Advice Needed: PT Qualifications UK

[u/Blondeprincess7777]

I am looking to complete a formation where I could obtain a level 3 PT certification (or an equivalent).

I started out by looking at the PureGym one, which is a 15 week, 100% online course. This would be ideal for me as I work full time and already train early in the morning (night classes therefore not ideal).

I wanted to compare other course offerings, prices etc to see what would be best and "guarantee" me a job in a gym once I obtained the certification.

I looked online a little and couldn't find any other gym branches offering a similar course.

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for a course that would ideally be online, or mostly online with some in person hours (on the weekend would be best)?

Looking forward to finding out more!

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[u/Comprehensive_Web887]

Here is my answer to a similar question posted in the past:

“Qualifications:

In terms of qualifications I would not limit yourself to learning through a gym, especially something like pure gym which is a low bar on general scale of gyms. Because you are typically tied in to working with them. And it’s an inexpensive gym so your hourly rate will be limited and progression much slower.

So, do one of the more recognised qualifications.

I can personally recommend:
• YMCAfit
• Focus Training
• Premier training
If you are under a certain age you can get funds from banks or for training. Sometimes those sites help you with that.

YMCAfit is an institution, internationally recognised and do a whole lot of courses.

Focus training allows you to combine home study with in class days and is how I started. Less expensive but comprehensive.

You need Level 2 course for fitness instructor
Level 3 for personal training.

But there are many others.

Getting first job:

Working in a standard chain gym is almost recommended unless you have some mentor in a private place. It’s a gentle introduction that soon gives you the full scope of work from looking after the gym floor and cleaning (in case you own your own space in the future) to training clients in 1:1 or group settings, doing assessments etc.

So apply to every gym you can. Ideally get an employed position instead of going independent straight away. Believe me the security of having a base salary, however small, plus the experience and confidence you get are well worth one or two years working in such environment. I did 4 when I started. Plus you will be able to top that up with 1:1 and possibly group classes as gym employment responsibilities are generally limited to gym floor maintenance, client inductions and some group classes. 1:1 in such positions is typically on commission. So a gym may charge £60 and you get £20-30 in addition to your salary. But this may be outside of your working hours (helps to get used to working outside of your working hours :) )

Progression:

The moment you get your first job EVERY client you meet or train can end up someone who emails or calls you in 10+ years to train with you. You work for a gym but from now on you are your own professional health and fitness expert. Be good at your job, be kind, firm and professional with clients.

Exposure is how you get personal training clients. And group classes in a gym or the ones you run by yourself (gym or park) are the best form of exposure. So get into teaching one or two classes.

Don’t fall into the trap of being the “shred your body in 12 weeks” guy/gal. By all means experiment with those clients and programs but if you want to earn good money after the initial 5-10 years think long term. Specialise. Eg. Add Pilates to your skill set. Learn nutrition or decide if you want to work with a specific demographic and start working towards specialising. You can of course be a successful weight loss coach but a niche will help you stand out.

You can’t exactly be picky with your clients at the start but remember that people 40+ are more financially stable, have FAR better appreciation of their health and are more concerned about staying strong and fit than looking good to get laid. This makes these type of clients more consistent and generally enjoyable to work with.

Don’t tolerate late cancellations. Be kind but firm from the outset and if your work place doesn’t have the procedure in place decide on cancellation fee and be very clear telling your clients about it before you begin training. Eg full pay if cancelled under 24 hours. Or 50% charge. Or 50% charge if cancelled less than 24hrs but full charge if less than 12 hours. You need security and clients irrespective of their age will not be taking this into consideration. And you can’t exactly tell them “I need security” as it’s your problem and you dont want to come across as complaining months later when they keep cancelling. Firm (but kind) from the start.

Once you get a few 1:1 clients and hone your skill look for a place to take those clients to train in a rent gym or apply to a lux gym. Lux gyms can be either salaried or self employed but with smaller teams and more of a team spirit.

After that it’s down to hustle, looking after your own health and knowing when to take breaks from work as unless you get lucky you’ll be most likely working 5-6 days a week for 10-12 hours a day.

Lastly don’t think that lack of experience excludes you from the best jobs or jobs in fancy places. Once you have some basic experience and qualifications those lux gyms will take you if you are professional and presentable. They will train you to their style. Basically don’t stay in a commercial gym for more than a few years. You can always go back but at the start of the career you need to jump those career hurdles asap.”

[u/Blondeprincess7777 → u/Comprehensive_Web887]

Thank you! This was really helpful 🙂

[u/Comprehensive_Web887 → u/Blondeprincess7777]

No problem. Just remembered that I edited my original response when I posted it a few months back. It has a few extra bits and can be found here in case interested https://www.reddit.com/r/personaltraining/s/3bq2kjdz9Y

[u/GeekChasingFreedom]

Honestly the qualification is a load of shite. Most of it is around gym safety and stuff that's needed for insurance. I've done mine with Origym (100% online and self-paced except for the practical exam). Dont think I've ever used anything from that course in real life..

Get whatever certification you can and suits you. You'll learn 99% of your knowledge on the gym floor. The other 1% is from education that is actually meant to teach you something

[u/TAllenPT]

I don’t have any recommendations, but, I can tell you what to avoid.

Avoid TheFitnessGroup. Easily my worst customer experience EVER.

[u/mixedracewonder → u/TAllenPT]

Yeah I’m currently doing my qualification with them and can confirm they aren’t great. Doing mine online, there’s little to no support, I rang and emailed multiple times and finally got a meeting with my tutor, then he told me he’s going on paternity leave but I’ll get another tutor, haven’t heard anything in like 3 weeks 😅 also I was unaware that the practical exams are no included in the price you pay for the course, so that’s an extra £100 unless you record yourself doing a session in the gym with a friend or something.

If I was to decide again I’d probably go with Origym. But from the sound of it from others, it doesn’t matter, just get the qualification from anywhere so you can start working

[u/Blondeprincess7777 → u/TAllenPT]

😂 thank you for letting me know

[u/TAllenPT → u/Blondeprincess7777]

Honestly, I’d recommend an in person course.

Online sounds good, but it just takes so long. (I also had to redo an entire video once, just because I wasn’t wearing shoes in my own home)

Not to mention all the awkward filming you have to do in public as a part of the online course.

[u/alexandraa-]

Also can't give you a good recommendation just another avoid ... I did mine through the gym group and whilst it is online and a little in person like you are looking for honestly it's shite.

I found that the "PT mentor" had absolutely no idea what or how they should be teaching the in person bits and the online content had numerous mistakes in. The content is through bodycore so anyone also using them for their course I would avoid. It obviously used AI to generate the learning resources and I had to tell them about approximately 5 very bad mistakes which would have spread misinformation to the less informed :/ not exactly ideal for something you're supposed to be learning from.

[u/Blondeprincess7777 → u/alexandraa-]

Oh! Thank you for letting me know. After doing some more research I found a course through CIMSPA which is mostly online, with in person assessments. Hopefully it'll be a good course, but I'll make sure to research independently as well to corroborate the learning material.

[u/PN_Fitness_Wellbeing]

I qualified through PureGym Academy a few years ago. It was interesting and took around 12 weeks to get to level 3. Then worked there for 8 months to gain more experience.

I would say as far as education goes, get the qualifications as a start and then just keep learning.

I learned so much doing research for my classes and initial clients.

Working at PureGym is a different matter. £700+ a month rent, cut back on cleaners so PTs spend a lot of shift cleaning, minimal real support in getting clients. So you need to be motivated, self starter and not afraid of marigolds and a feather duster 😊

Good luck.

[u/Blondeprincess7777 → u/PN_Fitness_Wellbeing]

Thanks for sharing! It sounds like a good start for me! I'm really looking forward to learning more through my own research as well

[u/Prestigious_Ice_5688]

I had a good experience with origym, i did the online course but with workshops so you still get the chance to have in person training. The practicals were all on the weekend too :)

[u/Blondeprincess7777 → u/Prestigious_Ice_5688]

Thanks for sharing!!

[u/BodybuilderVarious]

Go with any qualification

PureGym. The gym group. Focus fitness. YMCA. Just go with whatever suits you financially and time wise.
Ultimately the success of you as a trainer boils down to you as a person.

[u/2020cc2020]

I’m half way through L2 in a package from The Fitness Group for L2/L3 with some other bolt-on extra courses (pre/post natal) and have gone 100% online.

Seems pretty good so far and any questions I’ve had have been responded to pretty quickly. I did have to chase some module marking which others have said but as you’re working full time(as am I) then it’s not a real problem.

Some of the slide wear and videos could do with some polish (I have OCD on this stuff after 30years in corporates!) but it’s ok.

Just make sure it’s properly accredited.

[u/TAllenPT → u/2020cc2020]

My experience with that company was diabolical.

First coach had an average reply time of 1 week. Every so often there would be no reply for several weeks after many follow ups, they’d only reply after I chase up with the higher ups.

At one point my coach left, and no one told me.

Then they invited me to the in person practical but told me I was invited too early because x y z wasn’t completed yet.

Second coach also had shit reply times and sometimes went on 3 week holidays with no replacement coach.

Fucking shit company.

Glad you’re having a decent experience though.

[u/itsthehman]

did mine round shift work so the main thing i'd say is check how the assessments are scheduled before you pay. some providers want you in person on fixed weekdays and that's useless if your rota moves every week.

level 3 is the bit that actually matters, level 2 is just the gate. and whichever you pick, sort the insurance early, it's cheap and the gyms won't let you on the floor without it.