So you think you want to get into fitness training? You're very much into health and fitness, you enjoy working with people and you like helping people to get the most from their exercise routine.

There are millions of UK men and women that are keen to lose weight, tone up, increase their fitness and to change their lifestyle. As a personal trainer with the right qualifications, you join the one of the fastest growing careers today. With that in mind, you will need to know what's expected of you on a personal trainer course, which qualifications you need and what your options are once you have your certificate in your hand. From self-employment through to working with a health club, we have provided a simple starting point to help you get going.

Once you have checked through our information, feel free to contact us to discuss your options further

Apart from possessing the right characteristics, the most important thing you'll need is the right training certificate from an accredited and recognised provider.

What characteristics are needed to become a personal trainer?

Whilst not essential, the following characteristics will certainly help you get on as a personal trainer:

• Outgoing & friendly personality
• Good communication skills
• Charisma
• Willing to learn new skills
• Good organisational skills

Of course it also helps if you're flexible, like being around different types of people and you're willing to work hard to market yourself for new business.

Personal trainer profile

Find out more with our basic personal trainer role profile that explains the outline of what is expected of you to teach and help people to exercise correctly. Your role is to educate, motivate, plan and coach your client to help them get the best from their workouts and exercise plans (which are bespoke to each client). We have put a basic personal trainer role below, but every individual, centre and club will be different.

A personal trainer usually has hourly sessions during which clients are helped with their workouts, whether using weights, cardio- vascular machines or doing aerobics, walking or flexibility training. During the workout, trainer's monitor and record client's progress using methods such as body fat testing and heart rate levels. This enables you to give advice about lifestyle changes and more general information about health and nutrition.

Your job prospects as a trainer range from working in health clubs for chains such as David Lloyd, LA Fitness, Fitness First local Councils through to spas, resorts and cruise ships. Corporate fitness and well-being is also growing rapidly and many trainers work for companies providing workplace wellness programs. Of course, what appeals to most people is the chance to set up your own business as a personal fitness trainer with the ultimate challenge of being “your own boss”.

Getting Certified

Before you're let loose on your clients sophisticated equipment as well as with dumbbells, weights and bikes etc, you have to get certified and get a recognised personal trainer qualifications. In N.Ireland we recommend the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training where you will not only be qualified in the important technical areas but also be shown how to successfully obtain and manage clients, promote and market your own website and importantly receive the support of your training provider after you complete your course. Only then will you be a legitimate personal trainer and well on your way to setting up your won business and carving out a career for yourself. There are many organizations that certify personal trainers; so choosing one can be difficult. Which one is best for you? Before you decide, do some research?