Career library · Beauty, fitness and wellbeing

Fitness trainer

Helping people get stronger and stay well, safely

What people in this work actually do

Assess fitness and health history, plan safe and progressive programmes, demonstrate and correct technique, motivate people through the dull middle of a programme, and keep records.

This may suit you if…

You are disciplined about your own training, you can motivate someone having a bad day, and you are interested in how the body actually works.

The hard parts

Early mornings and late evenings, because that is when clients are free. Income depends on retaining clients. An injury caused by bad instruction is your responsibility. The field has many unqualified people, which makes credible certification important.

We show these because nobody else will.

What people get wrong about this

That looking fit is the same as being qualified. Understanding anatomy, injury and progression is what distinguishes a trainer from an enthusiast.

What this looks like in a smaller town

Gyms have spread well beyond cities, and personal training, yoga instruction and school sports coaching can be combined into a full living in a smaller town.

Ways into this work

There is almost always more than one route, and the cheapest is often perfectly respected.

Physical activity trainer as a school skill subject

Skill subject at school · Starts from Class Classes 9 and 10

Take the Physical Activity Trainer skill subject in Classes 9 and 10.

How long
2 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In district towns

How to do it
Ask the school whether the Physical Activity Trainer skill subject is offered.

Fitness certification

Short skill course · Starts from Class Classes 11 and 12

A three to twelve month recognised fitness training certification.

How long
1 year
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In district towns

How to do it
Ask two gyms in your town which certification they require of their trainers.

Physical education degree

Degree course · Starts from Class Classes 11 and 12

A degree in physical education.

How long
3 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In district towns

How to do it
Decide whether you are aiming at school teaching or private training, because they need different things.

Skills that matter here

Essential

Speaking clearly

Explaining something so the other person understands it the first time.

Essential

Managing your time

Finishing things by the day they are due.

Essential

Physical stamina

Being able to stand, walk or lift for a full working day.

Useful

Looking after a customer

Dealing with people so they come back and tell others.

See whether this fits your family

School is one of five parts of growing up. See how your child is doing across all five, what to try next at their age, and what it would honestly cost in your area.

Start free

Sources

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