M
y idea of a great job is one where I get to lie on the couch and watch Netflix a lot… But if you have a bit more natural energy, are fit & healthy and you like to exercise then the life of a personal trainer might be for you! But how do you go about getting the right certification?
In the U.K. there are 4 main components you’ll need to get sorted:
1. Get your Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification
Also referred to as a fitness instructor course, your Level 2 allows you to work as a gym instructor for any gym, health club or any other establishment offering fitness classes. There are myriad options to choose from for getting this qualification and the study level is the same as a school GCSE. Most courses involve a practical and theory component and are offered on a full- or part-time basis, taking around 2 weeks to complete.
2. Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification
This is the key qualification you’ll need and enables you to work and market yourself as a personal trainer. The course is more intensive than the Level 2 but the good news is that there are no major prerequisites for study and many institutes will offer a combo-course of the Level 2 & Level 3 rolled into one. Just make sure your fitness levels are up to scratch as there’s a big practical fitness component here!
3. First Aid Certification
Given the type of work you’ll be doing, it should come as no surprise that first aid training is part of the job. Good news again: most training facilities will offer a first aid certification as part of your personal training qualification and if you start your personal training career at a gym or similar, many will help facilitate you renewing your cert.
4. Get yourself insured!
While not technically a legal requirement, you’d be a seriously fit fool to forgo coverage. If one of your clients is hurt or injured while training with you and you don’t have insurance, you’ll be personally liable for any compensation they might be due. If you’re working for yourself, insurance is a must. If you’re employed through a gym or similar, you’ll most likely be covered under their insurance policy. Just make sure you read the fine print before signing on any dotted lines!
Once you’ve got those four fairly simple steps sorted, you’re ready to go forth and train the masses!
