If the Covid pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that we should make the most of our lives and not wait to make changes.
If you’re about to leave education or considering a career change, there are many opportunities in the fitness and health industry, such as training as a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
Personal training during lockdown
Lockdown was a challenging time, placing restrictions on how we lived our lives – and where and how we could exercise. With gyms and sports centres closed, 1-2-1 personal training in people’s homes prohibited and training centres closed to in-person teaching, the focus turned to alternatives.
Some people took the opportunity to improve their health, while others let their fitness goals slide.
Personal trainers looked for new ways to communicate with and train clients, with online training seeing a huge surge in popularity and training outdoors proving a good alternative to being in enclosed spaces.
As gyms and sports centres opened up again, restrictions such as wiping down equipment after use and running smaller class sizes in larger spaces helped to limit the spread of Covid.
How can I train as a personal trainer after lockdown?
Blended learning was already in use before the Covid outbreak. During the pandemic people became more used to going online to learn and communicate.
This has opened up options that allow you to choose between learning solely online or embarking on a mix of online and classroom-based study.
Can I qualify as a personal trainer using online only learning?
At CMS, we now offer 100% online courses, from the Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction to the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training or the Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training.
These allow you to carry out your study around your other commitments, at a time, place and speed that suits you. The emphasis remains on quality learning, with a clear action plan plus support and guidance from our experienced tutors.
Our high-quality digital technology learning platform allows you to access resources 24/7, from written material to videos and webinars – you can also use it to complete and submit assessments. You will need a video camera or smart phone to submit some assessments and access to a professional gym environment for some of your learning activities.
What about classroom learning for personal training qualifications?
There are still plenty of opportunities to gain qualifications through a mix of classroom, practical and online learning.
These include fast-track routes to gain a Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training, which can be carried out between four to 12 weeks.
Along with downloadable PDF manuals for each unit, you will receive tutor support via phone and email and the option to attend between eight and 12 workshop days.
What qualities do I need to become a personal trainer?
As well as an interest in health and fitness, you will need people skills, including patience, empathy and the ability to guide your clients through the various exercises.
You will also need to apply yourself to the learning process, whether online, classroom-based or practical.
Finally, business and marketing skills are essential if you’re planning to work as a freelance personal trainer or to run your own company.
How can I develop new skills after gaining my personal training qualifications?
Working as a personal trainer means that you will continue learning throughout your career. This will include keeping abreast of new developments in health and fitness, and looking at opportunities for continual professional development (CPD).
There are many ways you can add to your personal training qualifications, for example you could choose from any of the following courses:
- Level 2 Award in Kettlebells
- Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling
- Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuits
- Level 3 Award in Designing Pre and Post Natal Exercise Programmes
- Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
- Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage
- Level 4 Certificate in Exercise for the Management of Low Back Pain
- Level 4 Certificate in Physical Activity and Weight Management for Obese and Diabetic Clients
What’s my next step?
Contact us for more information and for advice on the best course for your requirements.
