A personal trainer is a fitness professional who motivates individuals to improve their physical fitness through exercise. They also give advice on general health and nutrition. Sessions are generally on a one to one basis, but can be in a group such as a bootcamp.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out fitness assessments to establish clients fitness levels
• agreeing short or long terms goals for your client and reviewing on a weekly or monthly basis
• writing up an exercise programme for each individual client and making sure they follow it
• giving nutrition and diet advice as well as suggesting lifestyle changes
• motivating and encouraging clients to succeed in achieving their personal goals
• weighing and measuring clients on a weekly basis
• demonstrating exercises for the client to follow.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company you work for
• your experience.

Self-employed personal trainers are paid between £25.00 and £45.00 an hour. Personal trainers working in a gym may earn over £30,000 a year.

Conditions

• You may be based in one gym or travel around several different gyms.
• You would arrange to meet clients at a time and location suitable for them.
• You may work outdoors, in all weather and conditions.
• Hours would vary to meet the needs of the client, which is likely to mean working early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Getting In

• The first step towards becoming a personal trainer is you must complete a level 2 gym instructor course such as the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym), YMCA Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym Based Exercise) or Gym Instructing; or SVQ Instructing Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 5.
• You would usually spend time working in a gym as a gym instructor to gain experience.
• To qualify as a personal trainer, you must complete a Level 3 qualification in personal training recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
• Active IQ offer a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, which can be studied part time. See the Active IQ website for a list of approved centres.
• Alternatively, YMCA Awards offers a Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training. To achieve this you must complete 7 modules. Check the YMCA Awards website for your nearest centre.
• Some personal trainers do a degree first in sports science, sports therapy or other relevant subject. Others come from the Army or other relevant background.
• For entry to these degrees you would require 4-5 Highers including science subjects.
• You must have public liability insurance if you are self-employed.
• You would also require a first aid certificate including a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).
• A driving licence would be useful if you need to travel to clients.
• If you are self-employed you may need to invest in your own equipment, such as weights and resistance bands.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

2320

1.8 %

RISE

2024

2361

  United Kingdom

2019

36015

2.8 %

RISE

2024

37030

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• enthusiastic about sport and exercise
• able to communicate with people from all ages and backgrounds
• a good listener
• assertive
• able to motivate people
• confident and outgoing
• patient.

You need to have:

• a high level of fitness
• good organisation skills to manage your diary
• good business and sales skills if self-employed
• a good personality
• knowledge of nutrition and a healthy diet.

Training

• As a REP member, you will be required to complete continuous professional development (CPD). You must achieve 10 CPD points every 2 years.
• You would go on courses to learn different skills such as kettlebells, sports conditioning, outdoor fitness, circuit training, GP referral, fitness testing.

Getting On

• You could go on to do extra qualifications with YMCA Awards, for example the Level 3 Awards in Instructing Boot Camp Fitness and Business Skills for the Fitness Professional.
• Active IQ offer Level 4 courses.
• You may go self-employed and build up your own client base.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.