What to Look For in a Personal Trainer Course
When it comes to choosing a personal trainer course in the UK there are several options available. Many reputable companies are offering personal trainer certificate programs of various lengths, prices and topics of included curriculum.
Before you decide on a particular personal trainer course to undertake, you should carefully explore the options that are most suitable to you.
As well as using the websites we recommend, be sure to check the website of the course provider for detailed information; it is also wise to have a telephone consultation with the educational institution before you sign up for your course.
Who Offers Personal Training Courses?
Many course providers are trying to distinguish themselves from others in the industry and therefore offer slightly different types of course content and fee structures. You will also likely have different options for program study, including distance courses studied via the internet, paper based studies, or in class training programs.
Most institutions offer you the option of paying for personal training courses either in full or by installments. Sometimes taking the program on a part time basis is less costly than taking it on a full time basis. Distance studies may also be less expensive than taking an in class or in gym training course.
There are two different qualifications in the fitness training industry that are able to be obtained in the UK. These two qualifications include the Level 2 Gym or Fitness Instructor and the Level 3 Personal Training Certificate or Diploma (personal training certificate that includes additional advanced courses).
To be a professional and accredited personal trainer in the UK, you are required to possess the Level 3 personal trainer qualification. To have the best possible opportunity for employment and salary expectation as a professional trainer in the UK, you should be registered with the Registry of Exercise Professionals or REPs (www.exerciseregister.org).
The personal trainer programs that are most comprehensive and offer a full range of courses on a variety of fitness topics will help you to diversify your training portfolio and attain a higher rate of pay upon completion of your qualifications. Some of these additional topics of study include nutrition and specialized fitness classes. As the industry is becoming more and more competitive for both course providers and those who are attaining personal trainer certificates, it is worth your time and money to enhance your skills as a personal trainer by taking these extra courses. If you have invested in a good program, you should be able to earn between £30 and £40 per hour.
Who Can Become A Personal Trainer?
Most programs will require students to be at least 16 years of age, to possess basic math skills, and to have a basic fitness level. In order to take the Level 3 personal trainer certification, you may need to possess the level two training certificate. Increasingly though, courses will work you up to that program level from having no certification through the entire program of training to reach the Level 3.
Additional Qualifications And Skills
You must possess the right attitude that will allow you to excel in the personal training industry. Since you are going to be working with people on a daily basis and attaining clientele, having well developed interpersonal skills is necessary.
You must be patient, be a good communicator, possess a good level of health and fitness, as well as be willing to be flexible to work on a varied schedule in order to meet your client’s needs.
Cost Of Taking A Personal Trainer Certificate Program
The average cost of taking a personal trainer certificate program will be approximately £3000, while programs can range from £2,000 to £5,000.
A good program from a reputable institution is worth your time and investment. You will generally be required to pay a registration fee for the program in order to secure your space in the program; this cost can range from £150 to £500.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on the format of how you choose to study your program and whether or not your personal training program offers a certificate or a diploma, will determine how long it takes you to complete the course. If you are taking the personal trainer course on a full time basis it is possible to complete the certificate or the master personal trainer diploma course in a time period of less than 6 weeks.
There are approximately 60 hours of home study and additional tutorial sessions that are required for you to attend in most training programs.



