A personal trainer helps clients achieve their fitness and health goals through tailored exercise programmes, nutritional advice, and motivation. Personal trainers work in gyms, health clubs, or as freelancers, and may also offer sessions in clients' homes or outdoors. The role involves assessing client fitness levels, designing personalised plans, demonstrating exercises safely, and tracking progress. Communication and motivational skills are key, as is a strong understanding of anatomy, exercise techniques, and healthy lifestyle practices. The job can offer flexible hours, though evenings and weekends are often required to meet client needs.
Personal trainers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced trainers or those in high-end gyms earning up to £60,000.
There are over 22,000 personal trainers working in the UK, and the fitness industry is expected to grow by 8 percent over the next five years.
Most personal trainers in the UK hold at least a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, which can be completed in 6 to 12 months.
Works with athletes or sports teams to develop training programmes that improve strength, speed, and overall performance.
Leads group exercise classes such as spinning, aerobics, or circuit training in gyms or community centres.
Designs and delivers exercise programmes specifically for children and teenagers to encourage healthy habits and physical activity.
Learn about basic anatomy, nutrition, and exercise techniques.
Start by reading books, watching reputable online resources, and following fitness professionals. Understanding how the body works and the principles of exercise is essential for safely guiding clients and achieving results.
Engage in a regular exercise routine and try different types of workouts.
Experience is crucial for a personal trainer. By participating in various classes such as strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises, you will gain practical insight into different training methods. This will also help you relate to future clients.
Study for a Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate and a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma.
In the UK, you must have a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing before moving on to the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. These qualifications can be gained through colleges or private providers, and usually involve both theoretical and practical assessments.
Get certified in first aid and CPR.
Most employers require personal trainers to have up-to-date first aid and CPR qualifications to deal with emergencies. Courses are widely available through organisations such as the Red Cross.
Apply for entry-level positions at local gyms or health clubs.
Working in a gym will give you practical experience, help you build confidence, and allow you to work with a wide range of clients. Many trainers start by shadowing experienced professionals or assisting with group classes.
Network, market yourself, and consider specialising in a niche area.
As you gain experience, start to develop your own client list. You can do this through social media, word of mouth, or by offering taster sessions. Some trainers choose to specialise, such as working with older adults or athletes, to stand out in the industry.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Personal Trainer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Personal Trainer and a Health Trainer both work in the health and fitness sector, focused on improving individuals' physical well-being. Their qualifications overlap in providing guidance on exercise and health-related advice to clients to promote healthier lifestyles.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:
You'll usually need:
The following advanced apprenticeships may help you get into this role:
You may be able to move on to a Public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
It may be possible to train as a health trainer if you are already working in a related role such as pharmacy assistant or in a leisure centre.
You can get some of the skills and experience you need for this job through voluntary experience with local community groups.
You can get advice about work experience in the NHS before applying for jobs or training.
You can also contact The National Council for Voluntary Organisations about work placements.
You can apply directly for health trainer jobs, if you've got:
Qualifications or experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor or dietitian can also be helpful.
You can find out more about working as a health trainer from Health Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
