Luke Hughes | OriGym https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/author/luke-hughes/ Educational Excellence Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:39:31 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.origym.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-O-Icon-17-black-32x32.png Luke Hughes | OriGym https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/author/luke-hughes/ 32 32 Should I Become a Personal Trainer? https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/should-i-become-a-personal-trainer/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/should-i-become-a-personal-trainer/ If you’re questioning ‘Should I Become a Personal Trainer?’ check out our article, as we discuss the various benefits of this lucrative position.

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‘Should I become a personal trainer?’ is a common question asked by people when they want to become a personal trainer, but don’t quite have all the information they need to take that first step.

In this article, we aim to fix that by providing the answers you need to decide whether this is the career for you!

Contents:

Already got your heart set on this job role? Enquire about our Personal Training Diploma or download a free course prospectus here.

Is Being a Personal Trainer Worth It?

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If you’re considering a new career in the fitness industry, it’s natural that you’re wondering ‘Is being a personal trainer a good career choice?’ or ‘Is this the right move for me?’.

Rather than directly list all of the reasons why I became a Personal Trainer, we did some research into what the world of business and employment had to say about what makes a ‘good’ job to give a fair and balanced answer to your question.

We found that based on the traits and characteristics of a role that are deemed desirable by job seekers, personal trainer is both a rewarding and a satisfying career.

We searched a range of business and employment blogs, and found the following criteria for ‘traits of a desirable job’ which also match some benefits of working as a personal trainer.

The traits of a desirable job include:

  • Emotionally rewarding
  • Benefits other people
  • Flexible hours
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Something that makes you feel valued
  • Being able to share knowledge & expertise
  • Meeting and working with new people
  • Sufficient compensation (or salary!)

Considering the fact that a career in personal training meets all of the above criteria (and has further benefits that we will discuss very soon!), it’s no surprise that Personal Training was featured in this list of ‘Most Rewarding Jobs Where You Can Really Make a Difference’.

When describing why this is such a desirable career in the context of why to become a PT, the article states:

“By becoming a Personal Trainer, you could help people take steps towards being happier, healthier and more comfortable in their own skin. It’s about much more than helping people look good – regular exercise boosts energy and confidence so the role is as much about helping peoples minds as it is their body. Seeing the progress that people make from the start of their fitness journey can be very satisfying”

If you’re ready to experience this rewarding journey first-hand, be sure to check out our article discussing ‘How to Become a Personal Trainer‘. Here you can find valuable resources covering both the qualification process and information relating to job hunting.

What Does A Personal Trainer Do?

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Seeing as you’re here looking for answers to ‘why become a personal trainer’, it’s safe to assume that you’re at least thinking about getting qualified as a PT.

Regardless of how well this career ranks in lists of the most rewarding careers, you can’t truly know whether this is the right job for you without knowing what to expect from the role in terms of daily responsibilities.

So, what does a personal trainer do?

You’re probably already aware that the main duty of a personal trainer is to run 1-1 personal training sessions. Many of the other roles and responsibilities of a PT include tasks that facilitate the running of 1-1 sessions such as conducting fitness assessments, writing training plans, and checking in on clients.

A lot of the time when we ask our graduates ‘why did you become a personal trainer?’, their answer usually centers around the fact that no two days are the same. For us, the fact that every day is different is definitely one of the best things about working in the fitness industry.

Being able to work with clients of varying ages, abilities, and exercise goals means that there is no definite answer to ‘what does a PT do?’ as the role is extremely versatile.

Gain further insight into the diversity this role offers, by checking out these OriGym articles:

Wondering ‘Should I Become A PT?’ Here’s 12 Reasons!

If you’re still on the fence about whether you should take that first step towards an exciting PT career, you won’t be for long! Here are 12 reasons why qualified PTs don’t question ‘is it worth being a personal trainer?’.

#1 Why Become a PT? It’s Rewarding!

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Anybody with experience of working as a personal trainer will tell you that nothing beats the feeling of helping others hit their fitness goals and the emotional reward that comes with that.

You can take a client who is on the verge of tears and physically shaking at the thought of stepping foot in the gym, and help them to become a confident, self-assured individual.

Here’s what OriGym Personal Trainer, Kimberley Mitchell, had to say when we asked her ‘is becoming a personal trainer worth it?’:

“Once you have worked as a PT for a few months, you soon see that the job doesn’t just help people to get fitter, your work can actually help people to feel better about themselves, even boosting their mental wellbeing. Honestly, nothing beats that feeling and for me, it’s the number one reason why I want to be a personal trainer for years to come.”

#2 Benefits of Being a PT: Unlimited Earning Potential

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Is it worth becoming a personal trainer in the UK? Just look into a personal trainers potential salary and the figures speak for themselves!

Whilst the average personal training salary in the UK is £31,461 per year, there is no end to the upper limit. Some extremely successful personal trainers who have been in the exact same position that you are in now, have gone onto open their own gyms, personal training studios or online personal training business’. In these examples, earnings are often in the 6 figure range.

#3 There is Demand for Personal Trainers

The fitness industry is now estimated to be worth £5 Billion in the UK alone, a figure that has increased by 20% over the last 5 years.

There are more gyms, private studios, public awareness and initiatives than ever before, which is brilliant for individuals who work (or those who are aspiring to work) in the fitness industry.

If you’re asking yourself, ‘should I quit my job and become a personal trainer?’, you may want to start writing that resignation letter as it has never been a better time to pursue a career in personal training.

The volume of establishments looking to hire qualified personal trainers is far outweighed by the number of trainers actually qualified in the UK.

Not to mention, the demand for online personal training services has rocketed since the start of 2020, a trend that is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

If you want to capitalise on the demand for online PTs, this OriGym guide explains exactly how you can become an online personal trainer.

#4 Getting Qualified is Affordable

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One further benefit of becoming a PT is that getting started with this career is far more affordable and much easier than it used to be.

Nowadays, there are more gyms than ever before, more focus from the government on health and wellbeing, and the cost of personal training courses has reduced massively.

In order to get qualified as a personal trainer, you will need to complete the following courses:

Both of these qualifications can be completed through various learning styles, including:

  1. Full-time PT Courses (learn Monday to Friday on a full-time study basis)
  2. Part-time Courses (also known as ‘blended learning’, combing online study and face-to-face workshops)
  3. Online Personal Trainer Courses (learn online at your own pace)

Want to know more? You can compare the personal training course reviews here!

#5 A Challenging & Diverse Role

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Another benefit of working in the fitness industry is that personal training clients come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, each with varying fitness goals.

Once you complete a Level 3 Personal Training course you will be able to work with clients who want to achieve fat loss, tone up, gain strength, and improve flexibility, as well as clients who require sport specific training, or have injuries that need catering to.

This adds an element of challenge to the role and provides variety to tasks such as programme writing and running training sessions, which ultimately diversifies your day to day routine.

Working with such a range of clients will keep you on your toes and requires you to continuously learn and educate yourself on a vast array of fitness topics, especially as the industry continues to evolve with new training methods and enhanced science.

#6 Keep Yourself Healthy

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Another great reason to become a personal trainer is that it is an active job that allows you to keep fit and healthy.

Whether you’re taking 1-2-1 PT sessions, running a group class, or carrying out gym inductions, personal trainers spend a lot of time on their feet, burning calories, and getting those steps in!

Pursuing a career in the fitness industry makes it much easier to keep fit. Since you spend so long in the gym, there is no excuse for missing your own session! It’s super easy to squeeze in a quick workout before or after work, or during breaks between clients.

#7 Benefits of Becoming a Personal Trainer: Flexible Timetable

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If you are on the fence about whether you should quit your job and career change a personal training, you might want to consider the hours that you will be working.

You’ll probably be pleased to know that as a personal trainer, you have a lot of control over your schedule, especially if you decide to go freelance or start your own business!

If you’re an early bird, you can schedule your clients for first thing in the morning, leaving you plenty of time to go about your day after work. Never want to work another evening or weekend in your life? That’s very much possible as a freelance PT!

When weighing up the pros and cons of being a personal trainer, this has to be a massive plus!

#8 Why Should I Become a Personal Trainer? Have A Career You Care About!

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We all dream of a job where we actually look forward to getting up and going to work each day. As the saying goes, if you find a job you enjoy, you’ll never have to work a day in your life!

So, if you’re passionate about fitness, what better way to ensure full job satisfaction than by pursuing a career in the fitness industry?

Here’s a quote from Lifehack about why you should pursue a career that you truly care about:

“When you work at a job you’re passionate about, you’ll be able to focus more and get things done on time because those tasks don’t feel like such a burden. When you’re simply working for money, motivation is more difficult to find, which may lead to longer hours in order to get things done.”

When you think about it, if you can do something that you love every day, and get paid to do so, why are you even questioning ‘should I become a personal trainer?’, surely the answer should be a huge yes!

#9 Share Your Knowledge

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As mentioned in our list of desirable job traits, the ability to share knowledge is something that is highly valued by individuals searching for their dream job.

Fortunately, this is something that is very much possible if you pursue a career in personal training.

There are thousands of people all across the UK that need the help, expertise, support and guidance of a PT in order to help them to achieve their fitness and nutrition goals. Just think about how rewarding it would feel to be the person that others are coming to for knowledge and expertise.

Sharing your knowledge and expertise, and seeing that convert into action through your clients programmes, is something that is guaranteed to give you great pride in what you’re doing for a living.

#10 Wear What You Like

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If you’re not yet convinced that you should become a personal trainer, just think how nice it would be to whack on your trackies and trainers in the morning instead of pulling on a shirt, tie, and smart shoes every day.

No more sitting in a stuffy office wearing a suit, as long as you are clean and well-presented, you can spend those hot summer days in shorts. Who knows, wearing shorts to work might even inspire you to become a personal trainer abroad!

According to Hive, studies have even suggested that employees are more productive when they don’t have to adhere to a formal dress code:

“When people are able to wear the clothes that they’re comfortable and confident in, morale is higher and people are more productive overall.”

The study concludes:

“61% of employees are more productive when the dress code is relaxed, and 80% of people who work in an environment with a dress code responded that they don’t find them useful.”

#11 Meet New People

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Still not sure why you should be a personal trainer? As a PT, you get to meet new and interesting individuals pretty much every day. Whether that be clients, gym members, or other fitness professionals – working as a PT is arguably one of the most social jobs that you can do.

If you’re a social individual with a bubbly personality then this is an ideal career path for you as you will spend huge amounts of time getting to know people, chatting to them, and obviously, training them.

That’s why social skills, such as the ability to build rapport, being confident in social situations, and coming across as an approachable individual are all essential skills of a good personal trainer.

#12 Work With Like-Minded Individuals

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Another great reason to become a personal trainer is that you get to work with loads of brilliant, like-minded people.

As well as meeting new gym members and clients, PTs get to work with other fitness professionals and even those not in personal training roles tend to have a big interest in health and fitness.

We all spend huge amounts of time at work, so who you work with and the working environment is incredibly important. When working as a personal trainer you can interact with people that share the same passion for fitness as you on a daily basis and build lasting friendships that will stand the test of time.

Benefits of Being an Employed VS Freelance Personal Trainer

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If you’re thinking about whether you should become a personal trainer, one thing to consider is that there are various career paths within this industry. The main options are to work as an employee for a gym, to become a freelance PT, or working as a sole trader.

Outside of the benefits listed above, each of these career options have their own benefits (and drawbacks), which makes choosing the right option a huge consideration when thinking about whether becoming a personal trainer is a good career choice.

For example, some of the benefits of being a freelance Personal Trainer include:

  • Take holidays when you like
  • Set your own working hours
  • Choose your freelance hourly rate
  • You will be your own boss

Why be a Personal Trainer that is Salaried for a gym? Here are the benefits:

  • Set basic wage
  • Guaranteed personal trainer hours and pay
  • Free Gym Use
  • Free PT Insurance
  • Free CPD courses

There are tons more benefits of each of the above career options, so much so that we have put together the following YouTube video discussing the pros and cons of the top 10 personal training career options.

Myths About Personal Training

Why i want to be a personal trainer

If you’re still with us at this point, it’s fair to say that you’re pretty interested in pursuing a career in the fitness industry.

Now that we have answered important questions such as ‘is it worth being a personal trainer?, we thought that it was only right to discuss a few myths that you may have heard about this career.

#1 “I can only work in a gym or as a freelance trainer”

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This is something that we hear a lot from people who haven’t done their research into the various career paths and types of professional development that a personal trainer can pursue.

This is absolutely incorrect as there are tons of different job positions that you can pursue after completing a personal training diploma, including:

  • Working in a hotel or on a cruise ship
  • Working for a fitness charity, for example running warm ups before charity runs
  • Landing a job at an obstacle course or adventure centre
  • Insurance companies use PTs as part of their aftercare packages
  • Becoming a fitness course assessor at a College or private course provider
  • Getting a job for the Ministry of Defence to keep regiments fit

#2 “Personal trainers don’t earn a lot”

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Another claim that people make about working in the fitness industry is that personal trainers are not well paid.

However, as we already touched on above, PTs actually have an unlimited potential, so this is another complete myth.

The truth is that unsuccessful trainers do not earn a lot. However, trainers that work hard, move away from salaried roles and set up their own business, and master their personal trainer marketing strategy, go on to have a very lucrative career.

It is absolutely possible for successful personal trainers with a loyal client base and a high-hourly rate to earn up to £200,000 per annum.

#3 “Motivating a client means shouting during a session”

is becoming a personal trainer a good career choice uk

This is not only a myth, but it’s actually the exact opposite of what a good personal trainer should do.

The screaming PTs are normally the ones who struggle for clients because believe it or not, people don’t like being shouted at!

Shouting at clients is definitely not a best practice, instead, motivation comes in a range of different forms. Some great ways to motivate clients include progress reports, motivational emails, rewards, and incentives to simple compliments on progress or how well a client is performing in a session.

Remember that all clients will respond to types of motivation differently and that a good personal trainer is one that can figure out the best way to approach individual clients.

#4 “There is too much competition in personal training”

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Whilst it is true that there are now more qualified personal trainers in the UK than ever before, the demand for personal training, and the number of commercial and private gyms is also at an all-time record high.

There are far more prospective clients to go around than ever before, so provided that you are a good PT, the competition is nothing to worry about.

Before You Go!

We hope that this article has helped you to get a better idea of whether you should become a PT!

Outside of the reasons listed above, don’t forget that your opinion is the one that counts the most, so be sure to ask yourself, why do you want to be a personal trainer?

Kickstart this new exciting career the right way with OriGym’s Internationally-recognised Personal Training Diploma. Our post-course team will even be on hand following graduation, to provide extensive career support including a guaranteed job interview!

Alternatively, you can download our FREE Course Prospectus Here to learn more about our qualifcations!

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How Hard Is It To Become A Personal Trainer? https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-hard-is-a-pt-course/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:05:33 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-hard-is-a-pt-course/ Asking 'how hard is it to become a personal trainer?' Our guide will answer your questions, including funding your course and landing your dream job.

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Many aspiring professionals often question, how hard is it to become a personal trainer?

If you fall into this category you likely want to make the jump into the fitness industry, but have various questions regarding whether it’s a feasible career option.

To understand how ‘difficult’ it is to become a personal trainer, there are three crucial questions you need to look at:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of launching a fitness career, check out our guide on Becoming a Personal Trainer. This article breaks down the entire process, from earning a qualification to becoming employed.

At OriGym we have helped 92% of graduates enter the industry. If you want to be a part of this impressive stat, be sure to enquire about our Personal Trainer Diploma!

How Hard Is A Personal Training Course?

Man making notes on how hard is to become a personal trainer

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question as everyone who enrols on a personal training course will have a different background. For this reason, aspects of the qualification that are easy for some may be difficult for others.

Due to the subjective nature of this question, you will have to personally evaluate how challenging the course will be for you specifically.

Let’s explore what you should consider in greater detail:

#1 Your Previous Experience With Fitness

If you have previously studied a health and fitness-related subject, then you may find completing a Personal Training Diploma easier than students who hold no previous experience.

This is because you’ll have a pre-existing set of skills and knowledge to be drawn from when completing your course. For example, elements of the module dedicated to anatomy and physiology will be easier if you have studied the likes of:

  • P.E (GCSE/A-Level)
  • Biology (GCSE/A-Level)
  • Sports Science (Degree)

That’s not to say that you need to study these courses to become a personal trainer. Having the added experience may make understanding the content easier.

#2 The Last Time You Were In Education

teacher in front of greenboard

When questioning ‘how difficult is a personal trainer course?’ you may be surprised to learn that those who enrol after recently finishing school or university typically find the qualification process easier.

This is because these students are accustomed to studying in a similar environment, while developing their new personal trainer skills and knowledge. They’ll likely have a schedule in place and will know what mode of learning suits them best.

On the other hand, those who have been out of education for extended periods (e.g. 5-10 years) may struggle to reintegrate themselves back into a learning environment.

But again, this isn’t to say that you won’t be able to earn your personal training qualification if you fall into this category. Instead, you’ll be able to make use of the various resources your training provider offers to ensure your future success.

For example, at OriGym our team of expert tutors can be contacted 7-days a week via phone, email, or chatbox to answer any questions you may have regarding your qualification.

#3 The Amount Of Time You Spend Studying

Woman holding qualification showing how easy it is to become a persoanl trainer

As the saying goes ‘practice makes perfect’ and you can’t expect to become a personal trainer without putting the work in.

To pass a personal trainer course, you’ll need to dedicate your time to studying both the theoretical and practical aspects of the qualification.

This will ensure that both your skills and knowledge are as sharp as they can be, meeting the standards held by your training provider. As a result, you will be fully prepared for your assessments.

A lot of students feel pressured by course deadlines, believing that they do not have an adequate amount of time to study. To combat this, some providers such as OriGym will offer self-paced study methods.

#4 The Study Method You Enrol Onto

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How you study can also influence the difficulty of a personal training course.

No two students are the same, some may prefer learning in person from a classroom-based environment. Others will work better studying independently online, completing their qualification at their own pace.

Conforming to a set study method will only make the course feel more difficult. For example, as previously mentioned some may find the set-deadlines of a classroom environment too stressful.

You will therefore need to opt for a training provider that offers multiple different learning methods and select the option that suits your preferences.

#5 The Support You’ll Receive

Tutor shaking hand of student

The level of support a training provider offers can make completing a personal training course less of a daunting task.

Any reputable provider will ensure their team is staffed with experienced tutors to answer any queries you may have throughout your study. For example, at OriGym our tutors are available via email, telephone or through our chatbox feature, 7-days a week.

Without the correct support, you may find it difficult to complete certain modules, which will hinder your development as a personal trainer.

So when posing questions such as ‘how difficult is a personal trainer course’ you need to consider these aforementioned factors to make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.

Is It Easy To Fund A Personal Training Course?

Image of money in a jar

Remember, questions like ‘Is it hard to become a personal trainer?’ are entirely subjective. Some aspiring PTs will ask this in regards to qualifications content, whilst others will be wondering whether funding a course is easy.

This is largely due to the misconception that you have to pay for an entire personal training course upfront as soon as you enrol. Furthermore, many wrongfully believe that these courses are far more expensive than they are.

Not only are personal training courses affordable, but many providers will allow students to spread the cost of their qualifications to make the payment process as easy as possible.

For example, you won’t believe how easy it is to become a personal trainer with OriGym, as we offer:

#1 Payment plans

Student studying to become a PT

As previously stated, many aspiring personal trainers assume it’s difficult to pursue this job role due to the cost of the qualifications.

Not only are OriGym courses affordable, but as a student, you can spread the cost by setting up a payment plan similar to one you’d pay for the likes of a phone contract.

This makes the course more accessible for students of all backgrounds and creates a positive learning experience where you don’t have to worry about finances.

#2 0% interest

When students agree to a payment plan, they may be concerned about any accruing interest. However, at OriGym we believe you should only pay for the course, which is why we offer 0% interest.

In addition, we never ask for a guarantor and instead focus on ensuring our courses are as accessible as possible.

Image of coins

#3 Free resits

At OriGym, we don’t believe in penalising you for retaking assessments, which is why we offer free unlimited resits to all students.

Having the ability to retake any failed assessments is crucial to helping you pass your course. You can study with the peace of mind that you are not going to encounter any additional financial obligations.

Essentially, free resits provide a safety net that allows you to focus on what matters, your education!

#4 – No Hidden Fees

Some training providers will make it more difficult for their students to qualify, by including hidden fees into the overall cost of the qualification. Typically, this will apply to services like:

  • Exams
  • Resits
  • Certification fees – e.g. producing the certificate
  • Admin fees – e.g. processing the qualification

When it comes to determining ‘how hard is it to become a personal trainer?’ hidden fees will always make things more challenging for students. For example, some individuals may not be able to afford all these costs and will thus not be able to qualify..

At OriGym, we don’t believe in charging additional fees, the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay!

How Hard Is It To Get A Personal Training Job?

Person stamping a CV with the word 'Hired'

Questions like ‘is it easy to become a personal trainer?’ can also be influenced by the industry itself. Thankfully, there has never been a better time to break to kickstart a career in fitness!

To take advantage of this consistent growth and secure a PT job, you must consider the following factors:

#1 The Quality Of Your CV– A professional-looking personal trainer CV can make it easier for you to become a personal trainer. This is because it will showcase your various qualifications and experience, painting you in the best possible light to employers.

#2 How Well You Interview – All it takes to break into the industry is one successful job interview. But rather than leaving it to chance, you can set a good first impression by preparing!

This can be achieved by looking up frequently used questions or attending mock interviews. In doing so, you can strengthen your answers and make a lasting impression.

#3 Whether You Have Network Connections – Sometimes questions like ‘how hard is it to become a personal trainer?’ can come down to who you know, rather than what you know.

If you have existing industry connections, be it other personal trainers or other fitness professionals, you may find it easier to become employed than others.

For related advice and guidance, check this OriGym article exploring ‘How to Make a Career Change to Personal Training’.

Is It Easy to Become a Personal Trainer With the Help of Career Services?

Man standing next to a job checklist and lock

Any good training provider will help their graduates find employment upon completion of their course. For example, at OriGym we offer a plethora of career services including:

#1 CV Analysis And Distribution:

OriGym helps graduates find employment by analysing and distributing their CVs to corporate partners within their local area.

Through these services, your CV will be developed and edited to make it as appealing to employers as possible. Through this action, your chances of securing an interview and becoming employed greatly increase.

#2 Interview Preparation

Effective preparation can help you make a good first impression during an interview with potential employers.

At OriGym, we can help you sell yourself to employers by making sure you know how to demonstrate relevant knowledge of the fitness industry, the implementation of training programs and how to communicate with clients.

Remember, personal trainer candidates who are well-prepared, stand a greater chance of securing a position in the fitness industry.

image of megaphone with cvs coming out of it

#3 A Guaranteed Job Interview With Industry Partners

Again, in some instances, all it takes to break into the industry is one successful job interview! There is a long-established connection between OriGym and industry partners such as JD Gyms, Sports Direct and DW Fitness.

To help our graduates get their foot in the door, we forward your CV to these partners in order to secure you a guaranteed job interview.

You can even attend one of our mock interviews to ensure you’re fully prepared!

Before You Go!

Now that you understand questions like ‘how hard is it to become a personal trainer’ are entirely subjective, you can begin to take the necessary steps outlined in this article to better your chances of finding employment.

Remember, every successful career starts with the proper training. Enquire about OriGym’s PT Diploma today and earn a qualification with the highest-rated course provider in the UK.

Alternatively, you can learn more about this qualification by downloading our FREE course prospectus!

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Best Personal Training Courses in the UK https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/personal-trainer-courses-compared/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:00:45 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/personal-trainer-courses-compared/ Discover the top UK personal training courses with OriGym! From pricing to support, we've done the research so you don't have to!

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In this article, we compare the best personal training courses in the UK looking at key criteria such as accreditations, the quality of learning resources, career services and payment options. Following this, you will be able to make an informed decision on who you wish to qualify with.

You can also check out our YouTube video below, discussing this very topic:

If you’re already set on a specific training provider and would like to know what comes next, then check out our detailed guide on ‘how to become a Personal Trainer’.

Alternatively, you can enquire about OriGym’s Personal Training Diploma today and learn first-hand why we’re the highest-rated provider in the UK!

Contents

The Best Personal Training Courses in The UK Compared:

 Let’s look at each of these factors in detail and discuss how they shape the overall quality of a personal training course in a cap and gown

When looking for the best personal training course, newcomers often make the mistake of not conducting research into the wider market. Typically, first-time students will opt for a qualification because it has the highest reviews, whilst others will go for the cheapest option.

Whilst these are important factors to consider, you also need to question:

  • Is the course regulated and accredited by authoritative/governing bodies? 
  • How long will the course take to complete? 
  • Will I receive career support following completion? 
  • Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
  • How will I be required to pay for my course?

To help aspiring students choose the right qualification for their needs, we have conducted research into 10 of the UK’s top vocational training providers. 

Take a look at this comparison, we breakdown the how the UK’s top training providers are perceived by both the general public and professional organisations within the fitness industry:

PT Course Compared Review Table

Now, let’s compare the companies post course services, which will be on offer to you after you graduate. These services can make all the difference when it comes to starting a career, so it’s important to consider each factor diligently:

Courses Compared Table 2

We know this is a lot of information to consider, to help you get a better understanding of why these factors are important the following sections will provide more detail on how they can shape the overall quality of a personal training course.

Factors to Consider

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There are two qualifications that you need to obtain in order to become a personal trainer in the UK.

The first is a Level 2 Fitness Instructor Certification, which acts as a mandatory prerequisite before you can move on to complete a Level 3 Personal Training Course.

Many providers, including OriGym, will often package these two qualifications together in the form of a Personal Training Diploma. If all these different names and terms sound confusing, check out our breakdown of the different personal training levels here!

When researching the best personal training courses in the UK there are a number of factors that will determine whether or not the qualification meets the industry standards. Let’s take a closer look at each of these influences:

1 – Awarding/Governing Bodies

best uk personal trainer course awarding bodies

There are 4 major awarding bodies (otherwise known as governing bodies) that specialise in personal training in the UK:

  • Focus Awards
  • YMCA Awards
  • Active IQ
  • NCFE

These awarding bodies have certified over 90% of the UK’s personal training market. With the other 10% receiving their awards from smaller, independent organisations.

When you complete your personal training qualification, the awarding body will appear on the certificate – not your training provider.

The best personal training courses will always be awarded by legitimate governing bodies. Whilst employers won’t prioritise one organisation over the other, they will always check the legitimacy of your certificate before hiring you!

2 – Ofqual-Regulation

PT certificate PT courses compared graphic

Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is the sister organisation of Ofstead and is responsible for regulating all vocational training qualifications in the UK.

Whilst the qualification itself is delivered by a training provider, it’s Ofqual that dictates:

  • The course’s content 
  • How the course is taught 
  • How students are assessed 
  • How the curriculum is scheduled

The purpose of Ofqual is to ensure uniformity across the personal training industry. This means that regardless of which provider a student chooses, they will still receive the same education to meet a national standard – e.g. a Level 3 qualification will always be labelled with ‘Level 3’.

All awarding bodies must report to Ofqual, who then catalogues those that are regulated in their official register. For example, Focus Awards’ Level 3 Personal Training Certificate can be found on this register, which is the course we offer at OriGym.

Best Level 3 Personal Trainer Course Awarding Body List

Think of this register as a vital tool for seeing whether your chosen qualification is regarded as one of the best personal training courses in the UK.

3 – CIMSPA Endorsement

CIMSPA pt courses compared uk graphic

The best personal training courses in the UK will all be endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). This independent institute is backed by Sports England, to help set the standard for those entering the fitness industry.

On CIMSPA’s website they clearly state their mission is to:

…shape a respected, regulated and recognised sector that everyone wants to be a part of, and that others are confident interacting with

CIMSPA is committed to supporting, developing and enabling fitness professionals. This is achieved by ensuring that training providers meet and uphold standards that guarantee their student’s success.

When determining which personal training course is best for you, be on the lookout for CIMSPA’s logo on a training provider’s website. Alternatively, use their partner directory to see whether a provider is endorsed:

The Best Personal Training courses CIMSPA Partners

The example given above clearly shows OriGym to be a recognised CIMSPA partner, ensuring that our Personal Trainer course is fully endorsed.

To learn more about this independent institute and why its endorsement is so important, check out our article discussing ‘What is CIMSPA’.

When looking for the best certification course for becoming a personal trainer you cannot compromise on these three factors!

If a course is not awarded by a governing body, Ofqual regulated or endorsed by CIMSPA, then it likely won’t be considered by employers. Take a look at this job advertisement below, which clearly states candidates must hold a CIMSPA-recognised qualification:

What is the Best Personal Training Qualification to get a job

In short, if your qualification does not meet these standards you’ll likely struggle to find employment.

Now that these necessities have been established, let’s look at other factors to consider when determining the best Level 3 personal trainer course for you.

Does the Training Provider Offer Different Study Methods?

Best UK Personal Training Qualification study methods

When choosing a provider for your personal training qualification you need to consider two things:

  • How do you want to study? – e.g. in-person, entirely online, or a combination of the two
  • How long do you want the qualification to take? – e.g. do you want to study self-paced or are you looking to meet a deadline?

No two students are the same and what works for one may not work for another. This is why the best personal training courses in the UK will offer multiple different learning methods.

At OriGym we’re aware that every student learns differently and will have commitments they wish to work around. This is why we offer multiple different study methods for all our personal training courses.

For example, those enrolled on our Personal Training Diploma can choose from the following methods:

  • Full-Time Learning – Ideal for students looking to learn in a classroom environment engaging with practical sessions and theoretical teaching. On average, this course is completed in 4 weeks.
  • Online Learning – Which is best suited for students who prefer learning independently with virtual resources. Whilst the average completion time is 16 weeks there are no required deadlines associated with this study method.
  • Blended Learning – This combines practical workshops and online learning via our student zone platform. On average, students studying via complete this course in 8 weeks!

Poor training providers won’t offer different study methods and will force students to comply with a training schedule that they have outlined.

This can obviously cause disruptions to a student’s life, who may have to put personal or professional obligations on hold to complete their assessments.

Who Will Be Leading Your Personal Training Course?

best certified personal trainer course tutors

The best personal training courses will be taught by fully qualified professionals who hold previous industry experience.

Said tutors will have been in their students’ shoes prior to qualifying. They will therefore be able to provide insider teachings and support, to guide their students towards success.

For example, at OriGym all our tutors hold qualifications relevant to the courses they teach. In addition to having years’ worth of experience working in the health and fitness industry.

However, that’s not to say that all training providers will meet these standards. Some may hire unqualified individuals to simply mark their students’ work, and provide generic feedback given to them from a handbook.

How Much Contact Do You Get with Course Tutors?

Tutor Support on the Best Level 3 Personal Trainer Course

Speaking of feedback, you’ll want to compare the amount of contact you can make with your tutors prior to enrolling on a course.

Tutor support can make all the difference when earning your qualification, and can be the difference between passing or failing an assessment.

Regardless of your chosen study method, the best personal training course provider will make it easy for you to reach out to tutors with any questions regarding your qualifications.

For example, at OriGym our students can talk to tutors 7 days a week, via:

  • Phone
  • Email 
  • Chatbox 

Other training providers don’t offer this same luxury and may restrict clients to a specific mode of contact, or take a certain amount of days to reply to an enquiry.

Are The Personal Training Provider’s Resources of High Quality?

the best personal training certification graphic

When comparing the best level 3 personal trainer courses you also need to consider the quality of the qualifications’ resources, as this can affect your learning experience.

For example, some providers may advertise their resources in a positive light but will then send their online students a PDF course pack and nothing else.

Whereas the best certified personal trainer courses will take a more nurturing approach and will deliver their online courses virtually through an interactive platform. This is what we do at OriGym, and our E-Learning platform is packed with resources to aid in our student’s future success, including:

  • Virtual course modules 
  • Interactive quizzes
  • Videos
  • Online lectures
  • eBooks

This ensures that all students will get the same quality of education, regardless of how they study. But if you’d like to learn more about how exactly these resources benefit your education, check out our article discussing ‘What Does a Personal Training Course Involve?’.

Be sure to conduct your own research into a course provider prior to enrolment, in order to determine the quality of their resources. One way to do this is to check what other students have to say!

Is the Location of the Personal Training Course Accessible?

The Best Personal Training courses are accessible

You’ll also want to make sure that any practical elements of your course can be completed from an accessible location.

Some training providers don’t take this into consideration and will only have one fixed location. This means some students will be forced to travel to this specific venue in order to complete their course, regardless of how far it is.

As one of the best Level 3 personal trainer course providers, OriGym has multiple locations across the UK. This makes practical assessments and workshops more accessible to students and reduces the distance they’ll have to travel.

How Can Personal Trainer Course Reviews Help Determine Which Course is Best for You?

Reviews determine the Best Personal Trainer Course

By comparing personal trainer course reviews from previous students you can determine whether a training provider is of high standards.

Through conducting this research, you can read first-hand accounts of students who have been in similar situations, and even discover whether the training provider fails to deliver services as advertised.

When looking for personal training course reviews, want to look at sites that can guarantee reliable/impartial comments, such as

With both of these sites, you have to be a verified customer to leave a review. This reduces falsified information being spread and allows you to make an informed decision based on facts.

When using these sites to directly compare the best personal training courses in the UK, you could use their star ratings as a simple method of reviewing quality. For example, you’ll see that OriGym has over 2,000 5-star reviews, which makes us the highest-rated training provider in the UK.

Should you have a specific question about the course, you could even use Truspilot’s advanced search tool and look up reviews that use key phrases or terms.

The Best Personal Trainer Course Provider Will Offer Career Support

Tutor shakes hand with student following mock interview

When comparing the best companies to do a personal training course with, you should also consider what services are provided after you qualify.

The best qualification providers will prioritise their students’ education and future success, going the extra mile to provide career services that prepare graduates to work in the industry.

For example, OriGym offers graduates:

  • CV analysis and distribution
  • Mock interviews 
  • A free marketing & business course
  • Guaranteed job interviews with corporate partners
  • Alumni discounts on industry-leading products

These services have helped over 92% of OriGym students find employment in the industry!

But not every training provider offers these services to graduates, some won’t even contact students following the completion of their course. As a result, these individuals may struggle to find employment, especially if they have no previous experience in the industry.

How to Get Value for Money from Your Personal Training Course Provider!

What Is The Best Personal Training Course Price?

For some, the best personal training course in the UK will be the cheapest option. However, there is no use in saving money if you’re going to get sub-par training and many of these ‘cheap’ or ‘free’ qualifications will fail to meet the standards discussed throughout this article.

Instead, you should opt for a cost-effective course that provides you with all the aforementioned services. We’ve conducted our own independent research into the price of the best personal training courses in the UK.

Here you can see that OriGym is a cost-effective alternative, which meets and exceeds industry standards, never compromising on the quality of our qualifications.

Best UK Personal Training Qualifications Cost Compared

The providers that charge higher fees will do so for a variety of reasons. For example, some may want to create a feeling of luxury surrounding their qualifications and believe an effective way of doing this is to increase the price.

In addition to this, these expensive providers will typically accept a government ‘Advanced Learner Loan’ as a form of funding. For some, this justifies the higher price, but be aware that accepting this loan will come at an additional cost to students.

Whilst these loans may be initially ‘free’ you will be expected to pay it back and interest will occur from the moment you complete the qualification –  the total fee will be based on inflation and currently sits at 3% RPI.

Check out this article on Government Funded Personal Training qualifications, to learn more about why these courses aren’t as beneficial as they appear.

Top Tip: Check the Provider’s Financing and Payment Plan Options

Best Personal Training Courses Offer Payment Options

Government funding isn’t the only financial assistance available to students. When deciding which personal training course is best for your personal circumstances, you also could opt for a provider that offers payment plans.

This approach allows you to spread the cost of the course into small manageable chunks, rather than paying upfront and in full as soon as you enrol. At OriGym we believe in making our qualifications as accessible as possible, which is why our students can set a payment plan at 0% interest!

But be aware, not every training provider will offer this option and even if some do, they may charge interest over the course of time!

Extra Costs to Consider When Choosing the Best Personal Trainer Courses

Best Personal Training Course UK Finance options 2

When considering the cost of a personal training course, you need to be aware that some providers will charge you excess/hidden fees for specific services. For this reason, we’d advise you to conduct thorough research prior to choosing a provider.

For example, some training providers may charge extra for the likes of:

  • Exams 
  • Resits 
  • Certification fees – Such as producing the certificate itself
  • Admin fees – Such as processing the qualification 

Some courses that may initially seem cheap could be plagued with these hidden costs, which drastically increase the price.

But rest assured, OriGym doesn’t charge any additional fees for these aforementioned services. For example, we offer all our students free unlimited resits on all exams and assessments, as no one should be penalised in this manner!

We do this for transparency, as we believe that the price you’re quoted is the price that you should pay!

Before You Go!

Remember, when comparing the best personal training courses in the UK, you should opt for a provider that offers a plethora of services to guarantee your future success.

OriGym offers this level of support and has helped 92% of graduates find employment. If you want to be a part of this impressive stat, enquire about our Personal Training Diploma today!

Alternatively, download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about our qualifications.

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Gym-clusivity Report: Celebrating the Empowerment of Inclusive Fitness https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/gym-clusivity-report-celebrating-the-empowerment-of-inclusive-fitness/ Tue, 02 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/gym-clusivity-report-celebrating-the-empowerment-of-inclusive-fitness/ A gym is a place where people recharge, re-energise and recuperate their physical, mental and social batteries - but how important is an inclusive fitness space and just what impact does the gym have on our mental and physical health? Following OriGym’s series of studies that have explored a spectrum of social issues within [...]

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A gym is a place where people recharge, re-energise and recuperate their physical, mental and social batteries – but how important is an inclusive fitness space and just what impact does the gym have on our mental and physical health?

Following OriGym’s series of studies that have explored a spectrum of social issues within fitness and gym culture, this concluding report analyses how the fitness community has become more inclusive in recent years – and where improvements still need to be made.

As a health and fitness education provider offering inclusive personal training qualifications, we want to educate PTs, fitness instructors and gymgoers on how to create a safe and uplifting community for all.

The report also explores what factors make a perfect gym and highlights the benefits of exercise on both our physical and mental health.

The study reveals:

  • In light of the sobriety movement, 1 in 6 gym goers attend to socialise – with men more likely to use the gym to find friends
  • There has been a 41% rise in demand for in-person group workouts in the past 12 months, while 1 in 12 Brits are logging off apps to ‘avoid’ toxic social media
  • Insights and experiences from a woman who has recovered from an eating disorder through fitness
  • Location, choice of facilities and ‘favoured’ cardio area to make up components of the perfect gym, with the treadmill being the most in-demand apparatus

If you’re ready to kickstart your career in fitness you can, why not enrol on OriGym’s Level 3 PT Diploma? If you would like to learn about the full range of courses on offer ar OriGym, download our free course prospectus today!

What makes a positive gym experience?

In previous studies, we revealed not all gym experiences are the same. The Gym-timidation Study revealed 66% of women had felt some form of gym harassment by men, while in the Weight Stigma Study, 84% of plus-size and 84% of underweight gym goers all admitted to feeling negatively judged in a gym environment.

In a bid to create an inclusive environment for all, we want to understand what makes a positive gym experience.

Luke Hughes, founder of OriGym and Level 4 PT said: “A positive gym environment can be defined by several factors that contribute to the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the workout session.

“One of the most important elements is having a supportive and motivating environment that encourages and empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals. This includes having friendly and approachable staff members who are willing to provide guidance and assistance when needed.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case as OriGym’s Weight Stigma Study revealed 9% of plus-size gym goers had experienced weight discrimination from a personal trainer.

Luke adds: “Personal trainers have a duty of care and in a high-intensity environment like a gym, it’s important that gym staff and personal trainers are creating an inclusive atmosphere, especially towards those who feel out of their comfort zone.”

Other factors that can enhance the gym experience include having access to a variety of exercise options and classes, personalised training programs, and a sense of community and belonging among fellow gym goers.

But what are the mental and physical health impacts of a positive gym culture? And do people across the UK benefit from this culture?

Fitness Culture and Mental Health

Why are Brits choosing the gym to socialise?

Demand for ‘group gym classes’ are up 41% as 1 in 6 Brits go to the gym to socialise

The gym can offer the ideal social setting for many suffering from social anxiety, or even those looking to boost their social activity.

For those with social anxiety, setting and achieving fitness goals can give people a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem and confidence. Gyms are often filled with lots of like-minded individuals, so exposure to a more social environment can gradually build up a person’s confidence and reduce their anxiety.

In our Weight Stigma Study, we discovered that out of the Brits that attend or have attended the gym, 1 in 6 went to socialise. According to Google, there has been an increase in people looking to participate in more social-based fitness activities, like classes. In particular, the search term ‘group gym classes’ was Googled 41% more in the past 12 months.

Luke revealed why more people may be showing an interest in in-person group classes: “The gym offers a great setting for those with similar fitness-based interests and in a gym class, the environment is usually high-energy and fun. This common interest can often provide a basis for conversation and social interaction.

“By keeping up a regular fitness routine that is scattered with fitness classes, you can create a sense of accountability among participants, which can help build a sense of community and break down social barriers, making it easier for people to connect with one another.”

If you want to help continue to make the fitness industry feel inclusive, you can learn about the highest-paying fitness jobs in fitness to help others feel welcomed at the gym.

How does exercise benefit your mental wellbeing?

As exercise releases endorphins in your brain, regular gym activity can improve a person’s mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2005 study about the mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity found that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who do not.

Brits swap booze for barbells: 1 in 6 Brits are choosing to socialise at the gym

As revealed, 1 in 6 Brits who have attended a gym have done so to socialise – these individuals could also be looking to meet new like-minded friends.

With Google searches for ‘how to go sober?’ up by 31% worldwide in the last year, the growing sobriety trend may too be the reason Brits are swapping booze for barbells.

The growing interest on social media is giving the movement added momentum. Love Island star, Dr Alex George, revealed on TikTok that he was giving up alcohol as it was ‘restricting his experience of life’. But he’s not alone, as the hashtag #sober has 5.3b views, #alcoholfree has 1.7b views and #soberlife has 1.6b views.

https://www.tiktok.com/@dralexgeorge/video/7176709522155785478

Where do Brits find friends?

Once you’ve finished school or graduated from university, it becomes increasingly hard to find friends outside of your already established social network.

And this is reinforced by YouGov, which revealed nearly half of Brits meet their close friends at work, other top places include in a person’s neighbourhood, online and at a party. Brits who do not have these social opportunities can feel excluded.

Others may feel discouraged about putting themselves out there and meeting new people, especially if they have had negative experiences with rejection or social anxiety in the past.

Finding other people that share similar interests, values and lifestyles can also be challenging. Ultimately, this could be one of the primary reasons why Brits are utilising the gym as a healthy alternative to meeting people.

Gym routine encourages other social plans, study finds 

According to a study about creating better versions of the self through exercise, when you stick to a fitness schedule, you’re likely to become more committed to plans outside of the gym.

Regular exercise can boost a person’s mood, confidence and help establish a routine, which combined could lead to increased motivation to participate in social activities.

Others may utilise the gym as a place to make more friends and meet new people. Gyms offer the opportunity to meet new, like-minded people, therefore by participating in these classes or training sessions, people often feel a sense of community and social support. This may encourage people to engage in other social activities outside of the gym.

Debuffing the gym’s ‘toxic masculinity’ status: Charity reveals gym’s changing landscape for men

Men are more likely to use the gym to find friends

Our Weight Stigma Study found that men were more likely to attend the gym than women (70% compared to 60% of women). While men were more likely to attend the gym to socialise (15% compared to 12% of women) and meet like-minded people (10% compared to 7% of women).

This sense of community could be integral for boosting men’s mental health, especially when the suicide rate among men is nearly 15% higher than among women, according to the ONS.

Going to the gym can provide men with a healthy outlet for stress, a sense of accomplishment, opportunities to socialise and showcase positive role modelling.

The Body Image Study revealed a third of men feel pressure to change their appearance because of ‘picture perfect’ beauty standards. While the Weight Stigma Study found that after experiencing some form of weight stigma, over a third of men who wore a UK clothing size of ‘small’ or under said they had modified their diet in order to change their build.

A majority of these men said this weight prejudice made them ‘want to build muscle’ while nearly a quarter said they’d ‘binge eaten’ because of weight discrimination and admitted it had a long-lasting effect on their mental health. Of the male gym-goers, nearly 1 in 10 admitted that they had been weight shamed in the gym. This could highlight a toxic culture of gyms being a space where men don’t feel accepted if they’re not a ‘normal’ build.

With that in mind, it’s never been more important to promote a positive, inclusive gym culture where all people and body types feel comfortable and welcome.

Men need a healthy space to feel accepted 

A study published about gender and social isolation across the life course has found that boys and men experience more social isolation than girls and women.

Generally speaking, women are stereotypically known for nurturing friendships with social plans and meet-ups. Some would argue that women have more opportunities to meet new friends via clubs, work, school playgrounds, mother and baby meet-ups and classes.

Generally, men tend to socialise in groups, with a focus on doing an activity like a game, a sport or in a social setting like a pub.

For centuries, the pub has been the social hub for men to hang out, relax and socialise. In particular, a 2020 YouGov study found that men missed going to the pub more than women during the pandemic by 35% compared to women’s 21%.

Cultural expectations and norms associated with masculinity have often left men struggling to deal with their emotions. With limited places to socialise, men are often restricted to where they can interact in a healthy setting – this could be why many are choosing the gym as a new meeting place.

Experts explain why there has been a positive shift in men’s role in the fitness industry

In the last few years, the fitness industry has implemented ways to become more inclusive. Although the gym can often be seen as a place which harbours toxic signs of traditional masculinity, men’s mental health charity MANUP? revealed the fitness landscape is changing for the better.

Dan Somers, CEO & Founder of MANUP? said: “[In my opinion] gym culture is no more toxic than any male-dominated workplace.

“From my experience, some of the more high street gyms seem to have issues, mates egging each other on and peering on women, etc. But recently, I’m getting feedback that it’s slowing down because, quite simply, it’s not being tolerated and is being called out more!”

He adds: “I’ve spoken with powerlifters, fitness coaches, boxers etc and rarely see anything ‘toxic’, I’m personally seeing a lot of change.”

He added:“In the powerlifter, boxing, and, I guess, semi-professional ‘gym world’, I see the toxic side of masculinity being pushed out, and for quite some time. The conversations are now being centred more around mental health.”

Graeme Hinde, founder of LFXWorld – a fitness events network agrees that there has been a positive shift in men’s gym culture.  

“I think the pandemic was the game changer for men’s mental health. The lockdown enabled a lot of men to start exercising and going on daily walks – I think they’d forgotten just how good physical activity made them feel mentally.

“When the second lockdown hit, men struggled a lot more because the weather during winter prevented them from getting out and exercising as much.”

Graeme said he has noticed more women engaging with equipment in typically male-dominated areas of the gym, with more women choosing to focus on weightlifting and strength exercises.

“In my opinion, I think that has given men an opportunity to share these often male-dominated spaces and become more respectful in the way they train in these areas. There’s still a long way to go but we’re definitely on the right track as an industry.”

Graeme added: “I think men in the fitness space have become a lot more open when it comes to talking about their feelings. It never used to be like that – particularly in fitness, men didn’t speak about how they felt.”

Instead of harbouring a culture of toxic masculinity, the gym can provide positive role models for healthy masculinity, as men can see other men setting goals, working hard, and taking care of their bodies in a healthy way.

Stigma at the Gym

Over 4 in 5 (84%) of plus-size & ‘underweight’ gym goers have felt judged at the gym

While 4 in 10 plus-size Brits avoid the gym because of weight worries

At OriGym, we teach budding personal trainers the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all people, whatever their size or fitness level. But our study has found many feel intimidated when stepping foot in their local gym.

This intimidation about working out was felt most strongly by gym goers who classed themselves as ‘obese’ and those that class themselves as ‘underweight’.

The survey revealed over 4 in 5 (84%) of the people in these weight brackets had experienced some form of weight judgement at the gym, while under a third (28%) of plus-size and less than a quarter (21%) of ‘underweight’ gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym.

Of those plus size Brits that don’t, or have never attended a gym, over 4 in 10 (41%) said they had never been to the gym because they were ‘worried about people judging their weight’, while a third (33%) said they were ‘worried about people judging their performance’.

How to become a more inclusive personal trainer

As a personal trainer, it is essential to be inclusive and considerate of your clients’ struggles, insecurities,  diverse needs and backgrounds. All of these factors help to create a welcoming environment for new and recurring gym goers.  Here are some practices you can adopt in order to become an inclusive personal trainer:

  1. Build a positive and respectful relationship with your clients. Take the time to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and create a safe and welcoming environment for them.
  2. Respect your clients’ cultural backgrounds, including their beliefs, values, and practices. Be aware of cultural differences and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes.
  3. Use inclusive language when communicating with your clients. Avoid using terms or expressions that could be offensive or disrespectful to them.
  4. Consider your clients’ individual abilities and limitations. Adjust your training programs to their fitness level and any physical or medical conditions they may have.
  5. Provide a variety of exercises and training options that cater to different body types, fitness levels and goals.
  6. Be open to feedback from your clients and willing to adjust your training approach based on their needs and preferences.
  7. Continuously educate yourself on cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion to better understand and support your clients.

By following these practices, you can ensure you are being an inclusive personal trainer and providing the best possible support to your clients.

Pressures of Online Fitness Culture

Is the fit-fluencer scene growing? A quarter of Brits get their fitness advice on social media

With the rise of social media and the increasing interest in health and wellness, the fitness influencer scene has exploded in popularity in recent years.

Of those surveyed in the Body Image Study, a quarter of Brits were using social media apps to keep up to date with diet and fitness advice. As fitness influencers are often seen as role models, many in the scene have garnered an increased follower count as people look to them for guidance and inspiration.

Unfortunately, with increased popularity comes an increased amount of criticism. Emily Robinson, who shares gym tips on her Instagram, @emilyrobinson.fit , says every influencer deals with negative comments online, but body-focused comments are especially common within the fitness space.

She told USA Today: “This is especially true with female fitness influencers. I’ve dealt with a wide variety of comments from both men and women such as ‘she doesn’t even have muscle definition – why should I listen to her?’ or ‘wow, she has to be on steroids.’

They’ll even go as far as to assume your gender, with comments such as ‘That has to be a guy’ or ‘I’m not sure if this is a guy or girl’ simply because you have more muscle mass than the average cover girl model.”

She admitted that these hateful comments can have a huge hit on her mental health.

Other ‘fitfluencers’ in this space have experienced online abuse.

Fitness influencer Yanyahgotitmade has experienced social media abuse before and during her pregnancy. One user told the coach that the ‘majority of men don’t like the way she is shaped’ while others were on hand to offer some unsolicited pregnancy advice.

Online hate: 20% of plus-size Brits have been weight-shamed on social media 

Fitfluencers aren’t the only ones to experience hateful comments online, as 20% of plus-size Brits admitted they had been weight-shamed on social media, in the Weight Stigma Study.

How to reduce hate and make social media a more inclusive space 

Lauren Black, creator of @loveglowheal and a body-positive social media influencer who suffered with anorexia for over ten years, says there is immense pressure being created by social media beauty standards.

She said to log off when social media starts to affect your mental health. Lauren says: “You can develop a sense of​ mindfulness by stopping yourself in the middle of your thoughts and saying ‘this might not be real.’

“When you’re feeling like this, take a break from your phone and go and do something else whilst using the likes of affirmations, that’s what I do.”

Rise in in-person workouts: 1 in 12 Brits feel like logging off to ‘avoid’ toxic social media 

In the Body Image Study, 1 in 12 Brits admitted that they felt like ‘avoiding social media for a while’ when social media was starting to negatively impact their mental health.

This could be why more people are choosing to log off apps and experience real life. Search activity has revealed more people are wanting to work out in person with the search term ‘group gym classes’ having been Googled 41% more this year.

Luke said: “Social media can have a profound and damaging effect on all of our mental health. Logging off, going for a run or working out with friends or in person at the gym can do wonders for your mood and energy,

“Working out in a gym or with a PT or friend provides a unique level of accountability, support and motivation that cannot be replicated online. The human connection and energy created during an in-person session is invaluable for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.”


If you’re enjoying this article, why don’t you give these a read too:

Building better habits: How fitness helped Brits combat their conditions

Battling body demons: How the gym became woman’s weapon against Anorexia

Fitness isn’t always about losing weight and getting killer abs. For a growing number of people in recovery from eating disorders, exercise has been the tool for aiding their journey.

For Sheffield cafe manager, Charlotte Allinson, 30, the gym has been a saving grace for building strength and a healthier lifestyle.

At the peak of her anorexia, at the age of 21, Charlotte’s initial social media health kick caused her to develop an eating disorder after she dropped to a tiny six stone.

After joining Instagram in her second year of university, Charlotte started to notice new diet trends on her feed at the time.

She said: “When Instagram was a new thing, I got sucked into the whole eating clean thing. At the time it wasn’t eating clean in a body positivity way, it was eating ‘0% sugar, 0% fat’ if you want to look good.”

“Then as I started to diet and join the gym and lose a bit of weight, I got sucked into wanting to lose more and more. Especially as I have quite an addictive personality, it just became obsessive.”

Things quickly got out of hand after she jumped on the scales one day to find she weighed 6st – the same weight as a 10-year-old girl.

She said: “My weight had gone down to 6 stone and I remember I lost my period completely. I can’t remember how long I lost it, but it was a significant amount of time.

“It got so severe I had to go to the doctor and have ultrasounds about it. At one point the doctor said to me that I might have trouble conceiving and having children in the future just because of how bad it had gotten.”

The doctor also warned her of other major health complications that could be triggered because of her anorexia and bulimia.

“They said I’d be more prone to heart attacks and my bulimia would be having a damaging effect on my gums and my teeth and warned my teeth could rot away. I think that made me snap out of it a little bit because for a while I felt like I was in a trance.”

Although the gym was one of her initial triggers, it has also helped her on her road to recovery. 

“When I first went to the gym I was going for the wrong reasons to lose weight, now I’m going to do activities that I enjoy, not to make my body look better but to make myself feel better internally. As well as the mental and physical benefits I gain from it.

“My physical health is a lot better, my periods have returned and I’m more lenient with myself now.”

For years, Charlotte suffered from exhaustion, feeling weak and low energy from over-exercising and limiting how much she ate. Now her focus is building strength.

At the peak of her disorder, Charlotte would go to the gym every single day, sometimes twice a day. She said: “I think because I was underweight and weak for so long, I now have the urge to be healthy and strong.

“I’m 30 now and I think the older I get I realise that you do get old, your body doesn’t last forever and you do need to take care of it. And for me, running is great for building up strength around your joints and weights have helped add to my upper body strength. I don’t want to get to 50 and think I should’ve done more for my physical health.

“My focus is no longer being skinny.”

She has advice for people who want to stay active but are worried about the potential of slipping into an over-exercising routine.

She says: “My advice would be to definitely take it steady and if you know a personal trainer it’s worth getting advice on how to start a routine and how to diet and exercise in moderation.”

Fitness Culture and Physical Health

What makes the perfect gym

Everyone knows the benefits of exercise, it’s been proven to alleviate mental health, build  stronger muscles, provide more energy, improve weight management and aid better sleep. And as a place designed to offer and house a multitude of exercise apparatus, the gym is one of the perfect places for improving a person’s mental and physical health.

But what makes the perfect setting?  The perfect gym can mean different things to different people. However, there are some general factors that most gym goers look for.

Looking at equipment first, OriGym spoke with TrackMyGym, a multi-site gym consultant that digitises the gym floor and tracks data on a range of fitness equipment and surveys both gyms and attendants. Using data from 200+ gyms and 200,000+ surveys they found that:

The most popular cardio machines are:

1) Treadmills

2) Cross Trainers

3) Upright Cycles

The most popular resistance machines are:

1) Dual Adjustable Pulley Cables

2) Lateral Pulldown

3) Leg Press

OriGym also spoke to LFXWorld, a fitness events network that works directly with fitness centres to improve their gym offering. LFXWorld asked staff at 50 centres what were the key factors attracting members. The results are below:

Why do people say they have chosen to join your centre/club? Percentage
Location/convenience 50%
Facilities 39%
Value 27%
Community aspect/friends already members 22%
Staff 22%
Which single activity/session attracts the most members?
Gym 61%
Swimming lessons/aquatics 27%
Classes 16%

From the survey results, unsurprisingly one of the key factors attracting new gym members is the convenience of location. When a centre can be easily accessed by its local community it will attract more members who can incorporate gym time into their daily routine.

Gyms that have a positive atmosphere and members who already had friends there rated this as a positive centre attribute. A gym with a social and welcoming environment can make it a more enjoyable and motivating place to work out.

When gym-goers feel welcome and included in their fitness community, they are more likely to enjoy their workout routine and stick to it. This can help increase their motivation, consistency and ultimately achieve their fitness goals.

A 2022 study looked at how social support affected exercise participation among college students and found it had a significant positive predictive effect on exercise adherence. This could be because having a friend or social support group at the gym can create a sense of accountability and motivation that keeps them coming back. By contrast, those who feel isolated or uncomfortable in the gym may struggle to build a consistent workout routine.

What are Brits’ preferred gym equipment?

In OriGym’s Gym-timidation Study, we found that men and women had different responses regarding which equipment they preferred and avoided.

The nationwide study found that all men that attend the gym would prefer to use the cardio machines, such as treadmills and rowing machines. As some of the most expensive pieces of equipment at the gym this makes the most financial sense, as people are much more likely to be able to do resistance training and use free weights at home.

The area of the gym that men were most likely to avoid was the group classes. As community fitness classes tend to focus on cardio-based activities in a group setting, the results show that men prefer to use gym equipment for their cardio needs.

Favoured gym areas for Brits:

  • Cardio equipment
  • Resistance area
  • Free weights

Feeling safe at the gym

Quarter of female gym goers avoid resistance and weight areas

Women, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people admitted to avoiding the resistance area the most in the gym. In stark contrast, 39% of men typically use the resistance area.

28% of women gym goers who mostly avoid the resistance area cite the reason as ‘it’s mostly men in there’ and 18% admitted to men making them feel uncomfortable there.

Crossing the divide into male-dominated spaces appears to be highly intimidating, and some feel comfortable in different areas of the gym.

Should gyms have women’s-only resistance and weights area?

Luke gave his thoughts: “Creating exclusive areas for women in gyms is an important way to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable space to exercise.

“This is not about excluding men, but rather providing an additional option for women who sometimes feel intimidated or uncomfortable in shared areas. When women feel more comfortable and confident during exercise, they are more likely to continue with a healthy and active lifestyle, which is crucial for their overall wellbeing.”

The health benefits of going to the gym

Studies have shown that exercise has numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and helping manage weight.

According to the British Heart Foundation, regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35% – the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, a 2016 study about the effects of resistance training found that resistance training can increase muscle strength and endurance, which is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

The most popular fitness trends in 2023

From new workout styles to cutting-edge equipment, the world of fitness is always on the move. Now, data reveals the most popular fitness trends we can expect to see in 2023.

Loved by the cycling community, Onelap can be used in gyms in tandem with indoor bikes. It creates a realistic environment of a natural cycle track, while a physical model simulates the gradient, wind and rolling resistance of a journey. You can tailor every aspect of your avatar, bike and route — whether it’s a hilly, flat or mountainous route.

With a 54% increase in search volume, Rear Delt Exercises are a popular fitness trend this year. These types of exercises target the rear deltoid muscle, which is located on the back of the shoulder. The rear deltoid muscle plays an important role in stabilising the shoulder joint and helping to move the arm backwards, away from the body. Some examples of this exercise include:

  • Face Pulls: This exercise is performed using a cable machine and involves pulling the cable towards your face while keeping your elbows high and wide.
  • Incline Rear Delt Raises: This exercise is performed lying face down on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand and lifting your arms out to the side in a reverse fly motion.

Push-day workouts are another type of exercise trending right now. This type of workout focuses on pushing exercises, such as chest presses, shoulder presses, and triceps extensions. The workout is designed to target the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps.

This exercise has been shared by users on TikTok, the hashtag #pushworkout has a collective 79.6M views overall, while #pushday itself has a huge 519.6M views.

As these types of workouts focus on building upper body strength and muscle, they tend to be more popular among the male demographic. For example, a study about gender differences in exercise in 2013 found that men were more likely to engage in strength training, while women were more likely to engage in aerobic exercise.

Are there expectations for men and women to work out a specific way?

Traditionally, there have been expectations for men and women to work out in specific ways based on gender roles and stereotypes.

While men have tended to sway to muscle-building exercises like strength training and weight lifting, while women have been expected to focus on cardio and weight loss. These expectations have been reinforced through media, marketing, and cultural messaging, which have perpetuated the idea that certain types of exercise are more appropriate or desirable for men or women.

These days, partly due to the exposure of fitness trends, workouts, and fitfluencers on social media, these expectations are increasingly being challenged as more people recognise the importance of a diverse range of exercises for overall health and fitness.

How to conquer workout stereotypes

Luke Hughes explains why it’s important to diversify your workouts and shun standard exercise stereotypes: “Today, people in the fitness industry are challenging workout stereotypes and encouraging individuals to engage in a variety of different types of exercise based on their personal interests and goals, rather than conforming to traditional gender cliches.

“Speak directly to a personal trainer, try a different type of workout on YouTube or TikTok or even attend a gym class that you wouldn’t usually attempt. You might find that you enjoy or are more suited to a different type of exercise.”

The Takeaway

From women wanting female-only gyms to social media’s impact on body image and the weight stigma problem affecting the nation, our series of studies have highlighted the worrying social issues affecting the fitness industry.

Now, the Gym-clusivity Study highlights the positive impact of the fitness industry on British people’s physical and mental health, as well as its increasing inclusivity. We’ve found, men, in particular, are using the gym to socialise, and group fitness classes are becoming more popular. Experts say that the gym environment has become more respectful, while studies have shown the gym has helped those with mental and physical disorders recover. The study also identifies the perfect equipment and setting for a gym and suggests ways to create a dynamic and progressive future landscape.

Methodology

  • Google and TikTok data
  • Other stats have been linked to source and studies throughout
  • Stats taken from the Gymtimidation study, Body Image Study and Weight Stigma study all of which were based off nationwide Censuswide surveys with 1000 – 2100+ respondents.
  • TrackMyGym – 1,000+ detailed gym analysis at a wide variety of gyms, budget to luxury – across UK, EU and USA. This is from sensors attached to the equipment, face to face surveys on tablets – 200+ per gym analysis and from over 200,000+ surveys.
  • LFXWorld – Survey results from 45 local authority leisure providers, which cover 1 – 10 gyms each

The post Gym-clusivity Report: Celebrating the Empowerment of Inclusive Fitness appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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How to Become a Personal Trainer in 6 Steps | OriGym https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer/#comments Mon, 01 May 2023 05:30:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ Learn how to become a personal trainer in the UK, with our article you'll understand how to land your first job, get clients, and maximise your income.

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If you to know how to become a personal trainer and turn your passion into a career, our helpful guide covers everything you need to know. From getting qualified to landing your first client and beyond, this article will answer any questions you have about your new career.

Contents:

Eager to start your new career? Enquire about our Diploma in Personal Training now or download a free course prospectus to learn more about our award-winning courses.

What Is A Personal Trainer?

what do i need to become a personal trainer

Before we discuss the requirements to become a certified personal trainer, let’s take a look at the role.

The main role of a PT is to create and deliver tailored training programmes to help clients reach their fitness goals. A personal trainer’s schedule is pretty varied. They often work mornings, evenings, and weekends to capitalise on client demand.

How Much Do Personal Trainers Earn?

According to Glassdoor, personal trainers in the UK earn between £16000 and £55000. The average personal trainer salary is £29200.

Exactly how much you earn depends on factors such as your location, experience, and how many hours you do. For example, you’ll earn more if you work in London or if you have a lot of experience.

Step 1: Establish What Qualifications You Need

how to qualify as a personal trainer

To become a personal trainer, there are two qualifications you need:

Level 2 Fitness Instructor Qualification

The Level 2 Fitness Instructor Course is entry-level and qualifies you to work as a fitness instructor. You must complete this qualification whilst you train to become a certified personal trainer before moving onto the Level 3 training course.

Level 3 Personal Training Qualification

On completion of the Level 3 course, you’ll be a fully qualified personal trainer with the necessary knowledge and training to plan and deliver training programmes.

The fastest and most affordable way to get qualified is with a Personal Trainer Diploma, which combines both of the above qualifications.

Ensure Your Qualification is Ofqual-Approved

personal trainer course

Your qualifications must be regulated by an Ofqual-approved awarding body, such as Focus Awards or Active IQ, and endorsed by CIMSPA.

Ofqual is the government body responsible for regulating vocational qualifications in England. This regulation ensures that a Level 3 Personal Trainer course provides the same level of training regardless of what training provider you choose.

Awarding Bodies such as Focus Awards and Active IQ provide accreditation for qualifications, and ensure they meet the standards and learning outcomes set by Ofqual.

CIMSPA is a professional development body that works with course providers, awarding bodies, training providers, and employers to ensure that fitness professionals qualify with a high standard of knowledge.

Step 2: Find The Best Course Provider For You

becoming a personal trainer uk

The course provider you choose can make a huge difference to both your experience while studying, and your career prospects once you become a personal trainer.

Here are some things to consider:

What study methods are available?

PT courses can be taught via one of three study methods: online, part-time, and full-time. At OriGym, we offer all 3 of these options to ensure that we can cater to you, regardless of how you learn best.

For more information on this subject read our guide on ‘How to Become An Online Personal Trainer’.

What post-course support is available?

Choosing a course provider that offers post-course support and careers services makes it much easier to land your first job in the industry.

OriGym offers an extensive range of free career services, including CV analysis and interview prep. We even guarantee a job interview for all personal training graduates! That’s why we have the highest work placement rate among our competitors.

What do past students have to say?

Check out independent review sites like TrustPilot and Google Reviews to find out what past and current students have to say about their experience with the course/ provider. Look at what their rating is as well as how many reviews they have!

At OriGym, we’re the highest-rated training provider, with the most 5 star reviews in the industry! We have an impressive 4.9 star rating on Truspilot and all of our venues are rated 4.9 or 5 stars on Google, so you know you can trust us to deliver the highest-standard of training available.

Have they won any awards? 

Asking a training provider what, if any, industry awards they have won or are nominated for is a great way to establish the quality of the training they offer!

The biggest awards in the industry are the British Fitness Awards (BFA’s), UKactive awards, and the National Fitness Awards.

In 2024, OriGym won ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the BFA’s and was named a finalist for the following awards:

  • Education Provider of The Year – UKactive Awards
  • Education Facility of The Year 2024 – National Fitness Awards

Find more tips on comparing personal trainer courses here in our video:

Step 3: Map Out Your Career Path

how to get qualified as a personal trainer

As you near the end of your course, it’s time to think about your personal training career options. Personal trainers either work on an employed basis, at a gym for example, or in a freelance or self-employed capacity.

Working for a Gym

Typically, newly qualified personal trainers work on an employed basis as this allows them to earn a stable income whilst gaining experience and building their reputation.

Within this role, you’ll be employed directly by the gym. You’ll have a pre-existing client base, made up of gym members, and a fixed wage. This is a great place to start when you first qualify as a PT.

Working as a Freelance PT

Once you have a list of regular clients, you can then transition to working on a freelance or self-employed basis. Most PTs take this route as these opportunities have a much higher earning potential.

Working for a gym on a freelance basis offers more freedom. If you become a freelance personal trainer, you’ll pay rent to a gym in exchange for using their facilities to train your clients.

Working as a Self-Employed PT

Being a self-employed or independent trainer offers complete control over working hours and job structure. You can buy your own equipment, open up your own gym, or work from several locations.

If you’re just starting out on this journey we got you covered, with out definitive guide on starting a personal training business with no money!

Step 4: Get Insured to Work as a Personal Trainer

how to become a personal trainer uk

Once you become a PT, you need to get personal trainer insurance.

All personal trainers are legally required to have the following policies:

  • Public liability insurance
  • Professional indemnity insurance

Even if you land an employed role at a gym, you’ll still need to get insurance as you won’t always be covered by the gyms policy.

If you’re working on a freelance or self-employed basis, you will absolutely need to take out both of the above policies. Failing to do so could have significant legal and financial consequences.

Learn more about what personal trainer insurance you need.

Step 5: How to Expand Your Client List

become a pt uk

Now that we’ve answered ‘how can I become a personal trainer’, let’s discuss how to be a successful one.

As a personal trainer, expanding your client list will be one of your main priorities. Afterall, the more clients you have, the more money you make!

You can reach new clients using digital marketing strategies such as:

  • Establishing a social media presence
  • Creating a Google My Business page
  • Building your own website

One of the best ways to get new clients is by asking for referrals from existing clients.

By incentivising referrals – for example, offering a free session for each new client that signs up – you can expand your client base and increase your earnings.

At OriGym, we recognise just how important it is for a personal trainer to know how to help spread the word about their business and get new clients, which is why we provide all students with free access to our Business & Marketing course as well as tons of useful resources!

Step 6: Upskill With Specialist Training & Boost Your Income

how to become a certified personal trainer

Once you’ve qualified as a personal trainer and landed the job you want, there are tons of opportunities to progress in your career.

By completing a Level 4 Personal Trainer course, you can become an expert in a specialist area of fitness.

Having an advanced qualification will help you to attract new clients and stand out as a personal trainer. Plus, many clients are willing to pay more for specialist services, so you’ll earn a higher wage, too.

Let’s explore how to pursue these specialisms in more detail:

Online Sports Nutrition Course (online)

You can meet the requirements to become a certified personal trainer and nutritionist by completing this course. By becoming a nutrition coach, you can attract new clients, charge more for your personal training packages, and help clients reach their goals faster

Level 3 Sports Massage Course

Get qualified to deliver sports massage and help clients to decrease muscle soreness, including aches and pains, improve injury management and rehabilitation, and enhance sporting performance. This is a great qualification to complete if you’re looking to become a personal trainer and nutritionist.

Exercise Referral Qualification (Level 3)

Become an exercise referral specialist, tailoring fitness programmes to support those with chronic physical conditions or illnesses to improve their health and wellbeing, often taking referrals from GPs, the NHS or private medical practitioners.

Level 4 Obesity and Weight Management

Learn how to become a PT with a specialism in delivering tailored, safe and effective exercise programming targeted at assisting obese clients with long-term weight loss and management, building a tangible, long-term improvement in their quality of life.

FAQs

group of origym students

How Long Does It Take To Become A Personal Trainer

This depends on a range of factors, such as the study method you choose to complete the course.

If you study full-time with OriGym, you can complete your Level 3 Personal Training Course in just two weeks. Alternatively, our part-time students take around 6 weeks to complete the level 3 course and online students typically complete the course in an average of 8 weeks.

To learn more about other factors that can influence how long it takes to qualify, read out article ‘How long does it take to qualify as a personal trainer?’

How Old Do You Need To Be To Become a Personal Trainer?

You must be at least 16 years old to complete a personal training course and/or work as a personal trainer in a gym.

Think you’re too old for this industry? Read our article ‘Am I too old to be a personal trainer?’

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Personal Trainer?

It’s essential that you complete a Level 2 Fitness Instructor Course before going on to study at level 3.

This is why our Diploma in Personal Training, which combines both the Level 2 & 3 qualifications, is the best option if you don’t already hold any fitness qualifications.

Do Personal Trainers Earn Good Money?

Personal trainers typically earn between £16,000 – £55,000 annually, with an average estimated to be £29200.

Your salary can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as your location and experience level. For example, a trainer in London with over 10 years experience will likely towards the top end of this scale.

Whereas a newly qualified student in a smaller area like Essex will earn less. For more information read our article on ‘The average personal trainer salary’.

Can You Be a PT Without a Qualification?

Simple answer, no you can’t be a Personal Trainer without a qualification. No decent employer will even consider you for a position without seeing proof of your Level 3 certificate.

Read why this is the case in our article: ‘Can you be a personal trainer without a qualification?’

How Much Do PureGym PTs Get Paid?

According to Indeed the average salary of PureGym Personal Trainers is £27,794 per year. If you wish to pursue this role check out our article – ‘How to become a PureGym personal trainer‘.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Personal Trainer In The UK?

The cost of a personal training course will differ from one provider to another. One important thing to consider, is that some providers like OriGym, will allow you to spilt the cost of your qualification with a payment plan, whereas others will expect upfront payments.

Want a price comparison between some of the top UK providers, read our article – ‘How much does it cost to become a personal trainer?

How Much Does A PT Charge An Hour?

It’s estimated that PTs in the UK charge an average of £30 per hour. However, if you’re running your own business the choice is ultimately yours! For advice check out our article discussing ‘How much should you charge as a personal trainer

Are Personal Trainers In Demand In The UK?

Yes, the industry is ever growing and the demand for personal trainers has risen every year since 2017!

On average, over 7k people search for ‘Personal Trainer Near Me’ every month, in addition to the online PT industry growing every year since 2020. These stats prove that there is a demand for both in-person and virtual clients.

We discuss why demand is growing and address important misconceptions about the industry in our article  – ‘Should I become a personal trainer?

Is a PT Course Hard?

This is question is subjective and will be influenced by factors like:

  • Your experience with fitness
  • The last time you were in education
  • Your studying habits
  • Your chosen study method
  • The amount of support you’ll receive from tutors 

What some students find easy, others may struggle with, so to get a better of how to make this course work for you, read ‘How hard is it to become a personal trainer?

What is a Master Personal Trainer?

‘Master Personal Trainer’ is a term that refers to someone who holds a Level 4 Specalist PT Qualification. The term is also used by training providers (such as ourselves) to clearly differentiate the courses from the Level 3.

You may also see terms such as ‘Advanced Trainer’ or ‘Elite Trainer’ used to describe the same qualification. For further clarity check out ‘What is a Master Personal Trainer‘ here.

Ready to Kickstart Your Personal Training Career?

One of the UK’s most trusted education providers in the health and fitness industry, OriGym specialises in assisting aspiring and experienced personal trainers in reaching their career goals.

Download our course prospectus for more information on the range of health and fitness courses we offer or enquire about our Personal Trainer Diploma.

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Weight Stigma Study: Exploring weight discrimination in society & the gym https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/weight-stigma-study/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/weight-stigma-study/ Under a third (28%) of plus-size and 1 in 5 (21%) of underweight gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym, according to a nationwide survey.   Unfortunately, weight discrimination within society and the fitness industry is something that is often normalised, leading those who don’t fit the [...]

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Under a third (28%) of plus-size and 1 in 5 (21%) of underweight gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym, according to a nationwide survey.  

Unfortunately, weight discrimination within society and the fitness industry is something that is often normalised, leading those who don’t fit the ‘norm’ to internalise body insecurities. As a health and fitness education provider, we offer an inclusive personal training diploma, we want to educate PTs, fitness instructors and gym goers on weight stigma in the community.

This report looks at the experiences of weight shaming in society, the media, at the gym and in the wider fitness community. The report explores recent research and highlights statistics that show the worrying weight stigma associated with the British health and fitness scene.

If you’re ready to kickstart your PT career, why not enquire about OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Training course? Alternatively, if you would like to learn more please download our free course prospectus to discover our full range of courses.

The results revealed:

  • Over half of plus-size people have felt ‘fat-shamed’ in society – family, friends and doctors surgeries are the worst contenders
  • Nearly half of plus-size Brits say weight stigma has had a long-lasting effect on their mental health, with over 2 in 5 (41%) of these people having ‘binge eaten’ and 33% having ‘starved themselves’ after weight shaming
  • Almost 1 in 5 (18%) plus-size gym-goers say they have been ‘laughed at’ in the gym, while 1 in 3 ‘underweight’ gym-goers say they have been ‘excessively stared at’ in the gym

3 in 5 Brits have been ‘weight-shamed’ at some point in their lives

This percentage increases to 85% for plus size people 

The study of over 2000 Brits revealed that 3 in 5 (58%) of people said they had felt weight-shamed at some point in their lives. At the same time, nearly 7 in 10 (67%) of Brits have said they would like to either lose or gain weight.

According to the survey, a large majority of the British public have felt some form of weight discrimination in their lives – whatever their size.  Weight discrimination can be described as a negative attitude towards someone based on their weight status and isn’t limited to those who are plus-sized. The survey indicated weight discrimination can be felt by those across the weight spectrum.

In the study, those who classed themselves as ‘obese’ had received the most weight-related judgements. Over four-fifths (85%) of these plus-size Brits revealed they had been weight shamed at some point and said they’d felt the most discriminated against by ‘general society’, by their own family and at the doctor’s surgery.

Those who consider themselves ‘obese’ have felt weight-shamed in the following environments:

How common is weight-shaming in the gym?

Over 4 in 5 (84%) of plus-size and ‘underweight’ gym goers have felt negatively judged at the gym 

At OriGym, we teach budding personal trainers the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all people, whatever their size or fitness level. But our study has found many feel intimidated when stepping foot in their local gym.

This intimidation about working out was felt most strongly by gym-goers who classed themselves as ‘obese’ and those that class themselves as ‘underweight’.

The survey revealed over 4 in 5 (84%) of the people in these weight brackets had experienced some form of weight judgement at the gym, while under a third (28%) of plus-size and less than a quarter (21%) of ‘underweight’ gym goers have said they don’t feel comfortable or welcome going to their local gym.

Of those plus size Brits that don’t, or have never attended a gym, over 4 in 10 (41%) said they had never been to the gym because they were ‘worried about people judging their weight’, while a third (33%) said they were ‘worried about people judging their performance’.

Gym-goers who class themselves as ‘obese’ say they had the following gym experiences:

I’ve experienced some kind of weight judgement at the gym 84%
Been made to feel uncomfortable 28%
Been excessively stared at 24%
Had someone laugh or make fun of you 18%
Had someone pass comment on your body 16%
Seen someone whisper to other gym members 16%
Been made to feel unwelcome by other customers 16%
Been made to feel unwelcome by gym staff 16%
Had comments on your performance in the gym 11%
Been told not to go on/use specific equipment 8%
Had someone record/take pictures of you 6%

In a shocking reveal, the survey found that almost 1 in 5 (18%) plus-size people have experienced being ‘laughed at or made fun of’ at the gym and over 1 in 6 felt equally unwelcome by gym staff and other customers.

Gym-goers who class themselves as ‘underweight’  say they had the following gym experiences:

I’ve experienced some kind of weight judgement at the gym 84%
Been excessively stared at 31%
Been made to feel unwelcome by other customers 21%
Seen someone whisper to other gym members 17%
Had someone laugh or make fun of you 17%
Been told not to go on/use specific equipment 17%
Been made to feel uncomfortable 14%
Had someone pass comment on your body 14%
Had comments on your performance in the gym 14%
Been made to feel unwelcome by gym staff 10%
Had someone record/take pictures of you 7%

Those who classed themselves as ‘underweight’ admitted they’d had equally unpleasant experiences in a fitness environment as nearly a third (31%) admitted they had been ‘excessively stared at’.

Despite not knowing anyone’s level of strength and agility, over 1 in 6 (17%) of ‘underweight’ gym-goers said they had been warned off specific gym equipment too.

In the survey’s open responses, some people said this kind of negative judgement made them ‘inspired to work out harder’ while others said they ‘took advice at face value’.

Others had internalised the negative judgement they had received saying they felt ‘angry’ and ‘depressed.’

Un-Hinged: Dating apps are one of the worst places for weight-shaming judgements

The rise of swipe-based dating apps has enabled daters to prioritise looks when choosing a potential partner. Seeing a never-ending stream of faces and bodies has seemingly had a negative effect and emboldened users to become more critical.

This is highlighted in the report, as over 1 in 6 plus-size users were on the receiving end of weight discrimination. This is compared to only  4% of ‘underweight’ and 3% of ‘slim’ people.

Can’t choose your family: 4 in 10 plus-size & quarter of ‘underweight’ Brits have been weight-shamed by relatives

The last place you expect to feel criticised is in your home, but that’s where a fifth of Brits felt body shamed. The survey revealed family members are some of the most common sources of weight stigma.

This increases for those that don’t fit the ‘normal’ weight bracket, with 4 in 10 plus-size Brits having been at the receiving end of a scathing comment or weight-related judgement. A quarter of those who classed themselves as ‘underweight’ had also been critiqued for their body shape and frame.

This weight discrimination inflicted by family members can be considered a form of emotional abuse that runs the risk of leaving long-lasting psychological scars. Awareness of your body shape can start as early as childhood and our opinions of others are often passed on from our parents or other family members.

Women are more likely to be weight-shamed than their male relatives

Whether it’s the body-image pressures of a culture or earlier generations, family members are the cause of weight stigma for nearly a fifth of Brits. This figure increases among women as over 1 in 5 (22%) of women say they have felt weight-shamed by family, compared to only 14% of men.

In a 2012 study of familial links in weight stereotypes and predictors of stereotypes among girls and their parents, it found that female respondents carried memories of being weight-shamed by their mothers which led to issues of self-confidence. Other respondents felt that the cause of criticism was mothers’ projecting their own insecurities about societal expectations.


Are you enjoying this article, why don’t you give these ones a read?

Nearly half of plus-size Brits who’d felt weight shamed said it had ‘lasting effect’ on mental health

With 41% having ‘binged eaten’ and 33% having ‘starved themselves’ after weight shaming 

Whether you’re receiving a compliment or criticism, any comment relating to your body or weight can have a long-lasting impact on your mental health. Even compliments about your frame or performance can be unwelcome in the gym, as revealed in our study about Gymtimidation.

This unwarranted feedback has been particularly harmful for a quarter of Brits and half of those who consider themselves plus-size.

This impact on people’s mental health has also affected them physically. In the study, 4 in 10 plus-size Brits said weight stigma had led them to ‘binge eat’, while almost 3 in 10 said it had ‘put them off adopting healthy habits completely’. Even more shocking is that almost 1 in 5 plus-size Brits admitted they had developed some kind of eating disorder after experiencing this weight discrimination.

Those who consider themselves ‘obese’ say weight-shaming has had the following effect:

Over a third of ‘slim’ men ‘modify their diet’ & want to ‘build muscle’ after weight discrimination

Although weight discrimination is usually equated to women or those with a bigger build, the survey highlights that weight stigma has a profound impact on slimmer men too. Our previous study looked at how the ‘picture perfect’ body image affects mental health and found over 40% of men want to build muscle & 1 in 10 would try steroids to bulk their frame.

This also coincides with the responses received in this recent survey.  After experiencing some form of weight stigma, over a third of men who wore a UK clothing size of ‘small’ or under said they had modified their diet in order to change their build. A majority of these men said this weight prejudice made them ‘want to build muscle’ while nearly a quarter said they’d ‘binge eaten’ because of weight discrimination and admitted it had a long-lasting effect on their mental health.

You can pursue a high-paying fitness job and start helping people gain confidence exercising in a gym environment.

Men who wear a size S or under say weight-shaming has had the following effect:

‘Looks sell’ – PT reveals there is ‘pressure’ to look a certain way in the fitness industry

Julia Buckley, 45, is the best-selling author of The Fat Burn Revolution and a Level 4 online fitness trainer at Julia Buckley Fitness where people can join up and work out with her.

She says there is often pressure to look a certain way as a PT but says some of her worst criticism has been from social media users.

Julia, who this year has become more toned and muscular, says that she has seen an increase in positive comments since her recent shred.

She said: “I get a lot more compliments on how I look on my social media posts now I’m leaner – I also get more people asking about my workouts.”

But she admits there have been negative comments both before and after, she said: “One person left a comment under one of my workout videos saying ‘why are your thighs wobbling when they should be toned?’

“There were a couple of others along the lines of ‘she doesn’t look like a fitness trainer.’ Now I’m leaner, I sometimes get comments saying I’m ‘too thin’ or people saying they think I looked better before. As if I put all that effort into getting leaner and gaining more muscle just to be attractive to them personally, you’ve just got to laugh at that attitude!”

Although she admits there is pressure to look a certain way as a PT, much of her feedback in the fitness industry has been positive.

She said: “There’s no doubt that ‘looks sell’ – you’ve only got to look at who the most popular trainers are on Instagram to see that.

“[But] my feeling is that the fitness industry itself is actually more enlightened in knowing fitness is not just a ‘size’.”

The weight stigma stats have come as a surprise to Julia who has only witnessed positive support of people of all sizes. She does think that people have found more comfort in working out in the comfort of their own homes and thinks body confidence could be an element of why this has risen in popularity.

“I offer home workouts and I do have many clients who prefer to work out at home because they feel less self-conscious than in a gym setting.

“Often that’s also about wanting to avoid performance comparisons and competition as anything to do with judgments on size, but for sure that is a factor for some.

“I totally get it, I’m not a massive fan of working out in gyms either – I’d rather just do my own thing in my own space without eyes on me – as trainers we probably get judged more than anyone!”

The PT has offered advice for anyone looking to protect their confidence, self-esteem and mental health whilst working out in the gym.

She says: “It can definitely help to start out with home workouts. That way you’ll have more confidence in how to exercise as well as a base of fitness when you go into a gym.

Working with a trainer will help too, but the main thing is to just focus on your own training. The vast majority of people in gyms are often more concerned with how they themselves look than how you do. Try not to look around comparing yourself to anyone else – just focus on yourself and your workout.”

#fatshaming has 393M views on TikTok

In good and bad ways, social media has fuelled communication. Unfortunately, as most internet trolls have the benefit of hiding behind an anonymous profile, name-calling, negative comments and prejudice has become commonplace.

Anyone can be on the receiving end of a scathing comment, but our study reveals that those who identify as ‘obese’ have the worst time online. This is highlighted as a fifth of those who have experienced weight discrimination said they have been weight shamed on social media.

https://www.tiktok.com/@evmariexo/video/7127093427048697130

https://www.tiktok.com/@teamrh.uk/video/7012974536694025478

https://www.tiktok.com/@_kirstyelizabethmoore_/video/6864980061280390405

Recent social media trends have also incited weight shaming online, especially on TikTok. From ‘fat face’ filters to unsolicited recordings of people working out, TikTok has become a hotbed for fatphobia to thrive. On the app, videos with the hashtag #fatshaming have been viewed nearly 400m times, as many users share their experience of being weight shamed, particularly at the gym.

These unpleasant experiences have shunned people from going to the gym as one user, @mariateresa5132, comments on the ‘body shaming at the gym’ TikTok video saying “Well done, I’m fat and that’s why I don’t like going to the gym. You know what most people are thinking.”

Should filming in the gym be banned?

Recording your workouts helps you track your exercises, check your form and allows you to see your workout from a whole other perspective. The only downside to doing this in a public space, like a gym, is that you may be inconveniencing those around you.

As the OriGym survey has revealed that 3 in 50 gym-goers who don’t fit the ‘normal’ body type have experienced people recording them at the gym, this might be why video recording is generally shunned by people. Although some of these experiences may have been accidental with gym-goers recording themselves, the point still remains that people have been made to feel uncomfortable. So should recording at the gym be banned? This is what OriGym founder Luke Hughes has to say on the matter:

Other gyms have put a stop to recording completely, with some even banning the practice, while others like the Gym Group have put rules in place to deter unsolicited recording.

Gym Group state that gym-goers are ‘ welcome to take photographs and video recordings on the gym floor for personal use only’ but if anyone appears in the recordings or photographs they ‘must ask their consent first’. They also state that they may ask you to show them any images you have taken in the gym and delete them if they have received a complaint from another member. If a team member asks you to stop filming or taking photographs, then you have to, or risk being ejected too.

How exercise can help weight management

Over 4 in 10 plus-size Brits avoid the gym because they’re worried about other people’s weight judgements. This is especially distressing, as the gym provides an array of equipment that can help with weight management.

According to the NHS, 1 in 4 Brits are classed as overweight with a BMI of 25 or more, while YouGov has revealed that over a quarter of Brits don’t exercise at all during the week.

This is worrying as exercise is a key component to add to your lifestyle when maintaining a healthy weight. It helps to increase the number of calories that you burn, decreases appetite, improves cardiovascular function, and promotes a sense of psychological well-being.

With a high number of plus-size Brits avoiding the gym because of weight worries, there needs to be further improvement to create an inclusive environment in gyms across the UK.

What can gyms and PTs do to alleviate the body-shaming problem?

At OriGym, we promote inclusivity within a fitness setting and this is what is taught in our personal training diploma. As personal trainers, we recognise both customers and gym staff can feel intimidated by the pressures of a fitness environment. As highlighted, this gym anxiety is mostly felt by those who don’t fit an athletic, average or slim body type.

Gym staff and personal trainers have a responsibility to call out bad gym etiquette when they see it: call out any weight-shaming or prejudice when it happens, make a client feel comfortable – especially if they’re showing signs of anxiety and answer any unasked gym-etiquette questions from the beginning.

Methodology

We surveyed 2,029 Brits using Censuswide, to find out about their experiences of weight stigma in society and at the gym. The sample included women, men, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people (and an ‘other’ option to specify a different gender not listed). They ranged between 16 and 55+ from across the UK.

We also used Google Trends and TikTok hashtag data to show the popularity for trends and searches, when comparing Jan 2022 vs. Jan 2023.

Statistics:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2004.12 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ 

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2020/01/20/quarter-brits-dont-do-single-half-hour-exercise-se 

Fair use statement

If you want to share our study, any findings or images from the study, please credit with a link to this page.

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PFA Fitness Courses, Training & Funding Explained https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/pfa-funding-personal-trainer-courses/ Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:55:27 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/pfa-funding-personal-trainer-courses/ As a current or former footballer, taking the next step in your career is that much easier through PFA fitness courses and this article will break down everything you need to know about them.

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As a current or former footballer, taking the next step in your career is that much easier through PFA fitness courses.

For those looking to develop their career prospects with these courses, this article will cover:

But before we explore these sections, why not take a look at our PFA approved personal trainer courses? These courses, especially our Personal Trainer Diploma, are ideal to develop your career prospects, allowing you to branch into other areas of the fitness industry.

Download our course prospectus to find out more or enter your details below.

PFA Fitness Courses, Training & Funding Explained

pfa fitness courses

The Professional Football Association or PFA has a scheme for every current and former professional football player to retrain into new career paths, especially within the fitness industry.

On their website, the director of education for the PFA, Pat Lally, states:

‘We believe every current and former professional football player should be able to access good-quality education for both personal development and enhanced career prospects’.

OriGym is the UK’s #1 Training Provider in the health and fitness industry and the preferred partner of the PFA.

So how do you access this funding? Let’s find out!

How To Get PFA Funding: Are You Eligible?

pfa personal trainer courses

For those wondering how to get PFA funding to become a personal trainer, this isn’t able to be accessed by just anyone. You will need to establish your eligibility and ensure you’re registered as a member.

If you’ve already completed this, you can skip to the next section to find out what you can receive funding for.

The process of finding out whether you’re eligible for PFA funding can be broken down into two steps:

Step 1: If you’re a current or former football player, you should already have PFA membership. According to the PFA, if you’re at a Premier League, FA WSL, or English Football League club on a full contract, your club delegate and club secretary will coordinate your annual PFA membership.

To become eligible, you will pay a one-off £20 joining fee. A membership fee of £150 for professional players, and £20 for scholars, will then be paid for every season you remain as a professional football player. Even after your professional career is over, you’ll have lifetime access as a member after joining the PFA.

pfa fitness course funding options

Step 2: Next, you will need to speak with the PFA to ascertain your PFA number (if you don’t already know it). This is an individual number issued to each current and former professional football player, and is required for the PFA funding application forms.

If you’re unsure about your number, you can speak to the team about any membership queries here.

As long as you’ve been registered and given a PFA number, you will be eligible for funding for approved PFA fitness courses.

What PFA Training Can I Receive Funding For?

how to get pfa funding

Whether you’re looking for a backup plan to your football career, have sustained a career ending injury, or have just retired from the game, the PFA funds all types of career paths.

The types of funding the PFA offers include:

  • PFA Education Grants – These are paid on completion of your course, once certificates and receipts are provided.
  • University Bursaries – To access this, you must submit a claim during each academic year of your course, supply proof of your enrolment, and confirm receipt of any student loans or scholarships.
  • Unemployment Financial Assistance – You must be registered as unemployed to be entitled to assistance towards your education from the PFA.

Sport-related courses that are eligible for PFA funding, and that ultimately lead to the highest paying fitness jobs, include:

pfa courses study

While the PFA provides additional funding for courses designed especially for athletes, other less sport-related courses that the PFA can help fund are:

  • Teaching
  • Locksmithing
  • Accountancy
  • Financial Advisor

However, any courses you’re looking to receive PFA funding for must be a regulated qualification, approved for academic or vocational delivery.

Qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England should be regulated by Ofqual to ensure they meet high quality standards.

For example, OriGym’s PFA personal trainer courses are regulated by Ofqual and fully endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sports and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Being endorsed by CIMSPA, the professional development body for health and fitness, means the course meets industry standards.

By having these endorsements and accreditations, we more than meet the guidelines set out by the Professional Football Association and is the reason why we’re the #1 training provider for health and fitness education.

Where To Find A PFA Training Provider

pfa training course location

When reviewing the right PFA course and training, here is our checklist of questions to ask yourself to help with your decision:

  • Are they an approved supplier of the PFA?
  • Where is the course located?
  • Does the study method suit my learning style? Some providers may only offer full time classes (which isn’t ideal if you’re still working) or solely online study, which may not be suitable if you prefer in person learning.
  • Will it fit around my other life commitments? You should check if the provider allows for part time or online study, meaning you can be more flexible with your time.
  • How long is the course? Would you prefer the course to be completed in a matter of weeks or stretched out over a few months?
  • What qualifications and accreditations will I gain?
  • What level of support will I receive both during and after the course? Some providers may give you 24/7 support through phone or email, while others may only offer in person contact.
  • What are their online reviews like? Use trusted sources like TrustPilot and Google Reviews to find the right PFA course provider for you.

Thinking about these questions in detail, and checking out our comparison of the best personal training courses, will make it easier for you to settle on your ideal PFA training provider.

As the official preferred partner to the Professional Football Association, we provide a range of PFA training courses that can be studied around your football career and lead to a rewarding personal trainer salary.

We also offer support and guidance 7 days a week, alongside learning venues in 12 different cities across the UK.

How Much Of My PFA Personal Training Course Will I Get Funded?

pfa education grant

All those who are eligible for funding will receive it, however the amount will vary between individuals. Your employment status will determine how much funding you receive for your PFA fitness courses.

If you’re registered as unemployed, the PFA will offer extra forms of financial support. Those who are employed are entitled to £2000 of funding each year, capped at a lifetime amount of £7500.

All PFA course grants should be submitted within six months of completing the course. Funding will not cover these costs if they’re applied for too late. However, you will still have access to the full amount of financial support for a new accredited course.

The PFA financial year runs from July 1st to June 30th, meaning university claims must be made during the academic year before the cutoff point at the end of June.

To help you understand the criteria and guidelines for all PFA funding, let’s break these down!

Grant Funding For PFA Fitness Courses If You’re Playing Football Professionally Or Employed

  • All current players are eligible for funding to cover half of their PFA personal trainer course fees.
  • Members can claim a maximum of £2000 within a PFA financial year (1st July – 30th June)
  • Education funding is capped at a lifetime amount of £7500 for each member.
  • Any claims for PFA funding must be made within 6 months of the course end date.
  • The PFA fitness courses must initially be paid for yourself. Only once you’ve completed the course and received a certificate of achievement will you be eligible for the agreed amount.
  • This will be arranged by bank transfer once confirmation has been given by the training provider.

pfa training

PFA Funding For Ex-Players Who Are Unemployed Or Retired

  • An enhanced rate of funding may be available for members who are registered unemployed and in receipt of benefits.
  • Evidence of this unemployment must be provided, along with details of the PFA fitness course you would like to undertake.
  • This enhanced rate of PFA funding may be up to 100%, provided you can give evidence. This could be a letter from your Job Centre to confirm you’re unemployed.
  • This amount will differ between individuals as your request will be put to the Trustees to establish the level of grant.
  • The amount will be paid by the PFA directly to the training provider on your behalf.

University Bursaries For PFA Members

  • University funding is available upon enrolment.
  • Members attending University can apply for a bursary of £1250 per year.
  • There is a maximum ‘lifetime’ grant of £300 towards book costs and these claims may be made upon purchase.
  • If you have purchased books online, postage fees will NOT be refunded.
  • The PFA does not cover private tuition fees.

The PFA states that their funding criteria and levels of funding are subject to regular reviews. Grant payments may vary over time, meaning the information on their grant funding application forms should not be viewed as a definitive guide.

How To Apply For PFA Course Funding

apply for pfa funding

Once you’ve decided on the most suitable PFA fitness course, you can start the grant application process.

In order to obtain the grant for your PFA fitness course, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1. Start by filling in your PFA education grant application form. This can be found here.
  2. If you’re employed, they’ll require you to send a receipt of payment for your PFA personal trainer course as proof. These receipts need to be official receipts from your training organisation. Handwritten receipts or invoices will be rejected. If you’re unemployed, you will also need proof of this, such as confirmation of you signing on from your Jobcentre.
  3. If you have established a payment plan with a provider for your PFA fitness course, you will need to show receipt for all course payments in order for them to process your funding for you.
  4. Send a copy of your certificate confirming completion of the PFA personal training course.

Key Points To Be Aware Of With Your PFA Training

pfa fitness courses funding

  • Understanding The PFA’s Funding Limit: Each member can access up to £2000 every year for an accredited course. PFA funding grants are capped at a lifetime amount of £7500. For example, at £1,499, OriGym’s Personal Trainer Diploma will be fully covered by this funding.
  • Sending Documents To Receive Funding For PFA Fitness Courses: When sending off academic documents as evidence for your PFA fitness courses, only send copies of documents, not originals. For PFA education grants, official receipts or bank statements must be sent to confirm you have paid the training in full. You must also send a photocopy of your certificate or licence as evidence of course completion. For university bursaries, you must send a copy of your official letter of enrolment for the appropriate academic year, and a copy of your Student Loan confirmation letter or receipts.
  • No Longer Playing In The Football League: If you’re a former Premier League, FA WSL, or English Football League player but are now retired or playing semi-professional, you’re still entitled to get your PFA courses funded.
  • Retrospective Claims For PFA Funding: Even if you’re a member and have all the relevant documentation, the PFA are unable to fund your course retrospectively if you were unaware of the available education grants and bursaries. Funding claims must be made within 6 months of completing the course.
  • PFA Funding Guidelines On Added Expenses: If you incur additional costs on your PFA personal trainer courses, you cannot claim this money back. Costs such as accommodation, travel, uniform, kit, postage, and charges applied by the provider through their terms of service won’t be covered. However, university students may receive a ‘lifetime’ grant of £300 to cover book costs.

Before You Go!

Now you know the process for gaining funding for PFA fitness courses, it’s time to further develop your career in the fitness industry.

Get started with our personal training courses, especially our Personal Trainer Diploma, and see why we’re the preferred partner of the PFA! This is ideal for helping you branch out into other areas of the fitness industry and further your career prospects.

Find out more about this exciting opportunity by downloading our course prospectus!

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How to Start a Fitness Instagram https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-instagram/ Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:25:36 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-instagram/ Launch a fitness Instagram to gain 10,000 followers in 13 weeks! Learn to setup, optimise, grow, create top content, & more! (2024 GUIDE)

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With the hugely popular social media platform boasting over 1.4 billion users worldwide, it is no surprise that you want to know how to start a fitness Instagram.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to start a fitness Instagram using our own account as a case study, so you can see how it’s truly possible for you too.

Table of Contents:

How to Create a Successful Fitness Instagram: A Case Study

Person Using Laptop & Phone for Fitness Instagram

As we’re explaining how to start a successful fitness Instagram page, you may well ask yourself where our expertise comes from. Well, we don’t expect you to simply take our word for it. That’s why throughout this article we will base all our tips and analysis on our own fitness Instagram.

As of 2025, we have accumulated over 39,000 followers. And this is all down to marketing tactics, not just good luck.

You need to entice your followers with high-quality content consistently to achieve a loyal following. You will need patience, too, as success won’t happen overnight. But with the right social media plan in place, you’ll have a much higher probability of success.

That being said, let’s get straight into the first step of starting a fitness Instagram.

How to Set Up A Fitness Instagram in 9 Steps

#1 – Find Your Niche

Thinking About Personal Trainer Niche

When starting your Instagram fitness account, you need to begin by deciding on the specific niche you’re going to target.

Remember, fitness is a very broad topic. The people who follow a yoga Instagram account are not the same people who follow a bodybuilding account. Avoid assumptions and first decide what your page is going to focus on.

This decision will determine many different things about the future of your fitness Instagram – everything from content ideas to your handle and overall aesthetic. As a result, getting this down first is incredibly important.

Some fitness niches that might encapsulate your passions include but are certainly not limited to the likes of:

  • Personal training
  • Yoga studio / yoga instructor
  • CrossFit
  • Training for specific populations (e.g; female only, those with disabilities, etc.)
  • Body positivity

These should at least give you some indication of what we mean by having a niche topic when creating a fitness Instagram.

#2 – Define Your Target Market

Group of Gym Clients

Once you have finalised your niche, your target market should follow directly from this. For example, here at OriGym, we are a fitness course provider, so our target market is athletic men and women typically in their 20s on Instagram. 

Our goal is to reach this target market by educating potential students and highlighting the benefits of a career as a PT, all while keeping the content relevant, on-brand and entertaining. We’ve found that a powerful mix of all of these factors is a recipe for success. 

For example, take a look at a snippet of our Instagram feed below:

OriGym Fitness Instagram Grid Posts

As you can see, we have a combination of posts that all aspire to achieve the aforementioned goals. Everything we share is directed to our target audience and informed by our niche.

#3 – Define Your Page’s Aesthetic

Fitness Professional Using Laptop in a Gym

It is super important to keep all of these factors in mind while creating content and ensure that you’re not neglecting the aesthetics of your feed too. 

Just as your target market should be directly impacted by your niche, your page’s aesthetic should be impacted by your target market- you want to visually appeal to your potential client base.

As you can see in the example, our feed is on-brand with our colours, a uniform typography and graphics. It communicates professionalism and shows the care that’s gone into your feed which is what people want to see on a regular basis. 

This is particularly true for those who are trying to sell a service or product, which is why you should be relating the aforementioned factors to your niche of choice. You need to communicate your efficiency and trustworthiness behind your brand by taking care of your brand image. 

By thinking carefully about your content ideas for your fitness Instagram, you can certainly get this message across effectively. For example, it would be a little out of the ordinary to have a dark aesthetic when making a fitness Instagram for a yoga studio perhaps. 

The bottom line is choosing a niche can help you get noticed and matching your content choices to this niche is how you’re going to communicate your brand, business, product or service more effectively.

#4 – Set Up A Business Account On Instagram

Professional Man in a Business Suit

In order to access detailed insights about your Instagram account, a personal account won’t suffice – you’ll need to change to a business account. 

Thankfully, this is extremely straightforward. But just in case you’re new to the world of social media, we’ll explain how to create your page from scratch. Feel free to skip this first part if you already have a personal account.

First, head over to the app store or desktop and sign up, like this page below:

creating a fitness instagram

If you already have Facebook, this step is even easier since you can simply connect the two. If not, you must have a Facebook page in order to have an Instagram business account.

Once you have done that, you can work through the following steps:

  1.  Go to your Facebook Account (personal)
  2.  Click the top right corner so you can see your menu settings and click Pages, it will look like this below:

Fitness content ideas for Instagram image

3. You can then press “Create”. This will take you through the process of setting up a Facebook business page that you can connect to your fitness Instagram page:

fitness instagram content ideas

4. You will then see the following screen, which will guide you through the setup process:

making a fitness instagram

Once this is done, you can head back over to Instagram and follow the following steps:

  1. Go into settings (via the cog symbol in the top right-hand corner of the Instagram dashboard)
  2. Click “account”
  3. Click “switch to business profile”
  4. When prompted, choose the Facebook business page that you just created.

Then, you’re ready to go! You’re all set up on both Facebook and Instagram, now collectively known as Meta. Once you have done this, it is time to start getting creative with your page and spreading the word.

#5 – Choose A Great Handle

Woman Smiling While Using a Laptop

This step will require some significant thought. As you’re setting up a business account rather than a personal one, your handle needs to be professional but still be fitting for social media.

In case you’re unaware, your handle is your username – it is the name beside the blue tick below:

OriGym Fitness Instagram Bio

To choose your handle, go to “edit profile” in the settings. Generally speaking, you’ll want to pick a handle that is:

  • Memorable
  • Easy to spell
  • Easy to say
  • Representative of your niche

Try to avoid Instagram handles that have numbers after them, e.g. Yogafit3. These can easily get confused with other accounts and result in other users following the wrong page.

Ideally, your handle should include your name and some variation of “PT” if you’re a personal trainer. Alternatively, try researching some synonyms around exercise and fitness.

You can see below a PT that does this well, as well as fitting in some other relevant fitness credentials too:

how to start an instagram fitness page

The key is to be sensible and logical with your handle. At the end of the day, your goal is to get new followers to your Instagram fitness account, so don’t make your prospective followers guess what your account is all about!

#6 – Choose Or Create A High-Res Profile Picture

When creating a fitness Instagram account, your profile picture must convey professionalism. If you don’t already have a logo or a high-resolution image of yourself, you might want to think about getting one professionally made or get a fitness photographer to take a few shots.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend lots of money! You can get a logo from a graphic designed for as little as £10 on the likes of People Per Hour or Upwork. The prices can range dramatically depending on the experience of the freelancer, but you can see below how this variety can look:

how to make a fitness instagram

A basic design won’t cost you much, and the time saved trying to do it yourself is more than worth the minimal investment.

Now you have your image, do it justice and make sure you upload it with the correct dimensions – 180×180 pixels. This way, your image will maintain its high resolution on both desktop and mobile devices.

If you don’t know where to resize an image, you can use this free tool. These may seem like tedious tasks but the effort you put into these smaller jobs makes all the difference when trying to grow your fitness Instagram account into something popular and legit.

#7 – Write A Bio

Woman Interacting With Social Media on Mobile

Your bio will be one of the first pieces of information that prospective followers will see when viewing your account. Making a good first impression is paramount.

Your bio should match the style and tone of your account. Again, this may sound obvious, but it is absolutely key to attracting new followers. A good fitness Instagram bio consists of a few factors including:

  • Short bullet points
  • A summary of what your account is all about
  • Links to your other social profiles / websites
  • Branded hashtags
  • Contact information

You might find it beneficial to weave in your credentials to show users you have a particular level of authority in the fitness industry. This might help users trust your advice and content more than they would somebody without any credentials at all.

Nonetheless, you don’t want to pack your bio full of fluff. Keep it concise and utilise other features of a business Instagram account to save space. For example, on a business account, you can add button features underneath the bio, like this:

Screenshot of OriGym Fitness Instagram Contact Button

By adding this contact button to your page, you’re able to save potential space in your bio section for other things you want to include.

Once you user clicks on the contact button, this screen will pop up below:

how to create a successful fitness instagram

This is a great place to store contact information so you’re not overcrowding your bio. Keep it simple and succinct while still including the most necessary information for your page.

#8 – Grow Your Account To 100 Followers

Group of Fitness Professionals

Gaining the first load of followers is arguably the most challenging part of growing an Instagram account. It can seem like a long journey but it is certainly possible. 

Once you hit the 3 figure mark you can really begin to show other potential followers that you have a steady flow of people who already enjoy your Instagram fitness post ideas.

To get started, you can:

  • Ask family and friends to follow and promote your page. It may sound obvious, but this is the starting point for all Instagram users.
  • Use other social platforms. You can easily mass invite all your other friends from Facebook over with a few clicks of a button. In settings, you’ll find the “invite” option that allows you to choose from a list of your Facebook friends. 

You should also make sure to announce that you have started a fitness Instagram page through other platforms that you are active on, such as LinkedIn and X. 

This kind of support and networking can start your profile off on the right foot, so get the ball rolling with this as soon as possible.

#9 – Populate Your Instagram Page

Woman Showing OK Symbol

The next step is to start making your account look like you post consistently – and, just as important, that these posts are of high quality. 

Think about it – would you follow an account with only 3 photos? Chances are probably not, because it isn’t adding any value to your feed. So, to begin with, try to convey some authority with some aesthetic and branded content.

However, don’t go overboard with content all at once and avoid spammy posting schedules. If you share more than 1 post a day, you may begin to feel the negative effects of the Instagram algorithm. Read on below for more information about the optimal posting schedule.

Over a period of time, you’ll want to share at least 10 relevant images or videos on your account and stick to these sizes whenever you post:

  • Square images: 1080×1080
  • Vertical images:  1080×1350
  • Horizontal images: 1080×566
  • Stories: 1080×1920

Finally, thumbnails are a really important part of keeping a uniform feed. Reels are a super popular component of Instagram, so putting some effort into what these will look like on your feed makes a huge difference.

Though you have the option to choose a frame from the Reel you have uploaded, you can also upload a thumbnail separately, which is what we would recommend. For example, take a look at how this Instagram Reel fits seamlessly into our feed:

OriGym Fitness Instagram Reels

The extra care taken into making an aesthetically pleasing feed, while also taking into consideration the importance of including Reels into your social media plan, makes a huge difference in the acceptance of your fitness page.

Aside from the look of the posts themselves, ensure you include popular hashtags to get your posts and page out to other people who you don’t know. Putting these on posts is a great way to go out of your local realm and reach new potential audiences – but we’ll explain more about hashtags and other ways to boost your account later!

4 Content Ideas To Make Your Fitness Instagram Stand Out

#1 – Utilise User-Generated Content (UGC)

Woman Using Laptop to Look at 5 Star Reviews

User-generated content (UGC) is one of the best ways to grow your fitness Instagram once you have some sort of following behind you. UGC refers to any content that is created by other users who have endorsed your brand, business or page.

Some examples of UGC include:

  • Images and videos. You can share content featuring people who have endorsed your product or service. e.g., clients who have trained with your PT company.
  • Social media content. This is good to use if you have reviews on social media that could benefit your brand or create discourse around your page in general, such as sharing our posts on others’ IG stories.
  • Testimonials. You can share any positive testimonials that you have received from people who may have posted comments on your page. Alternatively, you can screenshot and share reviews on the likes of Trustpilot.

UGC is a super convenient way to show other potential clients that you already have trusted followers who create content for your brand.

#2 – Future-Proof Your Page With Instagram Reels

Woman Using Laptop for Online Personal Training

With video content becoming increasingly popular on social media, creating Instagram Reels is the best way to stay up to date with what people (and the algorithm) want to see.

For example, take a look at how we regularly upload Instagram Reels on our feed below:

Grid of OriGym Fitness Instagram Reels

You can see from the highlighted boxes the frequency with which we upload Reels on our Instagram page. The reason we do this is due to the return on engagement that we receive. 

You can see below a comparison between two of our posts. One of them is a Reel while the other is an image post:

Screenshot of OriGym Fitness Instagram InsightsScreenshot of OriGym Fitness Instagram Reel Insights

Take a look at the huge difference in reach and engagement between an image post and a Reel.

The statistics speak for themselves – you can see how the algorithm works and it seems to be that video (in this instance Reels) is the way to get your page out there.

#3 – Implement The 80/20 Rule When Posting

Personal Trainer Talking With Client

If you want to build your following on Instagram while also promoting your business, following the 80/20 rule is essential.

This rule simply means that 80% of your posts should be focused on sharing useful information or entertaining content for your followers. The remaining 20% can then focus on promoting your services.

Once you have found your momentum in uploading, you may want to experiment and try out different frequencies of posting. Do some analysis on your competitors and see how frequently they promote their brand in comparison to valuable content.

At first, however, the 80/20 rule is a good starting point for you if you’re new to Instagram. It provides you with a basic strategy so you’re not going into it totally blind.

#4 – Display Your Knowledge and Authority With Educational Content

Graduation Cap & Scroll

In the fitness industry, there can be a great deal of misinformation. That’s one reason it’s essential to display your credentials in your page bio, as discussed above. But there are other things that can help show that you know what you’re talking about – and that includes sharing educational content.

Posting simple infographics can be a great way to deliver useful information to your followers while also boosting your reputation as a source of knowledge. For example, take a look at this post below:

how to gain followers on fitness instagram

As you can see, it is a simple and digestible piece of content that can go a long way in terms of adding value to your fitness Instagram ideas.

How to Create Fitness Content for Instagram

Female Fitness Professional Using Laptop

Now that you know how to start an Instagram fitness page, you might want to get familiar with how to create all the ideas you have conjured up.

With that in mind, here are our 3 top tips to put your ideas into action.

#1 – Use Canva To Make Your Posts Look Professional

You may have already heard of Canva. It’s a hugely popular site that allows anybody to create professional-looking graphics regardless of their budget.

By using templates, pre-made fonts, graphics and more, you’re able to create Instagram content with ease. You won’t have to worry about asking yourself “what should I post on my fitness Instagram?” – you’ll have a host of engaging ideas right at your fingertips.

Spend some time looking on Canva and exploring the possibilities. Get some practice in and you’ll be on your way to a professional-looking feed in no time.

#2 – Establish A Colour Palette

Colour palettes for brands are crucial. They help to keep your posts uniform across all your social media channels, including your Instagram feed. You can pre-save branded colour palettes on the likes of the aforementioned Canva. 

This can help you to keep your colours in one place and whenever you need to design a post, you can simply click the desired placement of your pre-saved brand colours. This is a simple way of professionalising your page and creating powerful brand awareness.

#3 – Don’t Neglect Your Captions

Captions add context to the visual you have created for your feed. Whether you want to expand on an infographic or simply tell the story of your post, captions are the place to do it.

A caption is also a great place to encourage engagement. For instance, why not ask questions that people can then answer in the comments? This increases engagement and the overall health of your post, since you’re going to be responding to the comments too.

For example, take a look below at GymShark Women’s Instagram post that does this effectively:

Getting fitness followers on Instagram image

These types of captions leave room for conversation and can be a great way to encourage discussion about your page and the services you offer.

3 Tips for Maximising Reach With Your Content

#1 – Embrace The Power Of Hashtags 

Laptop In between Coffee Mug & Notebook

Hashtags help to organise and optimise your fitness Instagram content, enabling potential followers to discover your page easily when scanning Instagram’s community. But how do you use them effectively?

The first thing you should remember is that you can use up to 30 hashtags per post. However,  you can run the risk of your content looking very spammy if you use too many.

Nonetheless, more hashtags is generally better, since you’re getting your post onto a variety of different Explore pages. Some studies show that engagement can increase by over 440% when using 11+ fitness hashtags compared to using none at all.

According to an analysis by Louise Myers at Visual Social Media, the number of hashtags you use affects engagement as follows:

  • 0 Hashtags – 18% interaction per 1k followers
  • 1 Hashtag – 29% interaction per 1k followers
  • 2 Hashtags – 41% interaction per 1k followers
  • 3 Hashtags – 39% interaction per 1k followers
  • 4 Hashtags – 31% interaction per 1k followers
  • 5 Hashtags – 43% interaction per 1k followers
  • 6 Hashtags – 33% interaction per 1k followers
  • 7 Hashtags – 30% interaction per 1k followers
  • 8 Hashtags – 39.5% interaction per 1k followers
  • 9 Hashtags – 49.5% interaction per 1k followers
  • 10 Hashtags – 22% interaction per 1k followers
  • 11 Hashtags – 79.5% interaction per 1k followers

This shows that using 11+ hashtags will increase your engagement and help you get more followers to your fitness Instagram page.

But what hashtags should you use when trying to get new followers on Instagram?

Firstly, you need a mixture of very popular fitness hashtags and more long-tailed ones, as well as local ones if they apply to you. Here is an example of all three types of hashtags:

  • #Bodybuilding – Popular hashtag. These hashtags will get you some great initial engagement with instant likes, comments and follows.
  • #KettlebellTraining – Long-tail hashtag. These will be searched for by far fewer people, but will stay at the top of the search rankings for longer and attract more people based on the specific nature of the hashtag.
  • #FitnessLondon – Location-specific hashtag. Similarly to long-tail hashtags, these will get fewer impressions but will help you attract people in your local area. This can be especially beneficial if you are using your fitness Instagram to grow your local business.

By using the right mix of these hashtags in the right amount, you’ll find it significantly easier to attract new followers and grow your page.

#2 – Optimise Your Posting Schedule

Calendar Posting Schedule for Fitness Instagram

When trying to grow your fitness Instagram, you need to factor in the best times of the day to post if you want to generate as much attention as possible.

According to a study by Shopify, the best times of the week to post to maximise your engagement are:

  • Monday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
  • Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
  • Wednesday: 11 a.m.
  • Thursday: 7 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. 
  • Friday: 4 p.m. 
  • Saturday: 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Sunday: 7 p.m. 

Though this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to post only at these times, you could trial and error your typical schedule compared to a schedule adhering to these times and see which has the best levels of engagement.

#3 – Use Automation Software

Using Laptop for Fitness Instagram

Using automation software is a good option for those who have larger followings and simply don’t have as much time as they’d like to invest in their Instagram page.

An Instagram tool used by start-ups and large organisations alike is Combin. As such, this is the tool we will use as an example to demonstrate how to grow your Instagram fitness page.

In a nutshell, Combin is an automation tool which will safely:

  • Follow and unfollow users
  • Like photos
  • Comment on photos
  • Schedule tasks
  • Blacklist unwanted users
  • Analyse your account’s growth and engagement

If this sounds like something that could benefit your page and can help you improve your fitness Instagram, you can find some instructions on setting your account up below:

  1. Go to Combin and select the right pricing plan for you.
  2. You will then be asked to link your account. Put in your Instagram username and click “allow permission”.
  3. You will then be presented with a dashboard when you log in.
  4. Using the search option down the left-hand side, you can enter the username of an account whose followers you want to follow. Alternatively, you can search for users based on hashtags.

How To Monetise Your Fitness Instagram Account

Woman Smiling Using Laptop to Update Fitness Instagram

A fitness Instagram account is a great way to promote your existing business, whether you’re offering personal training sessions or online nutrition advice. But it can also act as a direct source of income – especially as your follower count increases.

Read on below to find out how you can turn your flourishing Instagram account into a reliable revenue stream by collaborating with other brands.

#1 – Join An Influencer Marketing Platform

If you want to turn your thriving fitness Instagram account into a source of income, then why not become a brand ambassador or fitness influencer? This might seem like a big step, but it can be easier than you think – especially if you make use of an influencer marketing platform like Upfluence.

Upfluence is widely used by brands looking to improve their online marketing strategy, as it simplifies the process of finding influencers who can create relevant content for their audience.

Upfluence Logo

For instance, brands can use the platform’s advanced search function to filter their search by keyword and demographics. This allows them to find influencers who fit with the goals of their marketing campaign, as well as those who will appeal to their target audience.

By specifying your niche on Upfluence, you will find it much easier to connect with brands who share the same vision and goals as you and your target audience. They are then more likely to approach you to become a fitness ambassador for their brand. 

Another advantage of using Upfluence is that it allows you to analyse your performance metrics on Instagram, including:

  • Engagement rates
  • Average comments and likes
  • Average views
  • Audience demographics

As well as allowing you to see where you can make improvements, brands can also see these statistics and make data-based decisions on whether you are the right fit to represent their products or services.

You will also be able to begin building up a portfolio of positive feedback from previous brand collaborations to display on the platform. This will prove to brands that you are reliable, and they are therefore more likely to want to collaborate with you.

#2 – Build A Media Kit

Man Using Laptop for Fitness Instagram

A media kit is essentially a portfolio of your work, showing your achievements, past partnerships, and future career goals. They are designed to represent you, your brand, and the type of content you create to show brands looking to collaborate with an influencer why they should choose you.

Even fitness influencers with smaller followings – known as micro-influencers – should have a media kit, as some brands are becoming increasingly interested in working with those with a niche yet highly engaged audience.

When creating your media kit, you should include:

  • An introduction to who you are
  • A headshot of you
  • Key information about your brand
  • Samples of your posts
  • Key metrics, such as followers, likes per post, and average post engagement rate
  • Your niche and target audience
  • The types of content that you offer 
  • A portfolio of your previous partnerships, including engagement statistics
  • Pricing
  • Contact information

If you want to start monetising your fitness Instagram by working with other brands, you should start creating your media kit so that you’re ready for the next step.

#3 – Reach Out And Pitch To Fitness Brands

Woman Using Laptop & Taking Notes About Fitness Instagram

Once you have created your media kit, you can start reaching out to brands yourself. Although influencer marketing platforms are a great way of making yourself visible to brands and sponsors, you shouldn’t waste time waiting for brands to approach you.

Instead, you should be proactive and use Instagram to find relevant brands that you’d like to work with. You can then get in touch with them directly with a personalised pitch via direct message or through their brand’s PR email address.

LinkedIn is a great platform for discovering who to address your pitch to. For example, the head of brand at Gymshark is Noel Mack:

It’s crucial to ensure that any pitches you make are personalised to the brand and not generic, as this shows that you understand the products and services that the brand offers to their target demographic. 

You should follow brands you’d like to work with on their social media accounts and pay attention to the types of partnerships they establish with other influencers. This can give you some idea of the type of content they produce, so that you know how to suit your pitch to their needs.

Before You Go!

Hopefully you now feel more confident about how to make a fitness Instagram. From setting it up to getting the word out about your page and even turning it into a source of income, be sure to refer back to this guide whenever you’re ready to take the next step into progressing your page further.

Don’t forget, if you’re wanting to bring more authority to your page and start advertising your services, then why not enquire about one of OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma? Find this and many other fitness courses in our downloadable course prospectus.

The post How to Start a Fitness Instagram appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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How to Get Traffic to My Personal Training Website (2025) https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/traffic-to-pt-site/ Thu, 03 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/traffic-to-pt-site/ Learn how to get more traffic to your Personal Training Website. Read case studies and instructions for getting more clicks.

The post How to Get Traffic to My Personal Training Website (2025) appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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If you’ve been searching “how to get traffic to my personal trainer website?”, you aren’t alone.

Getting traffic to your website can be tricky, but here at OriGym, we’ve curated this guide to give you all the insider knowledge you’ll need to drive enquiries and get more sales.

One way to get more traffic is to expand the number of services you offer clients on your website, starting with our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course. Get started by downloading our course prospectus and get in touch with our team today!

How to Get Traffic to My Personal Training Website (2025)

As we all know, more traffic leads to more sales, hence why every business wants more traffic, but there are quite often quite simple yet effective ways of boosting the number of visitors to your site.

1. Use Pinterest To Drive Traffic To Your Personal Trainer Website

Pinterest is a hidden goldmine for those wanting to drive traffic to their blog or website. It’s even the number one traffic source for a lot of bloggers because of how much interaction the site receives.

For example, a pin is 100 times more spreadable than your average tweet! Part of the reason why this is the case is because your post or link isn’t lost within a few hours of being posted, like on platforms like Instagram where your post is lost in the noise.

If you haven’t got a fitness Pinterest account yet or aren’t using the one you have to its fullest potential, it’s time to take Pinterest more seriously.

It is the 10th biggest social media platform in the world with 250 million active users and has one of the highest conversion rates of any social platform at 8.5%. Plus, 87% of Pinterest users have purchased a product or service after they saw it on Pinterest.

Here at OriGym, we use Pinterest’s statistics feature to track how much traffic we’re receiving to our personal training website each month from Pinterest:

Personal trainer website traffic image

Getting more traffic to my fitness site image

Another reason you should be using Pinterest to get more traffic to your personal trainer website is that a large percentage of PT clients tend to be female, and Pinterest has the largest female-to-male ratio, with 72% of active users being female.

If that is not enough to get you started using this wonderful platform, then consider this; personal training is a costly game for clients, but Hootsuite goes on to say that over 50% of Pinterest users’ earnings is up to £43,000 per annum.

If you’re not tech-savvy and need a hand understanding Pinterest stats, tools like PinPinterest are invaluable. PinPinterest is an automation tool that allows you to follow and unfollow users as well as send invites to your Pinterest fitness boards, all on autopilot.

You can use specific interests or hashtags such as ‘#PersonalTraining’ to grow your following in your desired audience.

Take a look below at how many new Pinterest followers it has helped OriGym get over the past few weeks:

How to get more traffic to my personal trainer website image

You can free trial Pinpinterest for free for 5 days before you buy here.

2. Start Blogging To Improve The Organic Reach Of Your PT Website

Blogging is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to boost your audience and reach. This can help more people find you and increase your credibility as a trusted source – important when looking to make money as a personal trainer.

According to HubSpot, marketers that use blogs get 67% more leads than websites without one, so if you’re still wondering “how to get more traffic to my personal trainer website” this might be your best option.

Blogging allows you to rank for keywords affiliated to your niche. Start by targeting medium to long keywords within your articles to get them to rank higher on Google.

For example, for this very article, we’ve targeted the term “how to get traffic to my personal trainer website”. This ensures we’re targeting our ideal audience and generating as much traffic to our website as possible!

Another example would be our article Personal Trainer Marketing Strategies And Tips, which ranks as number 1 on Google for the keyword phrase “personal trainer marketing”. It also ranks highly for related keywords such as “marketing for personal trainers” and “PT marketing strategies” to name a couple.

How to get more traffic to my personal training website image

See another example below of how we get more traffic to our fitness blog through my blog post on best fitness photographers:

driving more traffic to my personal trainer website image

So, how have we managed to get these articles to rank higher, leading to more traffic to our personal training websites?

How to Get More Traffic to My Personal Training Website Table

3. Join Groups Or Start One Yourself To Boost CTR (Click Through Rate) To Your Fitness Website

Groups on social platforms are a big winner when you’re looking for how to get traffic to your personal trainer website. Sites like Facebook or LinkedIn are particularly useful for fitness groups with thousands of followers and are a goldmine of your target customers.

OriGym posts in these groups on a regular basis to get more traffic to our personal training website and highlight our YouTube channel:

Getting traffic to personal trainer website image

Notice how we include both the video and then the link in the opening caption. This is simply because it gets more traffic off Facebook and to where we want it – our website or, in this case, our new YouTube video.

Along with a boost in traffic to our personal trainer website, we’ll often receive a small influx of new subscribers and video views with this method.

get more traffic to my fitness blog image

We even started our very own Facebook group to get even more traffic to our personal trainer website:

fitness traffic image

It’s not just Facebook, though – posting on LinkedIn groups such as the ones below and via your own profile will help you get more traffic to your personal trainer website:

Getting traffic to my fitness content image

4. Harness Fitness Forums For More Traffic To Your Personal Training Website

getting traffic from fitness forums image

Internet forums have been (and still are) a fantastic way to get more traffic to your personal trainer website. Forums like Nerd Fitness or Bodybuilding get huge volumes of traffic that you can take advantage of!

Something to keep in mind is that forums hate spam, so you should avoid posting any promotionally-based material. Engage with other users, offer support, and cement yourself as an educator. This builds trust both with other users and the forum itself.

The BodyBuilding forum won’t allow you to post links until you have posted a minimum of 50 posts, so use those 50 posts to build your standing in the community.

The great thing about getting a link approved and posted is that it gives you a backlink to improve the SEO of your website, and drives traffic to your site for years, unlike a post on Twitter or Instagram, which could get lost in a matter of hours.

5. Quuu Promote – Get Your Content In Front Of Thousands

If you’ve been struggling with how to get more traffic to your personal trainer website, you’re probably aware of a common problem: if you aren’t promoting your content, it sticks to page 9 of Google like glue!

One way to supercharge your CTR is to utilise software like Quuu Promote, the #1 content marketing tool designed to drive hundreds of opportunities to engage with your relevant audience on social media.

With Quuu Promote, you can submit blog posts, podcasts and YouTube videos via their platform under a specific category for other bloggers to discover, share and get mentions on social media. This is great for getting more traffic to your personal trainer website, but also good for your SEO and social signalling.

Getting more traffic to my personal training website image

It also allows you to track shares and website clicks, and it takes seconds to upload fresh content via this platform. Ensure to only promote content-related material as opposed to sales or promotional links, as the moderators will reject them.

6. Local SEO – Get Traffic To Your Personal Trainer Website By Registering Your Business

Local SEO is one of the easiest ways to get more traffic to your personal training website. If you have a gym that you train clients out of or a personal training studio, get it verified on Google Maps!

We will tell you how to do this in just a moment, but first, let’s see how being registered on both Google Maps and the Bing Local Directory can generate more traffic to your personal trainer website:

Get more traffic to your personal training website image

Once registered, your personal training business will start showing up on Google Maps when potential customers search for relevant keywords. For example, if we search for “personal trainer courses Liverpool” our business shows as the top search for that keyword:

Fitness SEO image

Here is how to set up your business on Google maps:

How to get more web traffic for my personal trainer website image

Once you have set up your business on Google Maps, another little trick to getting more traffic to your personal trainer website through local SEO is by including links underneath video posts. These stay up all year round and bring a slow drip feed of traffic to your website.

Local SEO for personal training traffic image

7. Guest Posting And Content Contributions To Boost SEO And Traffic

Guest posting, also called “guest blogging”, is when you write content for another company’s website. You’ll generally write for other companies or blogs within your industry sphere, such as fitness blogs and gym newsletters.

It’s one of the best ways to get traffic to your personal trainer website, and helping others product content comes with a myriad of other benefits.

Firstly, getting a guest post or contribution on a high-authority website will naturally help your SEO with strong backlinks. Check out our contribution to The Guardian below:

how to get traffic for my fitness blog image

And below, you can see the tracking of the link as well as traffic to our personal training website:

Get traffic to my personal trainer website image

how to get traffic to my fitness blog image

Another reason to do guest posting to get traffic to personal trainer websites is that others will pick up your content and link back to it. Below is a quote from Help Scout that links back to our website. The comment was originally for The Daily Telegraph, but Help Scout saw it, loved it, and quoted it – benefiting everyone!

Getting traffic for my personal training website image

This brings a steady flow of traffic to my personal trainer website and gives my SEO rankings boosts for the pages they link to.

8. Increase User Engagement And Rankings With Email Marketing

Email has had a huge role in getting traffic to business’s websites pretty much since the dawn of the internet. Here at OriGym, email marketing plays a key role in not just driving traffic but getting sales.

As we discussed earlier, using software like Quuu Promote for promotion is as important as writing a fantastic article. By letting your audience or subscribers know that you have released a great new piece of content that they may find useful or interesting, you’ll get click-throughs directly back to your website.

This is great for getting people to connect with you and your brand and will also help your article move up the search rankings by gaining traction from other people interested in your services.

This is not just good for getting people to reconnect with you and your brand, but also will help the article move up the search rankings to gain more traction from other people interested in your services.

Just last month, OriGym sent over 100,000 emails and has over 23,000 opens – this is a lot of potential traffic!

more traffic to my personal training blog

A great way to gather contact information, such as email addresses, is to create pop-up boxes on each of your landing pages where traffic can easily subscribe to your mailing list.

To grab the attention of your site visitor, try using reciprocal marketing by giving some form of content for free in exchange for their email address. For example, our offer below to download your free course prospectus!

Once you’ve got this covered, consider setting up an account with an email provider such as Mail Chimp or Get Response to store and manage the contacts you acquire, as well as set up automation systems for follow-up emails.

9. YouTube Is A Driving Force To Get More Traffic To Your Personal Trainer Website

It’s common knowledge that YouTube is a great way to boost traffic to your website. What makes YouTube so useful is that it is both a social media channel and a search engine, making it incredibly unique.

Even though YouTube is the second biggest platform (Facebook takes first place, unsurprisingly!), business owners tend to ignore the platform more than others, meaning they’re missing out on a whole lot of traffic to their personal trainer website as well as free brand exposure.

While OriGym doesn’t have the biggest channel in the world, we get quite a few video views and targeted traffic to our website from this platform.

Getting more fitness traffic

Getting more Traffic for my personal trainer website image

The thing is, YouTube videos last years, not just fleeting hours like they do on Instagram or Twitter before being absorbed by all the noise! Plus, if you’re creating quality content on YouTube, you’ll solidify yourself as an authority on the subject which leads to further engagement.

Check out the example below from Fitness Blender, whose cardio workout video ranks first for the term “fitness workout” – this was uploaded five years ago and retains the top result because of its quality.

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Getting started on YouTube means you can drive traffic to your personal training website through pop-ups and links in the description.

OriGym places this clickable snippet on all of our organic videos in order to get more traffic to our website from YouTube:

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Setting up a fitness YouTube channel is super simple, just follow our steps below:

How to Get More Traffic to My Personal Training Website using YouTube image

10. How To Get Traffic to Personal Trainer Website With Blog Commenting

Blog commenting is a fantastic way to get more traffic to your personal trainer website. It also helps you to build relationships within the fitness community and develop brand recognition.

People read blog comments more than you would expect – you’re probably no stranger to checking the comments on YouTube videos or Facebook posts, but blogs can be great places to link back to your website or leave a valuable comment from a linked account.

When OriGym commented on the Veggie Running blog post, we can see the link back to our website on Ahrefs:

how to get traffic to my personal trainer website image

how do i get traffic to my pt website

Before You Go!

So, there you have it! The top ten actionable ways that you can implement right away to get tonnes of traffic to your personal trainer website.

Get started by increasing the number of services you offer on your website, starting with our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course! Enquire now or download our course prospectus to see what else you can offer clients.

The post How to Get Traffic to My Personal Training Website (2025) appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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Yoga Instructor Salary Explained: 2025 (UK Guide) https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/yoga-instructor-salary/ Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.origym.co.uk/blog/yoga-instructor-salary/ Find out what the average yoga instructor salary is, what influences your earnings, the demand for yoga teachers, and the different routes you can take.

The post Yoga Instructor Salary Explained: 2025 (UK Guide) appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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Whether you’re looking for a complete change of career or you just want to add an extra string to your bow, finding out how much you can charge as yoga instructor and the yoga teacher’s salary (UK) is a must to determining if this is a career option worth exploring.

In this article you will find:

If this sounds like a career you wish to explore, take the first steps into the industry and earn your Level 3 qualification in yoga teaching! For more information about the content of this course, download our FREE course prospectus here.

What Is The Demand For Yoga Teachers?

Yoga was formulated 5,000 years ago by the Sarasvati civilization in Northern India and is just as popular today.

In fact, it is reported by Finder.com that now up to 460,000 Brits are taking part in yoga classes each week, which is just over 6.5% of the UK’s entire population.

Finder report goes on to state that there are now over 10,000 qualified instructors in the UK and between 20 and 30 thousand yoga classes take place each week.

With this increase in participation has led to the rise of the number of qualified yoga teachers and the subsequent increase in the number of yoga studios and private home led instructors.

This trend is set to continue in similar vein according to Allied Market Research who have forecast that participation will continue to increase, which will in turn increase the market value, the number of yoga specific training and certified yoga teachers as demonstrated by the graph below:

online yoga teacher salary image

Demand is what determines any business and within the UK Yoga market this has led to yoga becoming a lucrative career for aspiring professionals to quit their boring 9-5 job and start a new path they’re truly passionate about.

But what is the typical average salary of a yoga instructor? Read on to find out and what factors influence your potential earnings…..

What is the Average Yoga Teacher’s salary?

According to Indeed, the average yoga instructor’s hourly wage is £27.45 per hour, which is closely mirrored by Payscale‘s £25.28 suggestion.

Glassdoor reports the average yoga teacher’s annual salary at just over £30,000, though Payscale reported it at just over £40,000, which is not too shabby!

These are quite varied salaries, but the location is a key variable to bear in mind. In London, the average yoga teacher’s salary is vastly different to the rest of the UK, where Indeed estimates it to be £30.15 per hour. In contrast, the rest of the UK averages £21.50.

London yoga teacher salary image

Compare this to personal training, which is a bigger market, where the average PT salary annual income is just £28,300.

yoga teacher salary UK Image

Additionally, Payscale indicates that from the yoga teacher salary information they possess, that earnings increase over time and experience:

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This trend is expected, as it may take you a little time to build your freelance client base, gain a promotion to a yoga studio manager or class coordinator, or even start your own yoga studio, thus increasing your yoga instructor wage vastly.

One thing to bear in mind with these yoga statistics provided by Indeed and Glassdoor is that they are job boards that base their analysis of yoga salaries on what employers post. They do not take into account other key variables that directly influence your yoga teacher earnings, which are key to factor in!

What Factors Influence Your Yoga Instructor Teacher Salary?

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There are many contributing factors that will determine what yoga teacher salary (UK) and wage you will pick up, including:

  • How many hours you work
  • How many clients you have
  • How frequently those clients attend sessions and classes
  • Where you work and in what capacity
  • What services you offer and additional services you provide
  • How much you charge for those services

How Many Hours You Work & How Many Clients You Have

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One key factor that the above yoga salary statistics from job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor do not factor in is the total number of hours you work or the number of clients you have.

Logically, the more hours you work, the more you can earn. But bear in mind that you could technically have an hourly rate of £100 per hour but only one private client that you see once per week.

This would make your part-time yoga instructor salary annual income just £5,200, while you’re technically earning £100 per hour.

Of course, it could work the other way, where you have 100 clients that you see once per week but charge just £15 per hour. In this scenario you’d have an annual income of £78,000.

Obviously, these are both extreme examples, but it is worth noting as this will have a direct impact on your yoga instructor earnings.

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Like this article? Go check out our other useful articles:

Yoga Income Depends On: Client Attendance, Marketing And How Much You Charge

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Another key factor that will influence your certified yoga instructor salary (aside from the number of clients and hours you invest) is how much you charge for your services, the structure of those services, and the demographics to which you wish to appeal to.

Naturally, if you always have the same number of clients per class, then the more you charge for your services, the more money you will make.

However, if the amount you’re charging causes a knock-on effect of fewer sign-ups and enquiries, you may not be able to fill those classes in the first place. This is why finding the balance is key.

Additionally, how you plan to charge your clients, the number of classes you put on per week, and the number of people that will fill those classes are all key factors in your total yoga instructor earnings.

This is what all businesses go through – the fine balance between appeal, demand, and margins. Don’t be intimidated; it just takes some time, practice, and experience to get this perfect!

If you have a strong background in advertising or marketing (or just have a strong will to learn), this will inevitably help you fill your classes, drive higher levels of enquiries, and ultimately push yourself to a better position in the market than other yoga professionals.

Where You Work And In What Capacity Influences Your Yoga Teacher Income

There are many avenues you can explore as qualified yoga teacher and each in turn will have a direct impact on your yoga teacher wage.

These routes can be broken down into two aspects, freelance or employed.

Let’s start with the employed routes you could take and how much they pay!

Employment Routes And Registered Yoga Teacher Salary

There are a number of direct employment routes you can take within the yoga market. Below we have listed all of these options as well as what you can expect from the hourly or annual salary.

Working For A Gym Or Private Yoga Studio As A Yoga Teacher

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As yoga has become more mainstream and catapulted into popularity, accessibility has improved, with more gyms offering alternative yoga classes and workshops on their timetables, as well as more private and tailored yoga studios popping up.

This has led to an increased demand for yoga instructors to fulfil the delivery of these classes. And, due to the volume of the role increasing, the opportunity for gaining employment within this role has grown alongside it.

Contracted Work As A Yoga Teacher

Many gyms and smaller studios will hire yoga teachers on contracts or on a part-time yoga instructor salary in the UK. This is to ensure you have enough work to cover all of their classes whilst giving their client base continuity.

This style of work traditionally pays around £20-£25 per hour, though it can be higher depending on your level of experience. Check out the example below from Beattitude Fitness in London:

yoga instructor salary

Full Time Employment as a Yoga Instructor

Full-time roles are also readily available at yoga studios and fitness or sports facilities that have larger target demographics. Yoga instructor salaries can be both hourly and annual through this employment method.

With full-time roles, the hours can be varied. Because yoga classes are normally run when full-time workers are able to attend, you should expect some early mornings and late nights.

A typical yoga hourly wage for a full-time employee is around £15-£25 per hour and approximately £45,000 per annum (including bonuses) on a 40-hour week contract.

More experienced workers make, on average, £60,000 per annum. Check out an example of this this position from Agile Coach:

yoga instructor jobs

These types of jobs are normally found at yoga-specific studios and gyms, whereas most other yoga roles follow a contracted pattern of work, whcih we’ll outline in the next section.

Freelancing As A Yoga Teacher

You might be drawn to becoming a freelance yoga teacher or to starting your very own yoga business. There are various methods and delivery styles you can look into, including but not limited to the following:

  • Teaching yoga from a client’s home
  • Teaching classes in the great outdoors
  • Becoming an online yoga instructor
  • Setting up your very own yoga studio
  • Offering corporate yoga
  • Combining multiple of these avenues

At OriGym, we wanted to find out not only the most popular freelance routes that yoga instructors explored post-qualifying, but also what their salary as a yoga instructor was. This gives you an indication of what earnings you could expect. And some of the results were surprising!

This survey was conducted utilising Survey Monkey and used 411 yoga professionals (excluding those in employed positions) that have a minimum of 12 months of experience in the industry.

Each participant was asked to tick one of the below options and then to declare both their annual income and hourly yoga income.

Table to show the type of delivery of yoga career paths and delivery methods:

Yoga Instructor Salary UK Pie Chart

As you can see, most yoga instructors surveyed tend to combine more than one service to maximise their yoga instructor income with the lowest of those opting to take a corporate yoga instructor salary and “other” options.

To see how this translates into both hourly earnings and average annual income, check out the table below.

Table To Show The Average Wage Per Class Or Session:

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Private home yoga sessions seem to be the most lucrative freelance route with an average of £41 per session, whilst the online yoga instructor wage per sessions seems to be the lowest at just £16.

But, how does this translate into yearly yoga teacher salary (UK)? See below:

annual yoga teacher salary image

Analysing The Results:

Setting up a yoga studio seems to be the most lucrative route to increasing your yoga teacher salary, followed by starting an online yoga business, despite their fees per session rates not being as high as other options.

Corporate yoga and running outdoor yoga classes seem to produce the lowest income return, despite the per session rate being high for corporate yoga.

On the surface, these results may be surprising, but when you dive a little deeper, they make perfect sense.

Online yoga teachers are not bound by location, thus vastly increasing their reach and audience size. This means that even if they charge a smaller amount to their clients, their total yoga teacher income potential is far greater than other roles.

Studios also have a greater earning potential, as they are not restricted by a set hourly wage. They can also have a larger number of yoga classes that can be delivered by multiple teachers at one time.

This is a feature that other avenues, such as corporate yoga, home sessions, or freelancing between gyms, cannot offer, making opening your own studio a compelling option.

Does The Type Of Yoga Class Influence Your Yoga Instructor’s Hourly Wage? 

There are many different types of yoga and some are more popular than others with both trainers and the general public.

We wanted to know though, if you could earn a better yoga teacher hourly wage based off the type of yoga class, so we also asked our group of graduates what style of yoga classes they ran and how much they make per class from the styles they adopted.

Here is what we found:

Yoga instructors could select more than one yoga style, but they had to individually input their total class income for that particular type of yoga. The table below shows the popularity of yoga styles taught from those surveyed:

what is the most popular yoga style image

This table shows how much income is generated per class and style of yoga:

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Analysing The Results

The Bikram yoga instructor salary and the class rates seem to be the most lucrative discipline for yoga teachers to explore.

This could be due to the fact that hot yoga is especially trendy right now, or it could be related to the increased costs related to setting up a hot yoga class, which leads to an increase in the cost of class participation.

Because of the low number of instructors specialising in being Bikram yoga instructors and fewer studios boutique gym being set up to run hot yoga, those looking for hot yoga classes are usually willing to travel further to get the class they desire.

Interestingly, Hatha yoga, which is the most popular form of yoga and is run in most commercial gym, may actually be the most profitable option. It requires minimal overhead and pretty much has a guarantee of full classes due to its popularity.

Jivamukti yoga seems to give teachers the lowest income returns per class, though this could be down tot he fact that Jivamukti is one of the lesser-known forms of yoga with less mass-market appeal than other forms.

You also need to bear in mind that with the less popular yoga styles, your average income is spread over a smaller number of yoga teachers, giving you a smaller sample size when trying to get accurate figures.

How You Can Boost Your Yoga Instructor Salary in the UK

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There are a number of ways you can increase your yoga instructor yearly salary. Choosing only one option rather than a selection of the most profitable is often where new yoga professionals go wrong.

Check out the ideas below to see if any fit with your teaching style.

Creating Yoga Packages, The Right Way!

One of the best ways to increase your yoga instructor salary (UK) is setting your packages up in the right way!

A common mistake made by new yoga professionals is to block sessions into 5, 10, or 15 classes for a set amount. On the surface, this may seem like there are no downsides – you get paid upfront on classes you haven’t yet delivered, and ensure students come to a set number of classes.

However, there are a number of issues with this business model.

Firstly, when you create end dates for sessions, you inadvertently create an end date for clients. When your client has used all of the sessions they paid for, you end up having to constantly check in with them about whether they’ll be coming again.

This leads into another issue; constantly having to re-sell to the same students. Neither you or your students enjoy having that awkward conversation regarding money. Rather than spending an inordinate amount of time re-selling, you should be focusing on growing your business, your marketing strategies, gaining new clients, and increasing your yoga instructor salary.

Selling in blocked sessions leads to a low client retention rate whilst simultaneously devaluing your service. When a client completes their block sessions, and you ask them to sign up again, you’ll often be met with these sorts of replies:

  • I’m interested in renewing, how much can you do it for?
  • XYZ yoga company down the road are offering 10 sessions for less, can you beat that?
  • I’ll be renewing in a few weeks after my kids birthday/Christmas/my sister’s wedding/etc.
  • I’ve hit my goals and now I want to try it on my own

This leads to you reducing prices, leaving gaps in your schedule when people do renew, and even losing clients altogether.

A final issue you’ll run into by selling blocked sessions is forecasting. This is the process of looking at past and present data for your business to predict its future financial performance.

By taking on new clients that pay upfront here and there, and losing others who don’t renew, you aren’t able to make effective forecasts. Without this, you won’t be able to scale your business effectively or increase your salary as a yoga instructor.

So, how can you combat this problem? One simple method is to sell monthly packages. This is when you apply a monthly fee for your services based on the number of yoga classes an individual can attend. Below is an example of what this can look like:

how much to charge for a yoga class image

Monthly packages can drastically improve your average yoga teacher salary whilst combating the issues raised in regard to selling in blocked sessions. There are even some extra benefits to this method:

1) Increases Sales – By offering only three simple packages, you simplify the buying decision for clients. This increases your conversions and lowers customer complaints about price disparities.

2) Increases Client Retention – Because there are no set end dates, much like a gym membership, your client retention levels improve drastically. Some clients will stick around for years without any gaps in payment, improving your yoga teacher wage.

3) Rarely Have To Re-sell – The lack of set end date means you won’t have to spend hours of your valuable time asking clients to sign up for more sessions.

4) Forecast Accurately – As clients will be paying you monthly via direct debit or standing order, you can accurately assess what your salary will be each month, which, in turn, allows you to accurately plan how to scale your business further.

5) Increases Your Average Yoga Instructor Salary – BThe stable and continuous flow of income every month, plus higher retention rates and lack of gapping between clients, will inevitably lead to a salary increase.

Adding Strings To Your Bow That Directly Increase Your Yoga Teacher Salary

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We have all heard the phrase “adding strings to your bow”, but where many fitness and yoga professionals go wrong is buying extra courses and qualifications without fully knowing how it will facilitate their existing business or increase their yoga teacher salary (UK).

The type of extra qualifications you should pursue are ones where it is a legal requirement to be qualified in that particular discipline of fitness and can directly impact your earnings as consequence of completing that course or widens your target market appeal.

Qualifications that fit this bill:

Add Personal Training To Your Yoga Business To Increase Your Client Base

part time yoga teacher salary graphic

Adding personal training to your arsenal is a fantastic way to increase your reach and diversify your market presence. Plus, it will help your yoga business to grow!

When you offer PT sessions, you’ll notice that your yoga clients will start taking up PT programmes, and new PT clients will start joining your yoga sessions as well. This increases both your client base and your average yoga teacher salary. Check out our personal training course packages here.

Adding Sports Massage To Bolster Your Yoga Teacher Earnings

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Another route to explore is getting qualified in sports massage therapy (SMT). The reason why SMT is an understated qualification and can make a huge difference to your yoga instructor wage is that not many yoga instructors are certified to offer, which creates exclusivity, but far more importantly is that it actually will increase your earnings.

Here’s how….

One of the most frustrating aspects for any yoga professional is when a regularly attending client sustains an injury, which can cause them to cancel sessions and break their exercise habit, resulting in lost potential earnings.

This is where the sports massage qualification comes in very handy, as you can directly substitute your yoga classes for SMT sessions without having to lose income or create gaps in your relationship with your client.

Additionally, you will also be able to ascertain new yoga clients through the medium of offering sports massage. When you get a new massage client, you get that 1-2-1 time with them to build rapport, develop relations and promote the benefits of your yoga classes or sessions and can convert them into a new paying client after they have completed their rehabilitation.

This is why SMT should be one of the “go to” qualifications for yoga professionals as it will help boost the average salary of a yoga teacher in more than just one way.

Become A Yoga Tutor & Assessor For Extra Yoga Income

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Another potential skill that very few yoga professionals consider is becoming a qualified assessor of the next generation of yoga professionals.

There is a shortage of qualified assessors in the UK in general, but that is even more prevalent with yoga.

Completing your teaching and assessing qualification means you can work for a college or training provider (such as ourselves) where you can freelance to enhance your part-time yoga instructor salary either teaching practical’s or conducting assessments.

With daily rates of up to £200 a day and plenty of work available, this is another great avenue to consider boosting your earnings through taking extra qualifications.

Becoming Proficient In Variations Of Yoga To Enhance Your Yoga Instructor Earnings 

You’re probably aware that yoga breaks down into a variety of different styles and disciplines, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, Yin, and many more.

Becoming more knowledgeable and fluid with different variations of yoga will increase your market appeal, allow you to run more varied classes, increase your reach, and enhance your yoga instructor salary.

Many yoga enthusiasts tend to have a “preferred” style of yoga that they stick with because it suits their fitness objectives better, which is why offering diversity on your class timetable will resonate with different target demographics.

Additionally, by segmenting your classes by ability (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), you will naturally increase your appeal to a wider range of people. You can appeal to newbies while still offering a challenging workout to your more experienced.

How To Qualify As A Yoga Instructor

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Getting qualified as a yoga instructor is pretty straight forward.

You need at minimum a Level 3 diploma in yoga Instructing and there are no pre-requisite requirements in order to enrol onto a Level 3 Diploma.

Additionally, you can also enrol onto a Level 4 diploma in yoga teacher training, but you must be certified at level 3 status first or ascertain them both as part of bundled package.

If you want to specialise in certain jurisdictions of yoga, like hot yoga, Iyengar or Hatha for example, many providers like ourselves do add on modules to your yoga teacher training, where you can specialise in these particular disciplines of yoga.

You can download our Yoga Teacher training Prospectus Here:

How To Find The Right Course Provider

Firstly, ensure the qualification and accreditation meets the NOS (National occupational standards) and is regulated by Ofqual.

Ofqual is the sister company to Ofsted, and regulates all vocational training within the UK. They cover everything from social care through to hairdressing and construction.

Below Ofqual are governing bodies, better known as awarding bodies. These are the companies that actually certify your certificates, not the companies that conduct your actual training. The leading governing bodies for yoga to look out for are:

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These awarding bodies all report to Ofqual and, in turn, training providers and colleges report to them.

Possessing an Ofqual regulated qualification from ones of these bodies is not just preferred, its mandatory to you working as a certified yoga instructor in the UK and ensuring you can ascertain the correct yoga insurance to run classes, 1-on-1 sessions or operate online.

Now you know what qualifications to look out for, use our checklist here to find the right course and provider for you:

  • Study Method – Ensure the method of learning suits your schedule and how you learn best.
  • Location – Can you access the location of all of the practical workshops and assessments?
  • Reviews – Check third-party reviews sites like Trustpilot for reviews of the course.
  • Financial CheckCheck companies house to see the financial state of the company.
  • Support – How much support is offered both during and after the course?
  • Costs – Comapre prices across different companies.
  • Extra value – Are you getting any other qualifications alongside the main qualification that could supplement your yoga career?

Before You Go!

Your yoga teacher salary is largely dependent on the route you elect to go down, adding strings to your bow and building a successful client base through high quality sessions coupled with good marketing. Being a yoga instructor is not just rewarding but as we have seen, can give you a very healthy income.

So what are you waiting for? Enrol in our Level 3 Yoga Teaching course today, and start your journey into one of the most exciting industries in fitness!

The post Yoga Instructor Salary Explained: 2025 (UK Guide) appeared first on OriGym Centre of Excellence.

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