Origym Level 2 Gym Instructor Assessment

My Experience: Level 2 Gym Instructor Assessment with Origym

If you're preparing for your Level 2 Gym Instructor assessment with Origym, I hope this blog gives you a real-world insight into what to expect, and what I wish I’d known beforehand.

Pre-Assessment Prep, Panic, Planning

Before the big day, I did a bit of online research and realised the gym hosting the assessment used Hammer Strength machines...very different from the ones I was used to! So I had a mini panic about how to set them up properly!

To calm my nerves, I visited the gym in person ahead of time. The lady on reception (not affiliated with Origym) was lovely, she showed me around, talked me through what she’d seen others do, and even said I could come back to train or try things out before the assessment. That helped massively so if you can do it, then I highly recommend it.

I also noticed that some of the exercises listed on the "lift list" weren’t possible at this gym due to missing equipment. Luckily the same ones I hadn’t practised at my own gym for the same reason, which was reassuring and meant I could skirt round those a bit more when trying to memorise the massive list!

Assessment Day Nerves, Pairing & Machine Adjustments

I arrived about 10 minutes early and met the two instructors assessing us. There were eight of us in total, split into two groups and then paired up. I was paired with a man who was about 6ft 3, very different build to me (5ft 3 woman!) while others were matched more closely.

We were second to be assessed, which gave us about an hour to explore the gym and figure out how to adjust all the machines. That time was invaluable, and whilst in other settings I think people would have left to go and get a coffee etc, it actually helped that there isn't much nearby the Leeds assessment centre as it meant to stayed, spent more time looking round and discussed our worries and reassured each other instead of just walking away.

One thing I wish I’d known...You can ask your client to choose their starting weight! I kept giving him lighter weights, thinking the focus was just on demoing, teaching points, and feedback. Turns out, I could’ve asked him to set his own weight to really test himself. It didn’t count against me, but I did get feedback on it.

Observing Others (a hidden advantage)

When it came time to choose who would go first, we decided he’d be the PT and I’d be the client. I originally wanted to go first to get it over with, but I’m glad I didn’t. Watching others helped me spot common mistakes and reassured me that I’d approach things differently.

What the Assessors Are Looking For

What I will say is that the assessors were kind, patient, and understanding. They know people are nervous and give you time to think. You’re even allowed to walk away from something and come back to it if needed.

The assessors were clear and consistent about what matters most, they also stayed back quite a lot of the time and observed from a distance, although you'll never quite get used to someone watching you in a role play situation (whether you're the PT or the client!)

1. Priority - Health and safety at all times! Listen to the briefing about the location of fire exits, first aid box etc as you will need to repeat it back

2. Before - Demonstrate how to safely get on and off equipment (always with 3 points of contact) - remember the safety cable on the treadmill

3. During - Explain the exercise clearly, then show a few reps in silence & ask if the client has questions before they begin - then make sure you're moving around observing the client from different angles and giving them audible praise and feedback appropriately

4. After - Use the RPE scale after each exercise and explain any adjustments

5. General - Know your exercises and the muscles they work

My assessment

Obviously everyone is asked to show a different selection of exercises and it was very much done based on what was available. 

You also get moved on if you've shown you know the exercise, explain and demo is properly/safely and are able to progress the exercise as well. 

• Warm up: chose a cross trainer 

• Cardio: Rowing intervals (I was going to set a programme, like on the Origym video, but told I didn't need to and could just manually do time on/off so I chose 40 seconds work/20 seconds rest)

• Fixed: Lat pull down, an exercise for the Hamstrings (I did lying Hamstring curl) 

• Free weight: Chest fly, an exercise for the Biceps (Bicep curls)

• Bodyweight: Squat, an exercise for Quadriceps (Lunge)

• Stretches: Hamstring stretch & a stretch for the Quads

• We weren't asked to do a cooldown

• The debrief was left to us, to fill out the form on our own and let the assessor know when we were done, ready for feedback (the client goes away at this point so it's just the PT and assessor)

A quick example worth noting: I was asked to demo an Obliques exercise and chose flutter kicks, which were listed under "Obliques and Hip Flexors" on the "lift list" however I was told that technically flutter kicks target the hip flexors, not abs, which makes sense but caught me out in the moment! It made sense once explained, and the assessor acknowledged the lift list can be confusing as those exercises are all combined under the same heading/muscle group. So yeh... know your lift list and muscle groups inside out.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wing It

I saw two people fail on the day, out of 8. In my view, they didn’t know the basics, and this was fairly obvious from when we arrived. They didn't demo how to get on and off equipment safely, or know the "lift list" and which muscles the exercises worked. Maybe it was nerves, but from speaking to them prior to the assessment, I think they maybe thought they didn't need to know every detail to pass.

It can feel overwhelming, but they genuinely want you to pass. Just don’t try to wing it! Prepare, practise, and know your stuff.

3 Top Tips

• Learn the health and safety protocols (3 points of contact, safety cable on treadmill, etc.)

• Study the lift list and understand which muscles each exercise targets

• Visit the gym beforehand if you can, it really helps & don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify things on the day

As the client

Just to finish off, being the Client wasn't quite as full on as a workout but I was worked pretty hard, I personally didn't feel I needed snacks due to the time we were there but i'd recommend eating before hand and taking plenty of water. I went in long leggings and a long sleeved top as I saw something about aircon being cold and I wished I wore a vest and shorts! However the hoodie I took with me did come in handy as I cooled down between being the client and doing my assessment!

If you've got any questions, feel free to drop me an email and i'll try and help as much as possible!