Looking to become a personal trainer, but not sure which course is right for you? You should read this…
If you have a passion for health and fitness and enjoy helping others, a career as a personal trainer or gym instructor could be for you. But with a range of courses on offer, it can be difficult to find the course that gives you the skills, experience and qualifications to stand out to employers.
We talked to Active studiesCIMSPA approved Active IQ Center to find out what courses are available and what to look for when choosing Personal trainer course:
If you want to be a gym instructor…
we recommend: CIMSPA Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate.
what does it include: This course will teach you the basics of gym instruction, including key topics such as principles of anatomy, physiology and fitness, professionalism and customer care for fitness instructors, health and safety in fitness and more.
what do you need: Active interest in fitness and keen interest in a career as a gym instructor.
Where will it lead? Upon completion of this course, you will be qualified to start working as a gym instructor.
If you want to be a personal trainer…
we recommend: CIMSPA level 3 personal trainer certificate.
what does it include: You will learn a variety of core modules in this course, including anatomy and applied physiology for physical activity, health and fitness, the principles of nutrition and their application to physical activity, program design and submission for personal training, and more.
what do you need: God Level 2 gym instructor certificate is a prerequisite for those wishing to take this course. Alternatively, you can take the CIMSPA level 3 fitness trainer and personal trainer certificate which includes both courses.
Where will it lead? At the end of this course, you will be qualified to start working as a personal trainer.
If you want to undergo further training…
we recommend: RSPH Level 4 Award in Nutrition.
what does it include: This course is perfect for qualified personal trainers looking to diversify their skill set. It covers the principles of fitness and nutrition, with additional modules on plant-based nutrition, the ketogenic diet, exercise inflammation and obesity myths.
what do you need: A level 3 qualification in nutrition (or a recognized level 3 personal trainer qualification which included nutrition) is recommended, but other relevant qualifications and/or experience may also be sufficient.
Where will it lead? Upon completion of this course, you will be qualified to start working as a nutrition coach or nutritional consultant. You will also be eligible to join RSPH as a member.
What should be checked when choosing a personal trainer course
- Always choose a training provider approved by CIMSPA – such as Study Active. This ensures that the supplier has passed the vigorous quality control that CIMSPA insists on. To check it out, visit CIMSPA Library And search under “partners” and look for a provider with “training provider partner” status.
- Always look for a reputable one CIMSPA is supported the body of the giant (such as Active IQ). CIMSPA stands for the Chartered Institute of Sport and Physical Activity Management and is the industry standard professional body for the sport and physical activity sector in the UK.
- Make sure the qualification is aligned vertically. When a certification is externally regulated, it means that it has gone through a rigorous process of development, evaluation and testing to meet specific criteria and maintain consistent quality. This ensures that learners gain skills that are reliable, valid and fit for purpose.
- Choose the learning method that suits you. Would you like to study online or in a classroom? Or would a blended learning approach work best for you? If you choose to study online, make sure your chosen course provides an opportunity for practical input and assessment.
- Think about what you want to get out of the course. Before deciding on a course, it is important to assess your requirements and your current level of experience. If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, the Level 3 personal trainer certificate For you. But if you are already qualified at level 3 and you are looking to develop further, you can choose b Level 4 personal trainer courseor a Level 4 nutrition award.
- Remember that your experience will vary depending on who you study. Each learning provider offers different levels of learning resources, teachers and facilities, so it’s important to do your research on what the course includes before committing to a particular one. Even if the course is online, always check that hands-on training/face-to-face assessments are an option.
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Why study with Study Active?
Study Active is the UK’s leading provider of Level 2 Fitness Trainer, Level 3 and Level 4 Personal Trainer qualifications.
They are a CIMSPA-accredited Active IQ center that provides a range of industry-recognized online and hybrid certifications that combine online learning, webinars, dedicated training and optional hands-on workshops.
Other reasons to study with Study Active include:
- Flexible assessment options and unlimited assessment attempts at no additional cost
- A dedicated team of experts in fitness education
- Personal support on demand, via e-mail, phone or Zoom
- 0% interest free financing options available
- Price for price guarantee – beat every real like at the same price as in the UK
- Guaranteed interview kit
- 20 free CPD units for all students
- Free lifetime career advice and business support PT – interview advice and set-up support during and after school
Learn more
Study Active is the UK’s leading provider of Level 2 Fitness Trainer, Level 3 and Level 4 Personal Trainer qualifications.
