How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer Course and Gym Instructor Course in London?

Becoming a qualified PT gives you the chance to build a successful career and boost your earning potential.
However, with a variety of personal training courses available, figuring out where to start can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to choose the best personal training course in London that suits your needs.
Let’s get straight to it.

Step 1: Think about your goals

What are your goals? Do you want to work in a high-end gym or health centre? Maybe your long-term objective is to become a self-employed personal trainer. Understanding where you want your career to go is the first step in determining which type of course you should invest in.

London offers a variety of course options, but it’s also important to consider where you are in your current career. Beginners should focus on entry-level qualifications, like the Level 2 Gym Instructor certification, a prerequisite for employment in gyms and health centres.

Personal trainer certifications

If you already have a Level 2 Gym Instructor certification and want to become a qualified personal trainer, there are plenty of courses available. The Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma covers all aspects of fitness principles and ensures you can work with groups and individual clients.

An advanced personal training qualification is a great investment if you want to advance into managerial roles. The Level 4 PT Diploma can also prepare you for self-employment or running a successful fitness business.

Step 2: Check for accreditations

Fitness courses aren’t all made equal, and it’s vital to check whether your chosen certification is recognised in the fitness industry.

All fitness industry certifications should be recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REP) or the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

While these courses are often more expensive than others, they also ensure that you’ll have plenty of employment opportunities and can build a successful career.

Investing in these certifications demonstrates your skills and knowledge to prospective employers, ensuring you’re a strong candidate in London.

Step 3: Evaluate the course’s content

Any reputable personal training course provider will provide a detailed overview of your chosen certification, including modules and how you’ll learn. It’s important to evaluate the course’s content before making a decision, as some are more immersive than others.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Fitness Theory: Detailed modules that will teach you the foundations of exercise, physiology, and anatomy.

• Practical Skills: The course should also teach you how to create bespoke workout plans, conduct in-depth fitness assessments, identify risks, and leverage suitable coaching techniques.

• Business and Marketing: If your main goal is to become a personal trainer, look for courses that have business and marketing modules. These skills can be invaluable for your personal training career – especially if you plan on becoming self-employed.

Step 4: Online or in-person courses?

Many people believe that an online course won’t deliver the same experience as learning in a classroom, but this isn’t true. Busy schedules and current work commitments can make it hard to find time for a classroom-based learning experience, but online courses don’t require any compromises.

Many online courses come with expert support from tutors, real-world case studies, practical exercises and mock assessments. These courses will help you find the best personal training qualification for your needs, and you will enjoy studying on your own time.

The Fitness Circle offers 100% online learning experiences for existing and aspiring fitness professionals. You’ll receive ongoing support from a dedicated tutor and can learn on your schedule.

Step 5: Check the provider’s reputation

There are plenty of fitness training providers around, but it’s vital to choose one that aligns with your needs. When looking for a personal training course, remember to check the following:

• Positive Reviews: Never choose a training provider unless they have plenty of positive reviews from past students. While website testimonials can be beneficial, looking at independent review websites like Trustpilot gives you an accurate idea of past experiences.

• Success Rates: What do previous students achieve once they complete the course? Do they go on to work in reputable gyms and health centres? Proof of past successes shows that you can build a successful career.

• Support: Unfortunately, some course providers hire tutors with limited or no fitness industry experience. Look for courses that hire fitness professionals as tutors to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience.

Step 6: Explore personal training course costs and financing options

It’s no secret that living and working in London is expensive, so you’re probably looking for a personal training course that offers flexible payments. While you can find some cheap courses, these are often more knowledge-based and unaccredited.

Investing in an industry-recognised course is the best way to gain a recognised fitness qualification. Choosing a provider that offers flexible payments gives you more flexibility and means you can begin your learning journey as and when you want.

Step 7: Post-qualification support

Gaining personal trainer qualifications is the first step in your career, but you’ll also want to make sure you have ongoing guidance, including career support, further training opportunities, helpful guides, and anything else that can help your career.

Many training providers in London have partnerships with gyms and health centres, while others are highly regarded in the industry. Graduates have higher chances of securing employment.

Step 8: Get to know London’s fitness scene

London has one of the most diverse fitness scenes in the UK, with plenty of gyms and health centres available. Boutique studios catering to women are also highly popular, and setting yourself apart in a particular niche will enhance your earning potential.

Choosing a course provider with strong links to London can open up more opportunities as they’re more likely to understand the unique challenges of finding work in the UK’s biggest city.

Many of the tutors will have hands-on experience working in London and can offer advice to help you grow your personal training career.

Step 9: Look for opportunities to progress your personal trainer career

Some people are happy to become a Level 3 Personal Trainer, while others want to diversify their career options. A basic course provider might offer general fitness certifications, but others will allow you to gain specialist knowledge in different niches.

For example, if you’re interested in working with women, gaining a Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Personal Training diploma will set you apart as an expert. There’s also an opportunity to specialise in different fitness disciplines, such as Circuit Training and Exercise to Music courses.

Nutrition is also vital to providing clients with the best possible service, so it is beneficial to look for a training provider that offers nutrition courses.

The bottom line

Whether you’re just beginning your career or want to expand your employment opportunities, finding the right course is the first step on your journey. Remember to think about the following factors when choosing a training provider:

1. Is the course accredited?

2. Does it offer a full description of each module?

3. Are there testimonials on independent review websites?

4. Does the provider offer flexible payment plans?

5. Will you receive post-certification support?

6. Are there further opportunities to diversify your skills?

Explore The Fitness Circle’s Personal Training Courses

Students in London and across the UK choose to train with The Fitness Circle due to our reputation in the industry. We’ve provided comprehensive training solutions since the 1990s and have helped multiple students build successful careers.

With a variety of courses available and flexible payment options, you can become a personal trainer and enjoy 100% flexibility. All of our training is delivered online with an expert tutor to guide you through the course.

Please book a free call today and speak to a specialist, or choose your course, select a payment option and begin learning immediately.