New year, new you is a mantra that many of us choose to live by, and with 2023 now well underway, if you’ve been considering a career change then now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling. Incidentally, embarking on a new trajectory within the health and fitness space is a great way not just to reinvent yourself, but help others to do the same, too – and what could be more fulfilling than supporting them in achieving their goals and seeing them reach milestones they never thought were possible?
As a personal trainer, you’ll provide guidance and motivation to individuals seeking to improve their physical fitness, which in turn, can help them to manage a range of health issues and ailments and futureproof themselves so that they can enjoy lasting strength and vitality for years to come.
With a new emphasis placed on the importance of regular exercise over recent years, a growing number of affluent individuals are investing in personal trainers to help them to get from where they are now, to where they want to be.
Everyone from complete amateurs looking to get started on their fitness journeys to more advanced individuals seeking the advice and expertise they need to push themselves to the next level can benefit from the services of a dedicated and qualified personal trainer. With a growing willingness amongst the general population to invest in their health, particularly in the case of those with plenty of disposable income, professionals in the field are finding themselves in higher demand than ever.
So, if you’re keen to begin your own journey towards becoming a personal trainer this year, then here’s all you need to know to start making your vision a reality.
Qualifications
In order to become a personal trainer, there are several essential qualifications that must be obtained, starting with a Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training, which provides a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, exercise science and personal training techniques.
You’ll also need to have First Aid and CPR certification, as this will help to ensure that you’re suitably prepared to help your future clients in the event of an emergency. Insurance coverage is also an essential requirement for protecting both you, and the people you work with should any unexpected issues arise or accidents occur.
Ongoing professional development is highly recommended if you’re serious about being the best you possibly can be, with Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses providing opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills into new areas and in greater depth than your initial studies require. If you’re keen to specialise in a particular area, such as nutrition or rehabilitation, obtaining specialist qualifications in these fields will also be of value and will provide you with the additional knowledge, skills and qualifications you need to do so.
Attaining higher qualifications as a personal trainer can come with numerous advantages, including improved job prospects, as personal trainers with a wider range of qualifications are often more attractive to prospective employers and clients. Increased client confidence is also an advantage, as individuals are more likely to trust a trainer who has obtained a comprehensive education in the field. And of course, you’ll also be able to offer a wider range of services, which will, in turn, boost your earning potential.
Add to that the opportunities for career progression, which include potentially moving into management or consultancy positions, and it’s well worth taking the extra time required to hone and improve your skills. Overall, higher personal trainer qualifications can lead to a more fulfilling and financially rewarding career – and the more money you make, the more you can splurge on enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
Experience
Gaining practical experience is a crucial aspect of becoming a personal trainer, and can be achieved through internships or shadowing other trainers in order to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Building a client base is also important, and can be done through referrals and networking. A good reputation can be built through positive feedback from clients, which will increase the chances of attracting more business, so be sure to ask your first few clients to write online reviews and to share their experiences with friends and family members who may also be keen to improve their fitness levels and improve their overall health.
The bottom line
If you’re serious about becoming a personal trainer in 2023, then there’s no better time to take the first step, and while change requires getting outside of your comfort zone, it’s also when the best things in life occur.
When it comes to fulfilling roles that serve others, it doesn’t get much better than personal training, and seeing your clients transform under your guidance is certain to give you that sense of purpose you’ve been seeking.
Becoming a personal trainer requires a combination of qualifications and practical experience, and there’s no doubt that holding higher personal trainer qualifications will place you head and shoulders above the competition – but don’t underestimate the power of on-the-job experience, either, as many find that this is where they grow the most in confidence and develop a personal style and approach to getting clients the results they want.
