Jumping into the world of personal training is quite the adventure, especially if you’re someone who thrives on fitness and has a heart for supporting others on their wellness journeys. But, just like any career change, it’s not all smooth sailing. It comes with its own set of hurdles and must-haves. So, let’s take a look at five essential things you need to think about as you lace up your trainers and set off on this exciting new path.
1. Getting Started – Certifications
The first step towards becoming a personal trainer is to acquire a recognised certification. This certification not only endows you with vital knowledge about exercise science and programme design but also instils trust in your potential clients. At the very least, you will need to look into courses to become a personal trainer like the ones from Study Active.
In the UK, you will need to obtain a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training accredited by an organisation like YMCA Awards or Active IQ. You may also need a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing before this. It’s essential to research and choose a programme that aligns with your career aspirations and values. In addition, acquiring specialist qualifications in areas such as Pilates, spinning, or nutrition can further boost your credentials and versatility.
2. Develop Business Acumen
As a personal trainer, you’ll likely be self-employed, so you’ll need a solid understanding of running a business. From marketing and sales to accounting and customer service, wearing multiple hats will be a part of your daily routine. Consider taking business courses or seeking mentorship to sharpen these skills. Understanding the competitive landscape, identifying your niche, and effectively promoting your services will be pivotal to your success.
3. Prioritise Communication and People Skills
Being a successful personal trainer goes beyond knowing the best exercise routines or diet plans. It requires strong interpersonal skills as you’ll be dealing with a diverse range of clients with different personalities, motivations, and health goals. Developing active listening skills, empathy, patience, and motivational abilities are crucial. Your role is to instruct, inspire, motivate, and support your clients on their fitness journeys.
4. Maintain Your Health and Fitness
Practising what you preach is key in the personal training world. Keeping yourself in top physical shape will allow you to perform your job effectively and serve as a powerful advertisement for your services. Make sure to allocate time for your workouts, proper nutrition, and recovery. Remember, your passion for fitness was likely a driving factor in your choice to become a personal trainer – don’t lose sight of that. Obviously, different bodies look different, but it is the level of fitness that you should be aspiring towards instead of chasing the ‘perfect’ physique, although if this is going to be a part of your brand, then go for it.
5. Prepare for Irregular Hours
Fitness doesn’t follow a 9-5 schedule, and neither will your job. As a personal trainer, you’ll need to adapt to your clients’ schedules, which often means early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. This can be challenging, especially when starting, but flexible scheduling and the ability to control your work-life balance are some of the perks of being self-employed. You can tailor your other responsibilities and obligations around your session schedule.
Getting Started
Becoming a personal trainer is a journey that requires commitment, continuous learning, and a genuine desire to help others. It’s a dynamic, fulfilling career for those with a love for fitness and a drive to positively impact others’ lives. By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to start your career as a personal trainer.
