Anthony Rhooms

Trainee Fitness Instructor

A City & Guilds course needn't just train your mind. It can also keep your body pretty fit too. That's why 20-year-old Anthony Rhooms is currently aiming to become a Fitness Instructor with a City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership at Lewisham College. Anthony has been on the course since September and aims to move up to Level 3 as soon as he's completed Level 2.

Basically, Anthony says he's turning his hobby into a career. 'I've always been a sporty person,' he says. 'I like keeping myself fit. I was using the gym regularly and I saw people training other gym users. I thought that would be an interesting thing to do. At the time I was doing electrical installation as a job, but I didn't really like it. I wanted to do something I would enjoy more.'

Anthony describes himself as an outgoing guy who enjoys a laugh, an advantage in his job! 'Yeah, I'd say I'm the joker of the bunch,' he says. 'I'm someone to talk to, you know? I reckon that'll help as a fitness instructor because communication skills are a must. You've got to get clients and keep them motivated.'

Anthony says his course is split between theory and practical work. But Anthony is keener on the practical side of the course. 'It's a three day-a-week course,' he explains. 'We're in the classroom writing up work, but twice a week we're in the gym, teaching ourselves to use the machines and teaching other people. At other times, we're teaching six and seven year old local school children. I don't like all the paperwork involved with the course. But basically, our classroom is the gym, so that's alright.'

Anthony would recommend the course to anyone who wants to combine keeping fit and meeting the public in their work. 'It's a good way of keeping fit and a good way of meeting people, socialising and improving your communications skills,' he says.