Blog: Craig Ross, HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise Graduate

We spoke to HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise graduate, Craig Ross, about his job as a Gym and Class Instructor at Moray Sports Centre and how we helped him get there.

Hi Craig, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

I'm Craig a Gym and Class Instructor at Moray Sports Centre and former student. I graduated with a HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise in 2022.

Did you consider other universities or colleges when you were deciding to study? 

I did think about online courses however speaking to some ex-students and watching a YouTube video about this course I decided UHI Moray was the right place to go.

How was your experience with us, did you gain a lot of knowledge and skills?

Yes, UHI Moray taught me how to provide a safe and effective induction and teaching classes including training program for clients to achieve their goals. Each class through both semester 1 and 2 provided the right knowledge and understanding which allowed me to garduate and move into work and this was all down to the lecturers teaching to a very high standard and the support throughout and I will always be grateful.

You mention the lecturers, how did you find the support you recieved?

Brilliant, every lecturer taught each class to a high standard and supported myself and every other student to a very high standard and helped us reach our full potential. 

Was there a placement or any work experience as part of your course?

Yeah, my work placement was at Moray Sports Centre. It helped me get a chance to spend time at a gym facility and how they run to see if this was the right direction for me when leaving.

So working in a gym was the career path you wanted to follow?

I had a clear idea through my whole time at UHI Moray. I wanted to work and teach at a gym facility and progress on to my personal training which I am now studying part-time.

You mentioned during your introduction that you are working at Moray Sports Centre, what does your work involve?

My work involves providing a safe and effective gym induction with a 4 week training program also making sure that everyone is safe when using the equipment. I also teach a variety of classes including indoor cycling, one more rep, circuits, mobility and stretch.

How did you get into that role?

After graduating I volunteered at Moray Sports Centre taking classes each week and once a job was advertised, I applied and was accepted.

So whats next for you, what would you like to do in the future?

In the future I would like to start taking 1-to-1 clients helping everyone achieve their goals, improve their lifestyle and personal confidence within themselves. The dream would be to become a fitness/gym manager and help other people achieve there fitness and wellbeing dreams.

Lastly, what advice do you have for anyone looking to study at UHI Moray?

Put the work in, listen to your lecturers, enjoy your time and have fun.

If you are interested in a career that involves working with children and people of all ages to motivate, coach, rehabilitate and improve sporting performance, then our courses are the right choice.