A New Career as a Personal Trainer

Personal training is a career that's both rewarding and challenging. You help people reach their fitness goals and improve their health, and you can make a real difference to their lives. Here's what's actually involved in getting started, finding work and building an income.

What you need to get started

You'll need a certification from an accredited programme, along with a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, nutrition and exercise science. Just as important is knowing how to motivate clients and keep them on track. A few years of experience in the industry helps, but it isn't essential to begin.

Qualifications and certifications

In the UK you need a personal training qualification recognised by CIMSPA, the professional development body for the sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA registers everyone in the leisure industry, from fitness instructors to any professional working in the business.

When you look at "how to become a personal trainer" courses, make sure the qualification is one CIMSPA recognises — which means an official awarding body such as Focus Awards has recognised it. Complete it and you're a Level 3 personal training practitioner.

These courses take up to 12 weeks, or around two months if you push hard. The FASTER courses are accredited through Focus Awards and studied online, supported by a tutor who works with you one-to-one — so you're not waiting for a group assessment or being slowed down by the pace of a class.

The support around you

Personal trainers do better with resources and community behind them. FASTER has built a catalogue of exercises and a community of trainers to help you stay on track. As part of the course you learn to market yourself and build a financial plan to sustain your career and lifestyle. Whatever direction you take, the community is there to help. Our graduates have opened their own studios and gyms and moved into rehab, sports performance and nutrition.

How to find work

The first step is getting certified. After that, networking is one of the best ways in — reach out to local gyms, fitness centres and wellness businesses to let them know you're available. You can also find openings on gym websites and job boards like leisure opportunities and leisure jobs.

Within health clubs there are a few common models:

• Fully employed. Clubs such as David Lloyd and Nuffield Health employ trainers and pay a higher rate for PT hours than gym-floor hours. Some exclusive London clubs like Equinox and Third Space run this model.
• Hybrid. Clubs such as PureGym and The Gym Group let you be employed on the gym floor while paying roughly the equivalent of a month's rent for your PT. You take PT revenue without a split, but you carry the tax, insurance and other burdens of self-employment.
• Full rent. Private PT studios and some chains like Fitness First offer self-employed opportunities on a rent basis.

You could also go fully self-employed, working in places such as:

• Clients' homes
• Your own home
• Parks
• Church halls
• Dance studios
• CrossFit gyms

Whichever route you take, you'll need to build a service that stands out.

How to market yourself

• Build a website covering your services, qualifications and contact details.
• Use social media. Set up accounts on the main platforms and post regularly about your services and offers.
• Network. Attend local events, join professional organisations and connect with other trainers.
• Offer free classes or seminars to get your name out.
• Promote yourself with flyers and business cards in your local area, and reach out to nearby gyms.

The business accelerator included in our PT packages covers how to build content and a social media presence using simple writing and story-structure techniques, and how to use AI to speed up content creation. You also get access to Bob Esquerre of EFGI, who has worked with nearly every major chain and PT product worldwide and can help you plan your marketing.

How much you can earn

Earnings depend on your experience, your area and the services you offer — generally £20 to £150+ per hour. You can add income through nutrition guidance, group classes and online training. Services trainers commonly offer include:

• In-person and online training sessions
• Customised workout plans
• Nutritional guidance
• Strength and conditioning
• Flexibility and mobility work
• Sport-specific training
• Rehabilitation and injury prevention
• Body composition analysis and progress tracking
• Mindset and motivation coaching
• Corporate wellness and outdoor sessions

Insurance

Make sure you're properly protected. Depending on what you offer and where, you may need public liability insurance (for injury or property claims), professional indemnity insurance (for negligence or advice claims) and personal accident insurance (if you're injured while working). Speak to an insurance provider to get the right cover for your business.