Job Description

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Personal Trainers will train individuals usually on a one to one basis to help them achieve their personal health and fitness goals. They will plan programmes tailored to their client and motivate them to help them to stick to the plan, they will also provide advice on nutrition and healthy eating and keep records of their clients to monitor their progress. Most personal trainers are self employed therefore there are no set salary scales as it dependant on amount of clients and hours worked.

Entry Requirements

You could get into this role through a college course, an apprenticeship or through a work based route.

College

College courses you could take include the following:

Sport instructing, exercise and fitness (Diploma - Level 2)
Sport Coaching, Development & Fitness (BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Fitness Services in Sport (Extended Certificate Level 3)

You will usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following colleges offer relevant courses

Or you could try your local 6th form

Apprenticeship

You could take a personal trainer advanced (Level 3) apprenticeship.

You will usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work based route

If you have experience and qualifications as a fitness coach or gym instructor you could apply for a personal trainer position or set up your own business.

Career Tips

You'll need

public liability insurance if you are self employed
a first aid award, which must include a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate

The National Register of Personal Trainers has more information on becoming a personal trainer.

Career Path and Progression

You could take further instructor courses to learn new skills to offer clients yoga, pilates, nutrition or aerobics.

With further training you could also work with people recovering from illness or who have medical conditions.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Fitness instructor
Footballer
Football referee
Health trainer
Physiotherapist

Required Skills

The ability to motivate and inspire others
An excellent level of fitness
Friendly and outgoing manner
A responsible attitude
A good knowledge of the anatomy to ensure clients do not injure themselves
The ability to create and deliver your own exercise routines

Salary Range

£14,000 to £40,000

Personal Trainer