Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer, £2,395
Lifetime's Diploma in Personal Training course will equip you with the skills, knowledge, resources and expertise to work as an employed or freelance personal trainer. The diploma, which gives you full Personal Trainer status on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs level 3), comprises of eight mandatory modules: Exercise and Fitness Knowledge (REPs level 2 and 3), Gym Instructing, Nutrition and Weight Management, Advanced Programming, Training Environments, Health Screening and Fitness Assessment and Business Skills.
You can then choose one of two additional modules (Ante/Post Natal and Active Ageing) and one of the wide range of One Day Workshops, which includes options such as Group Studio Cycling or Core Stability. Attendance on some practical workshops is required but totals no more than 13 days.
Once qualified, you will be able to train individuals in the gym, at the client's house or outdoors. Your sessions can be done on a one-on-one basis or in small groups.
Typical salary
Salary varies on whether the personal trainer is self-employed or not. Freelance personal trainers can earn £25 to £50 per hour and can be more if working in exclusive clubs in London. Those employed by the club earn less - usually 50% of the hourly rate - dependent on the area and experience, but on the plus side, they all have a more secure salary and a ready-made client base.
Hours
Many personal trainers also work as fitness instructors, so they usually work in shifts. Hours do vary, but those that are freelance can work anytime to suit them and their client. Generally, personal training sessions take place in the mornings, lunchtimes and evenings (outside the clients' working hours).
What's involved
Personal training usually takes place in the gym but nowadays it can also be held at the client's house or in the outdoors or studio. Typically, sessions are done on a one-on-one basis, so it is less intimidating for the client, but it can sometimes be done in small groups.
Benefits
There are a wide range of benefits including attractive income, variety, and a great deal of job satisfaction. Personal trainers are able to build solid client relationships, see them develop and achieve their goals, and receive positive feedback in the process.
Entry Requirements
Requirements are much higher for personal trainers than fitness instructors due to the level of advice they can give. A Level 3 qualification is necessary and Lifetime's Diploma in Personal Training provides all the skills required to be a personal trainer. Freelancers also need sound business skills including marketing and accounting.
Career development opportunities
Personal trainers can specialise in nutrition with the Nutrition and Weight Management Award, which involves building exercise programmes, monitoring results and developing nutrition plans. They can also take a Level 3 in Exercise Referral course so they can work with GP Referred clients.
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