ABN through the abr.gov.au website. Applying for an ABN is free.
Business name
If you want to operate a fitness business, then you’ll need to register a business name. There are some exceptions, for example if you plan to trade under your own legal name (e.g. Jane Smith).
To register a business name, you need to have an ABN or be in the process of applying for one.
You can register a business name through the asic.gov.au website or by using the Business Registration Service. Fees apply for business name registration (see the asic.gov.au website for current fees).
