Want to become a Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer in the UK?

Following on from our last blog about the basics of the fitness world.

You've completed the research with your chosen qualification and now have a solid understanding of the fitness industry. Now it's time to take the next steps towards launching your career as a fitness instructor.

Below we explore:

Finding the right training provider 

Importance of practical experience 

Building your business

Finding the Right Fitness Course

Selecting the right fitness course is crucial for your success. There are so many providers out there and all of them are competing for YOU. But my advice, don’t just be a number! Feel valued and make sure they value YOU.

Here's a few tips on what to look for when choosing a training provider:

• Accreditation: Ensure the course is accredited by a recognised body, such as YMCA Awards, Active IQ or CIMSPA. This ensures your course is recognised with quality and helps your employability in the future. 

• Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Look for courses that offer up to date knowledge of the fitness industry, have multiple skills to get the best out of you and have the experience needed to develop you and your future business.

• Support: A good provider will offer ongoing support and guidance throughout your training and beyond your qualification. This will include support from your tutor, resources used and networking opportunities. 

• Cost: Compare prices and course content to find the best value for your money. Consider factors such as duration of the course and quality of the modules. 

• Values: Look around and get a feel of each company to see if they are being honest and transparent. You don’t want to be talking to a robot, talking from a script. 

The Importance of Practical Experience

While qualifications are essential, practical experience is equally valuable. You need to make sure you can put your own knowledge to the test.  Do you have somewhere you can gain experience while studying?  

Here's how to gain hands-on experience:

• Volunteer at gyms or community centres: Offer your services for free to gain exposure and build your confidence. It can be daunting at first, but the experience gained will help you learn about yourself and identify areas you can improve on. 

• Work as a fitness assistant: Assist qualified instructors or personal trainers to learn the ropes and observe their teaching styles. Experienced fitness professionals should be able to show you how to deal with an array of clients and personalities. 

• Create your own workout classes: Host free or low-cost classes in your local community to build your client base. You need to get your name out there at some point and clients need to see your personality and motivation. 

Practical experience will not only enhance your skills but also help you build a strong portfolio and network within the industry. Get those business cards and get going!

Building Your Fitness Business

Even before you land your first job, it's essential to start building your fitness brand. Don’t get left behind after being fully qualified. You want to make sure the groundwork is already there, so you can focus on the fitness!

Here's a few tips how:

• Develop a strong personal brand: Create a professional online presence through social media. Share your thoughts, ideas, gym sessions, routines, nutrition and so on. Don’t worry about the haters or the negative comments. Trust yourself and trust what you believe in. 

• Network with other fitness professionals: Attend fitness events, join online forums, free webinars and connect with other fitness professionals. You never know. You may get noticed, you may get some work. Either way, you will gain further knowledge and skills by connecting with others. 

• Market yourself effectively: Create engaging content, offer free consultations, and build relationships with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to try something new and stand out. Be passionate about what you say and do, and back yourself!

By taking these steps, you'll be well-prepared to launch your fitness career and build a successful business.

Remember, building a successful fitness career takes time and dedication. At times, you will feel like a lone wolf and even feel lost. But stay focused, continue learning and never stop pursuing your passion for fitness. You got this!

Take care, 

ARMR Training Academy. 

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