Fitness Careers

OVERVIEW
Personal training is rather like fitness instructing, in fact, one might say it is an extension of the Fitness Instructor’s role. Generally speaking, Personal Trainers have more advanced qualifications (usually Level 3 and above) than fitness instructors and as such are able to prescribe exercise to a wider range of clients.

As a Personal Trainer, you can expect to work with clients on a more regular basis to ensure that they continue to progress towards the achievement of their exercise and fitness goals. In addition, as a Personal Trainer you would have a greater ability to work with more experienced exercisers to design and implement more advanced training programmes.

Most Personal Trainers operate from health clubs but some prefer to work outdoors or from a client’s home. Home-based Personal Training requires considerably more imagination and versatility since there is usually a lack of equipment available in the home. Most home-based Personal Trainers are self-employed and as such are required to conduct their own business affairs; the business and marketing aspects of Personal Training are often neglected by Personal Trainers and this is one of the main reasons why Personal Trainers leave the industry. Whilst working as a Personal Trainer in a health club does have several benefits, the major drawback is that you will need to share your income with the club; there are reports that some health club chains take over half of a Personal Trainers hourly rate as rent for using the facility!

REQUIREMENTS
Personal Trainers are typically expected to hold as a minimum, a ‘Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training’. At the discretion of the health club management (or the Personal Trainer when self employed), some Personal Trainers work with only a ‘Level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor’ qualification, although this is not considered to be entirely ethical. Additionally the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training is designed to equip the Personal Trainer with all of the skills they need to successfully perform their role; the ‘Advanced Instructor’ qualification therefore only addresses part of this role.

All practicing Personal Trainers should also be registered with REPs at Level 3 in order to demonstrate to their clients that they are committed to standards of professionalism and ‘Continued Professional Development’ (CPD)?

EMPLOYERS
Personal Trainers can usually be divided into 2 categories, the employed and self-employed. Whilst being self employed has many advantages, it should be noted that this route isn’t for everyone because it requires a lot more commitment and dedication, especially in the area of business and marketing.

As an employed Personal Trainer, you can expect to be able to get work in any of the following:

• Private health clubs
• Local authorities (leisure centres)
• Cruise ships
• Holiday resorts

PAY AND OPPORTUNITIES
Personal Trainers typically charge between £20.00-£50.00 per hour depending on their qualification, experience and the geographical area in which they operate. Some exclusive and celebrity Personal Trainers do charge considerably more, however such opportunities are not commonplace. There is no limit to what you can charge as a Personal Trainer but be warned, you will have to be able to deliver the goods or you will price yourself out of the game!

The opportunities available to you as a Personal Trainer are only limited by your imagination. Some Personal Trainers opt to focus on the corporate markets and provide exercise programmes in the workplace; others choose to direct their efforts towards training sports teams. Whatever route you decide to take, be sure to give it 100% and commit to providing a first class service to your clients. This really is the main ingredient in the recipe of success.