Find the Right Role for You

Since graduating from FIT College (now Fit Futures) in 2015 I have taken my qualification and joined the fitness industry right away.

I completed my first aid course, got my REPS registration done then started my own website, Facebook page and business.

I am now running a great business comprising of Group Outdoor Workouts and Mobile Personal Training, as well as contracting to another boot camp company, as an assistant boot camp trainer.

I changed my career in less than 6 months! I signed up with Fit Futures in September 2015. Their helpful team made it extremely easy to get the ball rolling with my fitness career while working full time. Throughout my study period, they were very supportive with any questions I had with the curriculum. Their continual support with frequent meetings to check my progress made my learning very easy with flexible hours.

The Fit Futures team made it very easy and seamless to integrate into an amazing team as a fully qualified Personal Trainer. I strongly recommend Fit Futures to anyone that is looking at becoming a fully qualified Personal Trainer.

Throughout my studies with FIT College NZ (now Fit Futures), I found the course to be very informing and exactly what I would have been looking for in my start of becoming a personal trainer. Every section was broken up into different categories which made it so much easier to focus on the different topics one at a time. As well as having a lot of theory work there was a substantial amount of practice involved with the submission of videos throughout the course which gave me a more hands-on experience.

Throughout the course if I ever had any queries I knew I could always get help from my tutor Julie. Julie was fantastic, I would either send her a text or email and she would usually get back to me within the day. She taught me things about my training and how to improve on my skills which I really appreciated.

I found that the content of the course is very good for beginners and people wanting to get their foot in the door of the fitness industry. It provides a behind the scenes look at the business side of fitness and helps you prepare for the real world by preparing business plans and even doing a gym layout mock up.

All in all my experience with FIT College NZ (now Fit Futures) was fantastic. I am glad to have gotten the opportunity to study with them and I have been putting what I have studied into practice in the fitness industry.”

A desire to shed excess weight after having her third baby led to a complete lifestyle and career reset for Zoe Anderson. It wasn’t an easy journey for Zoe who initially battled with energy and injuries while working towards achieving her initial goal of running a half marathon.

“I swore I’d never do it again after struggling through my first half marathon but eventually got back into it.  It was just as hard, but this time, I learned about strength training and injury prevention.”

Something clicked for Zoe and she fell in love with running, although she still believed she couldn’t run further than 21 kilometres. That all changed when talking through her life goals with some inspiring friends.

“I realised I needed to leave my dead-end job and make a change. I knew I wanted to help people like myself who had been struggling with fitness and help them progress.”

Zoe found out about Fit Futures Academy and signed up before she could talk herself out of it. She’s now in the best shape of her life and loves her new career.

“I lost 20 kilograms and I’ve run several ultramarathons. I’m training for my next challenge which is a 100-kilometre event.

“Thanks to Fit Futures I am now a qualified personal trainer and have been given an amazing opportunity by a local fitness studio owner who will support me to progress my career.”

“Fit Futures provided me with part time study that could fit in with my work schedule and other commitments. It allowed me to work at a pace that was achievable with the guiding from two amazing tutors!”

“Studying this certificate changed my life by showing me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. My own training has become more successful and I have an even bigger passion for helping others then I did before hand.”

“Fit Futures is the way to go! Very helpful tutors, complete at your own pace and fits into your life style with part time study available.”

“After playing provincial and national level sport I had an injury which forced me to stop playing. Whilst I was at the gym training the owner asked me if I wanted to come on board. As I love the sport so much I thought this is exactly what I want and I can give back a little and help people. I jumped at it”

“I am 54 and proof that you’re never too old to do something you love. Now I can help people professionally with what i have learnt from Fit Futures and my time playing for NZ.”

“Go for it. I guarantee you won't regret it. Plenty of help available. Health and fitness is the way of the future.”

Landing a part-time job as a trainee personal trainer just 12 weeks into her course gave Ruby plenty of practical experience for her course with Fit Futures Academy.

“It was so good to have that hands-on experience and being with the other PTs helped me understand my study so much better.”

Ruby was an assistant manager at a restaurant before starting her course and she says going to the gym and seeing the results that trainers were getting motivated her to study.

“I love to help people achieve their goals and really enjoy working with others so what sold me was seeing the results that trainers were getting with their clients.”

Outstanding support from her tutors throughout her course was another plus for Ruby.

“The support from Jason, Zara and Fit Futures current and past students was amazing. Sometimes I would doubt myself but all you only have to ask, and everyone is more than happy to help.”

After graduating, Ruby took up a management role with Anytime Fitness in Invercargill and is enjoying working in the fitness industry.

“It’s an awesome experience and being in this industry you are much more aware of
living a healthy lifestyle.”

Being able to study personal training while working full-time helped Jason Hammond fulfil his dream.

“I was working as a panel beater and had always wanted to study something related to training and fitness but was hesitant to go back to study as it usually meant giving up my job.”

Jason was pleased to discover that study with Fit Futures meant he could keep working full-time and fit study around his work and lifestyle.

“I’ve always been interested in personal training and fitness and had thought about studying for 10 years so this was really the best option for me.”

Now that Jason has graduated, he is looking at setting up a home-based personal training business and plans to start off training friends and family before expanding his client base. He is also keen to learn more about nutrition and mobility so he can specialise in those areas of interest.

“Having a level 4 qualification in personal training and REPs registration has given me the opportunity to explore my options in an industry that I have always been interested in.”

Nadia has gained a real sense of achievement after acting on a long-held dream and studying to become a personal trainer with Fit Futures Academy.

“This experience has shown me that dreams are possible with a little focus, consistency and commitment. I feel like anything is possible now.”

The work experience component of the course was a highlight for Nadia who loved putting the theory into action. She was thankful for the scholarship provided by Fit Futures Academy and the flexible study options which made it possible for her to fit course work into her busy schedule.

After graduating Nadia started teaching fitness programmes with the YMCA and is currently working towards her Les Mills certification in Bodypump. She advises others who may be considering studying personal training to “go for it”.

“Do it! Stop waiting for the right time. Stop second-guessing yourself. If you’re looking to study or work in the fitness industry, go for it! If you’re worried about failure, how will you ever know if you don’t try?”

I found my first month exciting… kicking my study brain back into gear and trying to fit it in around life was a bit nerve-wracking, but I love how the course has been tailored to fit it all in.

I was able to work through my lectures at my own pace and revisit and re-access the information, as I needed it. I was nervous about the online component of this course both because of the self-discipline I knew would be required, and also navigating my way through the learning platforms… But as it turns out it wasn’t an issue. The course content was really inviting and I had no trouble in motivating myself to carry on.

I loved that it let me go for it when I had the time, I get as much done in the time I had available, and that I wasn’t limited by class times or awaiting results etc. I loved learning about the body and all that it entails and it has really deepened my knowledge of what I am experiencing during physical activity and the benefits on my body… I am so much more aware of what’s going on, and it’s great!

Once again thank you to my amazing tutor Bryne and the wonderful T.

I cant thank you guys enough for all your support, there were really times during this course I doubted if I could do it but with your guidance, I was able to finish it and now I feel on top of the world.

For this I am forever grateful, thank you Fit Futures team.

Thanks to FIT College (now Fit Futures) I was able to qualify as a Student of the Year Runner-up in the Exercise Industry Awards and went quickly into employment at one of New Zealand’s top gyms.

I not only felt confident in facilitating high-class Personal Training but also felt confident in operating and marketing my own fitness business”

A desire to expand upon her knowledge of fitness with a specific focus on prescription led Lily from Otago University to Fit Futures Academy. 

“I was studying physical education and after that, I wanted to further my studies in my specific area of interest.”

 Lily describes her Fit Futures tutors as “incredible” and loved being able to study online. A highlight of the course was reaching the final assessment and looking back on all the learning and skills she had gained.

 “It made me realise how much knowledge I have. Having REPs to my name is great too – it makes it much easier to get jobs overseas.”

 After graduation, Lily took up a personal training role while completing her master’s degree. She hopes to eventually enter the field of prescription for elderly or health promotion.

 She recommends potential students focus on time management and accountability to have the best possible study experience.

From her first Zumba class, Julia Ryder was hooked and quickly became a licensed Zumba teacher. A growing desire to gain a personal training qualification led Julia to Fit Futures Academy.

“I was inspired to follow in the steps of my fellow Zumba instructor and Fit Futures Academy graduate Emma Courtney. I had qualified as a Level 3 Group Fitness Instructor but wanted to take my learning journey to the next level.”

Working part-time and taking care of her children made fitting study in a balancing act for Julia who credits the support of her tutor and the Fit Futures Academy team for helping motivate her to finish her personal training studies.

“There were times when it was really hard, but Zara and the Fit Futures Academy team were there to support me through to graduation which I really appreciate.”

After graduating, Julia was offered a role as a personal trainer at Plus Fitness 24/7 in Rolleston.

“I am so excited about this new journey and I am hooked on fitness!”

A passion for sport and using his skills to help others achieve their health and fitness goals drove Jordan Berry to study at Fit Futures Academy while still a high school student.

“I started my quest to become a personal trainer in 2015 while I was in Year 12. My goal was to finish high school as a qualified personal trainer while studying full time at Massey University in Wellington.

“Fit Futures helped make my dream a reality. To some it might have seem unrealistic to study to be a personal trainer while at high school but because of the structure of the study programme I was able to achieve my goal.”

Jordan says the support he received from the Fit Futures Academy team has made a huge difference in his life. Fit Futures helped Jordan secure a personal training role at Te Aro Snap Fitness in Wellington while studying at Massey.

“I can’t thank them enough for their support. I have been working at Snap Fitness with 30 PT sessions per week since 2017. Because of Fit Futures, I have the skills to improve the quality of people’s lives.”

A life-changing moment helped Brian McCallum embark on a fitness and lifestyle journey which saw him lose 72 kilograms and gain a new lease on life. 

“I was 175 kilograms and really struggled with everything. I felt horrible and didn’t go out. People made fun of my weight.”

 Brian’s daily routine consisted of staying at home playing video games, watching TV and eating. His self-esteem plummeted and he didn’t leave the house. 

An ankle injury was the catalyst for transforming Brian’s life.

 “I twisted my ankle and while it wouldn’t be a problem for someone of normal weight, for me it meant I was immobile. My ankle couldn’t support my weight and it was hard to even sit on the toilet.”

Brian saw what his future would be like if he continued to gain weight. He decided to take action to change his life.

 “I didn’t want to live this life anymore. I started eating less and exercising more. The weight started falling off.”

 One of Brian’s friends noticed this transformation and suggested that he contact Fit Futures Academy after seeing a Facebook post advertising upcoming courses.

 Brian is now a qualified personal trainer specialising in weight loss as he inspires others by sharing his story with them.

 “I loved studying and put everything into practice. Now 2.5 years later I am 103 kilograms and I help others lose weight because I have done it myself.”

Switching from studying acting at university to a personal training course with Fit Futures Academy has provided Jordan McGillivray with a new life path.

 “I didn’t want to do another three years of study to get ahead, so I looked at other opportunities. I was an avid gym-goer and had seen Fit Futures posters at the gym which is what got me interested.” 

Jordan’s personal trainer spoke highly of the Fit Futures training course and answered his questions about the lifestyle and career opportunities, along with the benefits of being a personal trainer. After speaking to the Fit Futures team, he jumped at the chance to study. 

“For me, learning that I could study in my own time and qualify within a year sealed the deal.” 

Life has changed dramatically for Jordan since he made the change from acting to personal training. Once he completed his study he began working as a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness in Hornby. 

“My path has changed and doing the course has opened me up to new opportunities that I didn’t consider before I began my journey with Fit Futures. I am looking forward to new challenges.”

A craving for change prompted Kirsten Russell to study personal training with Fit Futures Academy. 

“I was ready for a change. I had surgery and my dad had been diagnosed with cancer, so it got me thinking about the importance of health.” 

Working full-time as an accounts manager meant that online classes offered by Fit Futures Academy were the best option for Kirsten’s lifestyle. 

“The online factor hooked me as going into classes just wasn’t an option for me.” 

Kirsten was a regular gym-goer before she started studying and had a naturopath diploma that she hadn’t used. She says being able to pursue her passion in a supportive atmosphere was important to her. 

“The course really inspired me, and the qualification has provided me with an opportunity to add to my skills and to work in the industry. 

Kirsten now has her own fitness studio in central Christchurch which provides a wide variety of training programmes from one-on-one sessions to boot camps, corporate wellness sessions and online programmes. 

“I started off by training family members and friends and I’m now growing a wider client base. I love health and fitness; it’s what I enjoy most.”

An injury and a desire to expand his knowledge led Shannon Brown to study with Fit Futures Academy and he now runs his own Muay Thai studio.

“I was injured while working in construction and couldn’t train. I decided to study personal training because I am passionate about fitness and wanted to increase my credibility and understanding of the industry.”

Shannon loved the self-paced learning programme, support from tutors and connections with fellow students throughout the course.

“My schedule didn’t allow me to go to face-to-face classes, so the online aspect appealed to me. The private Facebook page for students was great, along with the support from my tutors.”

Before studying with Fit Futures Academy, Shannon had a yoga qualification and experience in Muay Thai gained from travelling to Thailand. He says that completing the personal training course gave him the confidence to launch his own business.

“Having the qualification gives me credibility and the confidence to keep growing. I now own a fully equipped Muay Thai studio with a yoga store upstairs where I sell my branded clothing designs.”

The level of support has been amazing. I have had no issues with responses to emails or phone calls.

Te was awesome and was always very reachable and happy to help.

My tutor Nick was also very responsive and supported me well with my assignment queries and giving feedback

Its has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone to try something new and added to my PT learning knowledge

GO FOR IT!!! The online facebook study group is really helpful. You can share any issues you are having and someone is always there to give guidance from their experience.

There is support all along the way. The learning Platfrom is easy to navigate your way around. If I can do it…. anyone can do it!

Thanks to the team at Fit Futures for all your support and encouragement along the way.

The highlight has to be “Nick’s class of 2019”, as we call it. When I moved from the online to classroom option, I was placed in a group with other students, and we would soon become classmates. What was unique about this group was, there was never a ‘Me First, You Last situation’. Everyone was in this course together, and everyone would complete the course and graduate together. The group exercise sessions, I think was the best!

I think the FF management also made some light-hearted comments, that this was the best group which got tutored in a while. The camaraderie was very genuine, and the group is still very much alive, and everyone is connected even though the coursework has long been completed.