Why Now Is The Best Time To Become A Certified Personal Trainer

Let’s face it, ‘adulting’ is hard. From managing utility bills to planning for the future, there are plenty of things to consider. So, why make it harder by struggling in a dead-end job that you hate?

Whether you’re sick of watching time pass by in an office or aren’t getting any fulfilment from your retail career, becoming a personal trainer could give you access to an exciting professional life where every single day is different.

You’ll help clients reach their fitness goals and have plenty of opportunities to start your own business. Find out why now is the best time to become a personal trainer and how you can get certified.

Is the fitness industry a stable career?

You’re probably wondering whether investing in fitness certifications is a smart decision. While technology and changing consumer needs have decreased demand levels in numerous industries, fitness is still going strong.

Why? Because people will always care about their weight and fitness. Most importantly, many actively seek professional help when trying to reach their goals.

Take a look at these statistics:

• Gym memberships increased by 3.9% in 2023 (Health Club Management).

• The fitness industry in the UK was valued at a whopping £2 billion in 2024 (IBISWorld).

• The global health and fitness industry has a projected annual growth rate of 8.58% between 2022 and 2029 (Statista).

• Boutique gyms and increased concerns about obesity are fuelling industry growth (Yahoo Finance).

As you can see, the fitness industry will continue to witness impressive growth, and there are multiple opportunities for budding professionals to grow successful careers.

Why become a certified personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer gives you access to multiple career paths and the opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds.

You’ll need an accredited Level 3 Personal Training Diploma, but training providers like The Fitness Circle allow you to train when you want to and offer convenient payment options.

Let’s explore the benefits of getting certified.

Accessibility

Unlike many careers, the fitness industry is accessible to everyone. You don’t need to worry about obtaining a degree or advanced qualifications and can start off with a Level 2 certification.

Once you gain some experience, you can progress to more advanced roles, including Level 3 and Level 4 diplomas. Another benefit of obtaining online qualifications is you don’t need to worry about taking a certification exam – our courses are based on coursework.

So, whether you’re looking for a career change or have just left school, the fitness industry is open to everyone.

Career stability

While some industries have suffered due to the technological revolution, the fitness industry keeps growing. The opportunities are endless, whether you want to find full-time employment, work part-time, offer freelance services, or start your own business.

Another area to explore is online personal training, which is experiencing huge growth rates. A report from Grand View Research estimates that virtual fitness will witness a 26.7% annual growth rate between 2023 and 2030, giving you the option to build a global client base.

With a personal training certification, it’s much easier to find work and diversify your career options.

Enhance your credibility

If you want a career in the fitness industry, you’ll need a minimum Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification.

While these certifications can help you access entry-level roles, the Level 2 Personal Trainer diploma establishes you as an industry expert. It ensures you can find employment in the UK’s most reputable gyms and fitness centres.

Our personal training certifications are accredited by the CIMSPA, a globally recognised organisation. When you display these credentials on your CV, you’re more likely to attract employers and personal training clients.

Flexibility

Qualified personal trainers are in high demand right now, and this trend will continue into the future. So, you can look forward to plenty of employment opportunities. While many newly qualified trainers work in gyms and health centres, you can set your own hours and become self-employed.

You can also enjoy flexibility in terms of studying because our courses are 100% online. Complete them in your own time and sacrifice nothing.

Explore different career paths

Once you have a personal trainer certification, you can choose to specialise. Investing in specialist courses is a great way to follow your interests and establish yourself as an expert. Popular career routes include:

Working with children

Schools and parents are increasingly aware that unhealthy childhood behaviours can continue into adult life, and specialist fitness professionals can instil healthy habits in young people. If you love the idea of helping children lead healthier lives, a Children’s Fitness Instructor Course will be right up your street.

Pre and Postnatal training

Pre- and postnatal women have unique needs, and traditional fitness might not be accessible to them. Investing in a Level 3 pre- and Postnatal training course lets you work with women to establish realistic fitness goals and ensure they stay healthy during their pregnancy.

Advanced personal training

If you enjoy working with athletes and bodybuilders, the Level 4 Personal Training diploma gives you access to advanced health and fitness principles. It’s also possible to access management positions and increase your earning potential.

Support clients with their fitness journey

Qualified personal trainers provide bespoke support for clients, helping them reach their fitness goals and navigate challenges. Whether you’re helping a client recover from an injury, improve their stamina or work through an intense weight loss regime, you have the opportunity to make a real difference.

Depending on whether you choose to specialise in a particular area, you could work with clients of all fitness levels or train professional athletes.

It’s important to remember that many people want to improve their overall well-being, which means trainers who take a holistic approach to fitness can attract more clients. Diversifying your offering by taking a Level 3 Nutrition course is always a good idea.

Join a group of passionate professionals

Many personality traits and skills make a great personal trainer, and you’ll find that other professionals are highly passionate about what they do. The only prerequisite for developing a successful career is a love of health and fitness.

When you train with The Fitness Circle, you’ll have access to experienced tutors who love helping students progress, and many newly qualified personal trainers develop strong relationships with their colleagues.

While competitive, the personal training industry is full of supportive people who are ready and willing to help you develop professionally.

Earning potential

When you become a personal trainer, you can look forward to unlimited earning potential. As an entry-level fitness trainer, your salary could start at £25,000, but this will increase over time. According to Indeed, the average salary is around £31,069, but experienced trainers can make over £50,000.

Specialising could also increase your earnings. Potential clients might be willing to pay higher rates for expert pre- and postnatal support or trainers with an in-depth knowledge of nutrition principles.

Becoming your own boss doesn’t just give you the opportunity to set your own working hours; it can also skyrocket your earning potential. Let’s say you charge an hourly rate of £40 and work 30 hours a week – that’s over £62,000 a year.

Setting up an online business where you offer a diverse range of interactive sessions and manuals will also boost your earnings.

Corporate Wellness

Research shows that companies are investing more money in employee wellness programmes, which gives you the opportunity to work with large businesses if you have a group fitness instructor qualification (Harvard Business Review).

Is becoming a personal trainer worth it?

The health and fitness industry is in growing demand, and it’s the perfect time to invest in your future. Whether you’re interested in helping people enjoy a healthy lifestyle or want to reach for the sky and work with professional athletes, there are so many opportunities available.

Training to become a fitness professional is also a rewarding journey where you get to develop your skills and take control of your future.

Steps to getting qualified:

1. Choose A Course: If you’re new to the industry, the first step is to complete a Level 2 Fitness Instructor certification. You can then move on to the Level 3 Personal Training diploma.

2. Plan Your Career Path: Do you want to work in a gym or become self-employed? With so many trainers around, working in a health and fitness setting can give you some much-needed experience before striking out on your own.

3. Continue Growing: Once you begin your fitness journey, you can choose to specialise in working with different groups or gain advanced qualifications.

Study with The Fitness Circle

If you’re ready to become a personal trainer, studying with The Fitness Circle gives you access to a convenient online learning experience. Our courses are globally recognised and ideal for people who want to study in their own time.

Please download a brochure today or arrange a free call for more information. We’re here to help you on this incredibly rewarding journey and look forward to supporting your goals.