Over 40 and thinking of swapping your office chair for a squat rack? More and more people are asking: is 40 too old to become a personal trainer? The truth? Absolutely not. In fact, your age can be your biggest advantage.

Life experience, credibility, and a deeper understanding of clients make midlife career changers some of the most successful PTs in the industry. Whether you want to work in a gym, train clients one-to-one, or even launch your own fitness business, qualifying as a personal trainer at 40 can open up a whole new chapter.

In this guide, we’ll show you why age is no barrier, the benefits of starting later, and how to take your first steps towards gaining a Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma.

Discover why it’s never too late and the benefits of becoming a PT in this guide.

Why become a personal trainer at 40?

Fitness professionals play a vital role in helping clients reach their weight loss goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. In a country where over 64% of adults are classed as overweight, gyms and health centres are helping people increase their physical activity and learn about nutrition.

There are actually many benefits to becoming an older personal trainer, including the ability to use your personal life experience, an understanding of older adults, and added credibility.

Let’s take a look at the advantages in more detail.

Life experience

We all remember life in our early 20s and the many mistakes we made. It’s easy to get stuck in a career you’re not passionate about, but wisdom and clarity come with age. Personal trainers over 40 are more mature because they have added life experience.

For example, perhaps you’ve experienced struggles with your weight or dealt with low self-esteem and have come through it. Clients can relate to you, and this means that you can secure better results.

Midlife fitness

Research shows that 74% of middle-aged adults worry about their health and fitness, and 47% are concerned that they don’t do enough physical activity (Age UK).

A middle-aged person working with a trainer in their 20s can be off-putting, but older personal trainers make their clients feel at ease. You can potentially build a list of clients and run a successful business.

Career fulfilment

It’s common for people to seek more fulfilling careers that have purpose later in life. By supporting others with their personal training needs, you’re making an active difference.

For example, when you see someone meet their weight goals or smash through boundaries, you get to go home and feel like you’ve achieved something.

How to begin a career in the fitness industry

The best thing about the fitness industry is its accessibility. You don’t need a fancy degree or any previous qualifications; just a passion for fitness and a willingness to gain the necessary qualifications. Here are the most important steps involved in becoming a successful PT.

Get certified

If you’re new to the fitness industry, you’ll need to gain entry-level qualifications. The Level 2 Gym Instructor certification requires no previous qualifications and is an online course. Once you have the Level 2 certification, you can progress to the Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma.

However, The Fitness Circle also offers a full CIMSPA-accredited Personal Trainer Diploma, combining the fitness instructor and PT certifications into one convenient online course.

Choose a niche

It’s also important to think about your career path and whether you’d like to work with specific groups. For example, while some trainers like working with older clients, others might choose to specialise in senior fitness.

You can also explore running exercise to music classes, or working with pre- and postnatal women.

Get some experience

Many gyms and health centres are happy to offer a newly qualified fitness instructor a job; getting some experience can be beneficial.

Whether practising with family and friends or building your own fitness routine, you can develop more confidence and feel comfortable supporting clients.

Engage in continuous learning

The fitness industry is exciting because it’s constantly evolving. From new equipment to changing trends, you should be willing to continually update your skills. For example, many people are now seeking a holistic approach that combines both physical activity and nutrition.

By taking a specialist nutrition course, you can become a better fitness trainer and attract more clients.

Market yourself

When you qualify as a PT, you can choose to either work in a gym/health centre or start your own business. Whatever career path you choose, it’s essential to remember that marketing yourself is integral to lasting success.

Building a strong reputation can help you attract clients and retain them. It also ensures that employers notice you and enhances your job options.

Potential challenges new fitness professionals might face

As with any new career, there may be some challenges that you need to navigate when becoming a personal trainer. However, understanding them can help you prepare and enjoy a seamless transition:

• Recovery: People with an average age of between 40 and 50 generally require longer recovery times after workouts (Pliability). So, you’ll need to balance training clients with managing your own recovery to prevent personal trainer burnout.

• Competition: The fitness industry has no upper age limit, and this means that you’ll need to compete with other trainers. However, many age groups prefer working with older trainers, so it’s more about marketing yourself properly.

• Learning: When you become a personal trainer, you can enjoy a rewarding career – but there can be a steep learning curve. Many people join with transferable skills, such as communication and planning, but career changers still need to learn about anatomy and fitness principles.

Prepare for your career change today

It doesn’t matter how old you are; becoming a personal trainer is a viable career option for individuals of all ages. As long as you have a genuine passion for fitness and are willing to put the work in, nothing is stopping you from changing careers.

If you want to embark on a new career, please contact The Fitness Circle today. We have a diverse range of training options available, and offer a fully online learning experience.

Plus, our students can enjoy flexible payment solutions and ongoing support from a team of expert tutors. Please book your free call to get started.