Chosing the right personal training course isn’t as hard as you might think, but there are some things to consider before starting.
There are many fitness course training providers offering courses at affordable prices and it can be difficult to differentiate between the legitimate and the unscrupulous. It is good to remember the rule, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”. While you’ll want to get the best value PT course for your money, you won’t want to end up paying for something that isn’t recognised and leaves you having to pay again for a course that is.
Our goal at TRAINFINTESS is to see you qualified as a personal trainer, with the confidence to go into the fitness industry, ready to start your career and work with clients. Which is why our fitness courses don’t have hidden fees and why you’re guaranteed the best value for your money.
If you have a passion for fitness and helping others, follow our tips and get yourself qualified and on the path to a career in fitness.
Understand the Requirements and Find the Right PT Course
To qualify as a Personal Trainer in the UK you need an Ofqual regulated qualification which is based on Nattional Occupational Standards written by the Sector Skills Council – Skills Active. This could be a REPs or CIMSPA recognised Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification.
These courses are designed to help you understand various aspects of training, working with clients, health and safety and much more, some of the topics covered are:
- Designing workout routines
- Anatomy and physiology
- Maintaining a safe environment for clients in the gym
- Planning, preparing and executing programmes for clients
- Nutrition
The pre-requisiste for the the Level 3 Personal Training Diploma is the Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate. Some courses providers offer courses which include the gym instructor unit while others do not.
When looking at courses, make sure you read the small print. Some courses are marketed as personal training but only cover level 2. Others market themselves as personal training courses but charge an additional fee if you haven’t already got your Level 2 Gym Instruction Certificate.
You might want to also consider courses that are internationally recognised. If you plan to travel or work abroad, you will want a fitness qualification that you can take with you. Saving you the hassle of doing another fitness course when you arrive at your destination.
Create a Plan
Course lengths can vary depending on how you want to study. Full-time courses can take up to 3 weeks and have home learning and reading which is completed prior to your clinic.
Part time courses can take up to 15 weeks. Distance study courses are usually offered with 9-12 months to complete.
How you study is up to you, but it helps to have a plan once you’ve made the decision on how you will study your personal training course.
How much time per-week can you dedicate to the online learning material. Do you have any holidays, work trips or events on the horizon that might hold up your study? Can you commit to three weeks on a full-time course without interruption?
You need to make an honest assessment of your time, what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. We always recommend maximum contact time with tutors and other learners, as it gives the most rounded learning experience. But we appreciate that might not be feasible for everyone.
Our distance course allows you to learn online and then come in for assessment days throughout the year within your course term. This is a good way to learn for those who just can’t free up the time to come in on an intensive course.
Part time study is a good option for those who have weekends or evenings free. You get the benefit of home learning, but some great contact time with tutors.
Work out the time you can dedicate to learning, decide which course route suits you best, make a plan, stick it in your diary and get learning!
How about a Virtual PT Course
The COVID-19 pandemic made us all consider different ways of communicating, studying, socialising and performing many types of activities which we always took for granted as being in-person.
Virtual interactions have helped us all keep our sanity during these times with virtual courses offering us a way to continue to educate our selves and progress our careers. The TRAINFITNESS virtual courses are led by a tutor live, over Zoom. You can read more about your virtual study option here.
Get Insured
Once qualified at Level 3, you’ll need insurance before working with clients. Without insurance you will be liable for any injuries sustained during sessions. Find a reputable company, like our partners Balens and make sure you keep it renewed for each new year.
Protect yourself and get insured.
Choose How You Want to Work
Once you’ve got through the bulk of your course, you’re going to have to start thinking about the future. How you want to work and how you want to use your newly gained fitness qualification.
There are two personal training pathways; self employed and employed.
If you choose the employed route, you’ll find yourself working for a gym or health club. You could be on a salary as a personal trainer, although it is more likely you’ll be paid as a gym instructor (level 2 gym instructor) and will be able to pick up your personal training clients from the gyms membership .
If you opt for the self-employed option, you will be paying rent to a gym to use their space or you may have your own space to train clients from. Perhaps you can operate as a mobile coach, working from people’s homes or public spaces with your own equipment. The pressure will be on your to find your personal training clients and retain them. https://train.fitness/personal-trainer-blogs/top-5-tips-for-succeeding-as-a-mobile-personal-trainer
All ways of working have pros and cons. As an employed PT you will have a guaranteed wage, but you’ll have less flexibility, less say over who you coach and will likely have to lead the gyms regular group exercise classes as well as carry out cleaning duties and other gym related tasks.
In the self-employed role, you’ll have more freedom and flexibility, but you’ll have to do all the hard work to bring in clients.
Continue Your Personal Training Education
Never stop learning. Your level 3 personal trainer qualification is the gateway to much wider learning, not the end of your learning experience.
The industry is ever changing and constantly evolving. Clients needs and wants change along with every new fitness trend. You need to keep up with the industry and one of the best ways to do that is through CPD courses (continuing professional development).
These are shorter courses that help you to learn new and specific skills that you can utilise with new and current clients alike.
Courses such as; Olympic Lifting, Kettlebells and Suspension training will help keep you up to date and able to offer more to clients. These types of fitness qualifications are also essential for maintaining your
CIMSPA membership.
More specific courses such as Wellness Coaching, S&C and Obesity & Diabetes Management allow you to separate yourself from the competition and help you carve a more specialised niche in the industry.
This is just the start of your journey. Once you’ve found the course that works for you, the mode of study that fits with your lifestyle, planned for setbacks, chosen how you want to work, got yourself insured, and planned your future (as best you can) you are well on the way to becoming a PT.
Read our top tips for marketing your personal training business
Find out more about developing your business once you have completed your Level 3 diploma
Ready to find out more about becoming a personal trainer?
