Are you thinking of a career in personal training? The chance to help people reach their fitness goals, ditch being tied to a desk, and enjoy diverse progression opportunities are just some reasons why the fitness industry is so popular.

While anyone can become a personal trainer, a passion for fitness is non-negotiable. However, becoming a PT isn’t for everyone – even if you love spending time in the gym.

There are certain traits and skills that will define your success. In this post, we’ll cover them and also look at the realities of working in the fitness industry.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Read on to see whether you’re ready to take the plunge.

Is it easy to become a personal trainer?

Personal training is one of the most accessible career paths available because you don’t need any prior qualifications to enter the fitness industry. However, your entry path depends on your experience and fitness certifications.

Newbies

The Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma is available for individuals with a relevant Level 2 qualification. So, if you’re new to the industry, you’ll need to complete the Level 2 Gym Instructor certification first.

However, The Fitness Circle offers an Online PT Course that includes both qualifications into one convenient learning path.

Fitness instructors

If you already hold a relevant Level 2 qualification, such as the Gym Instructor course, you can progress straight onto the PT diploma.

Other entry points include relevant fitness qualifications, such as the Level 2 ETM course and Group Instructor certifications.

Which traits and skills do personal trainers need?

Personal trainers rely on a range of skills. The good news is that you’ll learn these skills when you take the course and get some experience.

However, some important traits will transform you from a fitness industry employee to a highly respected PT that both gyms and clients want to work with.

A genuine interest in people

Personal trainers work with diverse groups of clients, from professional athletes to nervous beginners lacking confidence. You’ll need to be genuinely interested in helping clients achieve their goals and navigate any obstacles.

Patience is also essential, as not everyone is motivated to reach their goals. Some clients might require more support and gentle coaching.

Communication

Whether you support adults, children, or seniors, communication is key to conveying complex fitness and nutrition principles. Clients all have unique needs, and the best trainers know how to adapt their communication style to suit them.

For example, some clients respond well to tough love, while others work best with gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement.

You have the drive to succeed

The best teachers lead by example, which means you’ll need to show your clients that you have a passion for fitness and for achieving goals. While the fitness industry is highly accessible, completing the courses and gaining experience requires motivation.

New technologies, techniques, and laws emerge regularly, and staying up to date is crucial for your success.

Planning and delivering fitness programs

The Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma teaches everything you need to know about creating and implementing training schedules for clients.

This includes goal setting, assessing each person’s fitness levels, performing risk assessments, and adapting each session to their needs.

When people pay for PT services, they expect a fully bespoke service, and it’s your job to deliver that.

Safeguarding and risk management

Personal trainers must put each client’s safety above everything else. This includes understanding and adhering to UK fitness industry standards, understanding safeguarding laws, and performing risk assessments.

You’ll also need to identify when it’s best to refer a client to a senior trainer or other professional if they’re recovering from injuries.

Marketing and business management

Many PTs decide to become self-employed or start their own business, which requires marketing and business management skills.

Our course teaches you how to market yourself as a personal trainer, but it’s also essential to factor in time management, finances, and delivering superior customer service to clients.

What is being a personal trainer like?

Most people agree that a career in personal training is highly rewarding, but there are some realities to be aware of.

Working different hours

Personal trainers don’t work a typical 9-5, as gyms have different opening times. For example, some clients may only be free in the evenings, while others want early morning sessions.

Over time, you can set your own hours – but a newly qualified trainer should be flexible.

You’ll have off days

As with any career, there may be days when you feel stressed, and others when you want more of a challenge.

The great thing is that there are so many specialisms and career progression opportunities for personal trainers. So, if you do feel bored, you can explore further areas of study, including:

• Level 4 Advanced Personal Training Diploma
• Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Trainer
• Children’s Fitness Instructor
• Advanced Nutrition Certification

Your income can vary 

The average salary for PTs in the UK is £30,387, but newly qualified personal trainers working in gyms or health centres will usually start on a lower rate. However, as your career progresses, your earning potential will increase with experienced trainers earning more.

If you decide to start a business, you could earn anywhere from £30,000 to over £100,000 yearly.

Every day is rewarding

Imagine seeing a client transform from unhappy with their body to a strong and confident individual. Or teaching young people about the importance of health and fitness.

Yes, you might experience some challenges from time to time, but most trainers love their jobs because of the rewards they offer.

Ready to invest in your future?

Whether you’re a gym instructor who wants to progress into personal training or are new to the fitness industry, studying with The Fitness Circle gives you a clear path to success.

Our courses are 100% online, so you can fit them into your daily schedule and learn at your own pace.

You can also access convenient payment plans and receive support from a team of fitness industry professionals throughout your learning journey.

Please book a free call today and discuss your options.