Self-Employment as a Personal trainer is an increasingly popular career in the UK, especially after the recent pandemic and with more people seeking to improve their fitness and wellbeing. It’s both incredibly rewarding and hard work. However, while many personal trainers have traditionally worked for gyms and fitness centers, an increasing number (including myself) are opting for self-employment. In this blog post, we will explore what it takes to become self-employed as a personal trainer in the UK, including the qualifications you need, the potential salary you can earn, and tips for success.
Qualifications for Self-Employment as a Personal Trainer:
If you want to become a personal trainer in the UK, you need to have a Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification. This qualification enables you to design and deliver safe and effective exercise programs for individuals and groups. There are various ways to obtain this qualification, including through accredited training providers such as the YMCA, Premier Global, CIMSPA and the National Register of Personal Trainers (NRPT). You can also work for many of the commercial gyms who will often train you to work for them.
In addition to the Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification, many self-employed personal trainers choose to pursue additional qualifications, such as:
- Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
- Level 3 Diploma in Pilates
- Level 3 Diploma in Yoga
- Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy
Personal Trainer Qualifications Ideal for Private Work
in addition to the qualifications listed above I also found the following fitness qualifications really useful as they use some of the kit that you’re likely to carry out and about.
- Kettlebells
- Exercise to music
- Studio Cycling
These qualifications can help you expand your client base and offer more specialist services. they also help you to develop more rounded programs enabling you to add specific exercises to fit clients requirements.
Salary Potential for Self-Employed Personal Trainers
The salary potential for self-employed personal trainers in the UK can vary widely, depending on factors such as location, client base, experience and how many hours you can work. According to the National Careers Service, the average salary for a personal trainer in the UK is between £20,000 and £35,000 per year. However, top-performing personal trainers can earn much more than this, with some earning six-figure incomes.
Tips for Success as a Self-Employed Personal Trainer
If you want to succeed as a self-employed personal trainer in the UK, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Specialise in a niche: While it’s important to have a broad base of knowledge as a personal trainer, it can be helpful to specialise in a particular area, such as weight loss, strength training, or pre- and post-natal fitness.
- Build a strong brand: As a self-employed personal trainer, you are essentially running your own business, so it’s important to create a strong brand that sets you apart from the competition. This can include developing a website, social media presence, and marketing materials that showcase your expertise and personality.
- Network with other professionals: Building relationships with other fitness professionals, such as physiotherapists, sports massage therapists, and nutritionists, can help you expand your services and attract new clients.
- Keep learning: The fitness industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and research. Continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops can help you stay on top of your game and offer your clients the best possible service.
As personal trainer and author Nia Shanks says, “Be yourself, don’t try to be like other trainers, and don’t worry about fitting into a certain mold or image. Be confident in who you are, and what you can offer your clients.”
Conclusion
Becoming a self-employed personal trainer in the UK can be a challenging but rewarding career choice. By obtaining the right qualifications, building a strong brand, and staying on top of the latest industry trends, you can achieve success and make a positive impact on your clients’ lives.