Personal Trainer
What is the work like?
Personal trainers provide individual programmes for clients to help them to achieve their personal health and fitness goals.
As a personal trainer your work with clients would start with a consultation to determine their fitness level and health history. You would then:
- set realistic short- and long-term goals and devise appropriate programmes to meet them
- educate, motivate and coach clients to help them follow their programmes safely and effectively
- advise clients on a one-to-one basis on health, nutrition and lifestyle changes
- work with clients in sessions, helping them with their workouts, typically using cardiovascular, strength or flexibility exercises
- monitor and record progress, using various methods such as measuring heart rate and body fat levels.
In some cases you might work full-time as a gym instructor and do personal training outside your normal hours of work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a personal trainer you would first need to be a fitness instructor with a high level of experience and advanced qualifications.
You would need at least a level 3 certificate. Doing a course which allows you to gain entry on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), also known as the 'Exercise Register', will improve your chances of employment.
REPs has been set up to help safeguard the health and interests of people who are using the services of exercise and fitness instructors, teachers and trainers. Membership shows employers and clients that you are a competent instructor with industry-based qualifications and that you work within a Code of Practice.
You can join the REPs if you have one of the following qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 in Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise (awarded by City and Guilds, Edexcel, OCR and CYQ)
- NCFE Certificate in Teaching Fitness Through Movement
- CYQ Certificate in Advanced Fitness Instructing (Gym and Exercise to Music)
- CYP Certificate in Personal Training
- CYQ Level 3 Certificate in GP Referrals
- Active IQ Certificate in Personal Training.
You can do courses through a number of colleges and private training providers – see the REPs website for details of approved training providers. You can also find advice on choosing courses on the National Register of Personal Trainers website.
As well as the qualifications listed above, you can also enter the REPs if you have one of the following:
- Teachers Certificate from the Keep Fit association, Fitness League or Medau Society
- PTI Class 1 or 2 Certificate from the military.
As an alternative, you could do relevant BTEC HNCs or HNDs, foundation degrees, degrees and postgraduate qualifications in exercise and sports science, sports therapy or sports studies. If you have a relevant degree and at least six months' up-to-date work experience you may be given provisional entry to the REPs at level 3. To gain full entry you will need to show competence in the workplace by completing an NVQ.
To work as a personal trainer you must have public liability insurance and a first aid certificate which includes a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens in new window).
What further training and development can I do?
To keep your membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) you would need to keep your skills up-to-date through continuous professional development (CPD). You can attend short courses, workshops and seminars and complete qualifications to increase the technical skills that you can offer (for example, Swiss ball, walking, cycling and exercise physiology).
The Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor qualification includes units on designing and adapting physical activity programmes for the following groups:
- adults with obesity and diabetes melitus
- older adults with a history of falls
- adults with mental health problems
- adults recovering from a stroke
- adults needing rehabilitation exercises
- adults with heart disease
- adults with low back pain.
You would need to be qualified and experienced as an advanced instructor before beginning the level 4 qualification. See the REPs website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Suite 3, Unit 4Cromwell Business Centre
New Road
St Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 5BG
Tel: 01480 467950
London
WC1B 3NQ
Tel: 020 7343 1800
8-10 Crown Hill
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1RZ
Tel: 020 8686 6464
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Willowside Park
Canal Rd
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8RH
Tel: 01225 353 535
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Personal trainers are usually paid by the hour for each session with a client. There are no set salary scales and earnings depend on location, number of clients and on whether the trainer is independent or works for a gym.
- Freelance instructors could earn between £20 and £40 an hour.
- Some popular instructors with high profile clients may earn between £50 and £100 an hour.
- Personal trainers in full-time employment can earn between £18,000 and £24,000 a year.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours must suit the needs of your clients, which is likely to mean working evenings and weekends.
If you work in a number of clubs, your hours may be increased considerably by travel. You could choose to be self-employed and work hours to suit yourself and your clients. You could rent space in a gym, set up your own facilities, or visit clients in their own homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- determination and enthusiasm
- willingness to learn new skills and commitment to your own professional development
- good organisational skills
- good 'people' skills and an outgoing, approachable personality
- patience and the ability to motivate and enthuse people
- a responsible attitude to health and safety
- knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- knowledge of nutrition and healthy diet
- tact, diplomacy and discretion.
What opportunities are there?
Many personal trainers are self-employed.
As a qualified and insured UK personal trainer with at least 12 months' experience you can promote yourself by joining the National Register of Personal Trainers online and offline directory. As a member, you can also get business, VAT and tax advice. Visit the National Register of Personal Trainers website for details.
As an alternative to self-employment, you could find vacancies with health clubs owned by large chains, resorts, spas, cruise ships and large companies providing workplace fitness facilities.
With experience and further training, you could choose to move into another area such as sports physiotherapy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading:
Leisure Jobs
Leisure Opportunities
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