Name: Ian Murray
Hobbies & Interests: Running, squash, gym
Qualifications:
- Degree in Sports Science
- Diploma in Personal Training
- Level 4 in Exercise For the Management of Lower Back Pain
- Level 4 in Exercise For the Management of Obesity and Diabetes
- Kettlebell Instructor
- Suspended Movement Instructor
- Circuit training
- Teaching qualification Level 4 PTTls
- Assessor qualification D32/33 Assessors Award
Years of experience: 24
Position: Education Manager
Ian joined Focus Fitness UK in February 2023 but brings decades of fitness teaching experience. With over 24 years of experience in delivering teaching for personal training and gym instruction qualifications, Ian is also qualified in a number of specialist areas including corrective exercises, exercise management and postural analysis thanks to his Level 4 in Exercise for the Management of Lower Back Pain and Obesity and Diabetes.
What does your role entail: “I manage the team of over 15 tutors and assessors and it’s my job to ensure they’re at their best and feel supported and empowered so they can deliver our courses to the highest standards to our amazing learners. In reality, this involves making sure the tutors have the right kit and that the lesson content is inspiring and relevant so that our learners get the most out of them.”
“We’re proud to have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted with Outstanding features, who praised us for our high professional standards, motivating teaching and industry connections. We’re incredibly committed to providing quality, results-focused learning to best prepare our graduates for a successful career in the fitness industry. To make sure our high standards are maintained, I oversee the delivery, content and processes as well as doing a weekly webinar to support tutors, so learners get the best possible service from us.”
Although relatively new to Focus Fitness UK, Ian is an invaluable asset to the team, with 93% of his learners recently passing their Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training. Testament to the quality of the training material and dedicated support that the teaching team provides to each learner.
Ian is not only well-versed in fitness, he’s also passionate about empowering the next generation of tutors and aspiring PTs. “I’m a huge believer that fitness qualifications should be accessible to all. By simplifying complex concepts into understandable terms, anyone can gain the confidence and skills to succeed in their chosen career.”
Why choose Focus Fitness UK?
“I have been teaching health and fitness qualifications for over 20 years so I know what good looks like and Focus Fitness UK is the best. It stands out as a gold-standard fitness training provider for the quality of its courses but also because of its focus on the learners and their employability once qualified. We’re an incredibly inclusive training provider too thanks to our government funded courses which makes a career in fitness accessible to more people.
“What sets us apart is that we really get to know our students so we can offer them the best support and advice, not only during the course but beyond completion too. The connections we have within the fitness industry opens up some great career opportunities! We even have graduates returning to us well after qualifying to chat through career options or to make use of our Online Careers Hub and careers events.”
“We’re also lucky to have excellent facilities at our training centre in Vauxhall. It’s got a number of well-equipped classrooms as well as a state of the art, amazing gym which makes it the perfect environment for learners to thrive.
“On top of this our team of passionate tutors have more than 100 years combined industry experience.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in personal training?
- Look for some face-to-face delivery as this is key and beneficial to your learning.
- A career in the fitness industry is a great choice, not only are there lots of prospects and routes to explore but your job is centred around your passion. In essence, you’ll be doing what you love and not many people can say that!
To find out more about the next available courses with Focus Fitness UK call: 0208 920 2114 or email: enquiries@focusfitnessuk.com