The Pros and Cons of Being a Personal Trainer

So, you’re thinking about becoming a personal trainer (PT). That’s great news – because there are lots of opportunities available for proactive fitness professionals who dedicate themselves to helping others achieve their goals.

Statistics from Ibis World show the continuous growth of the personal training industry between 2014 to 2020. While these numbers dropped slightly during the pandemic, 2023 witnessed a 4% growth.

There’s never been a better time to invest in a career as a personal trainer—but is it the right move for your needs? Well, stick around because The Fitness Circle is about to explore the pros and cons of a fitness career.

The pros of becoming a personal trainer

Personal trainers can enjoy numerous benefits, including a varied schedule, a range of career paths and excellent earning potential. Sure, it takes some time and investment, but once you put the initial work in, you can look forward to the following advantages.

Make a difference

Working in the fitness industry means you can positively impact people’s lives. Many clients use personal trainers to help them get in shape and reach their fitness goals. However, there are also mental challenges that you, as a professional, will help your clients overcome.

Watching people with limited confidence smash through their goals and build self-esteem is a highly rewarding feeling many people don’t enjoy in their professional lives.

Some trainers also work with children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities, helping them live happier and healthier lives.

Be social

If you’re a people person, working alone or in a boring office probably won’t give you the stimulation you need. Personal trainers work consistently with clients, so there’s always time to enjoy a conversation or learn about an individual’s goals.

Many personal trainers work in gyms and health clubs, giving them a highly active environment. Teamwork is common in these settings, and working with other trainers can help you develop your career and learn more about the industry.

Varied work

PTs have numerous duties in the workplace, depending on their chosen setting. For example, if you decide to be a self-employed trainer, you’ll have to manage your client base, perform general admin and focus on marketing.

However, most personal trainers begin their careers working in gyms or health clubs, which means the role is more hands-on, as your primary duties will be developing fitness programmes, running classes and working with individual clients.

Career paths

One of the best things about a personal training career is you don’t need to go to university. There are plenty of courses available for individuals from all backgrounds. The first step is to get your Level 2 Gym Instructor certification with a home study course.

As an entry-level certification, it enables you to work in a gym or health club, instructing clients. Many people then obtain their Level 3 Personal Trainer certification, which allows you to conduct group and individual personal training sessions.

However, specialist certifications are available, including becoming a Pre & Post-Natal PT and helping women meet their fitness goals.

Earning potential

Personal trainers can look forward to potentially unlimited earnings, depending on their chosen career path. According to Jobted, the average salary for a personal trainer is £37,000, but experienced trainers can make over £50,000.

If you start your own business or specialise in working with athletes or VIPS, the earning potential is unlimited. Some trainers make over £100,000 annually, while celebrity trainers or influencers can make £millions.

As long as you’re dedicated and willing to put the work in, anything is possible.

The cons of personal training

Now you know the personal trainer pros, it’s time to evaluate the cons. While the career has some disadvantages, these aren’t intended to put you off. Instead, they’re important things to consider when contemplating becoming a fitness professional.

Trainer burnout

Personal trainers take on a lot of responsibilities, and some people might find the stress of them too much. For example, you have to plan workouts and take each participant’s needs into account while also delivering programmes in group or individual settings.

Many trainers find it hard to maintain a work-life balance, and this can lead to burnout over time. However, it’s important to remember that your own health matters, too, and the most successful fitness industry professionals can find that elusive balance and genuinely enjoy their job.

Training clients can be stressful

When people are paying you for results, they expect to see them – and some people don’t understand that it can take time. Difficult clients can be challenging, but it’s part of the role, and trainers need to ensure they remain professional and remind their clients why they’re investing in fitness.

Giving your clients data on how their bodies will adapt to regular workouts and showcasing previous results can reduce any conflicts, but it’s also a good idea to offer some extras, such as nutritional support and motivational coaching.

Getting previous clients to leave testimonials is beneficial because they can discuss their reservations before training and how you helped them get results.

Unsteady income

When you first become a personal trainer, you might find it hard to generate a consistent income, as you’ll need to build a reputation and secure consistent results to gain the trust of prospective clients. However, instead of jumping into becoming a self-employed personal trainer, you can get a job at a gym or health club.

Fitness instructors usually start on a salary of between £14,000 to £25,000 (Gov.UK), but it’s a regular income that means you can focus on building your skills.

Self-employed trainers also have to consider marketing, scheduling appointments and securing liability insurance, so many prefer to gain experience before starting their own business.

Is personal training the right career for you?

A career in personal training lets fitness enthusiasts use their passion and skills to help others. Because of this, it’s one of the most satisfying jobs, and the progression options mean you can build a stable career.

Before investing in a course, there are things to consider, including where you’d like your career to go and how you plan on achieving a work-life balance.

Let’s take a look at them in more detail.

Are you willing to put the work in?

Personal trainers require a lot of training and professional development themselves. The industry is constantly changing, and that means successful fitness trainers must stay up to date and be willing to embark on new learning journeys throughout their careers.

From the initial studying to taking courses that update your skills and open doors to specialist pathways, dedicated fitness professionals have plenty of options to succeed.

Can you be flexible?

Personal trainers rarely have a 9-5 schedule, as they have to accommodate their client’s working hours. If you limit your hours, you’ll have fewer clients, and that can impact your income. Trainers who offer early morning and evening sessions are more likely to secure more clients.

Employment at the local gym or health club also means working early and night shifts. Some people don’t have an issue with this, while others prefer a typical 9-5 working day, which you get in the corporate world.

Do you have the passion?

Your success lies in the results you secure for your clients. From helping someone lose weight or overcome an injury to giving them tips for a healthier lifestyle, you’ll only gain clients if you prove your commitment.

Putting the initial work in and being willing to learn from people with more experience will help you gain new clients and enjoy long-term success in your career.

Ready to join the ranks of personal trainers?

If job satisfaction, progression opportunities, and the ability to help people are your idea of a great career, personal training won’t disappoint you. The first step is to gain your personal training certification, but if you’re new to the industry, it’s best to start with the Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification.

Studying with The Fitness Circle allows you to fit your course around work and family commitments. Learning at home doesn’t mean sacrificing support, as our dedicated tutors are all fitness industry professionals with years of experience between them.

Better still, you won’t have to worry about budgeting for the course because we offer a range of flexible payment plans that let you start studying whenever you want.

There’s never been a better time to invest in your future, so please feel free to book your course today or contact our friendly team for support.