Choosing a career as a Personal Trainer offers a distinct lifestyle compared to a typical 9-5 job. Successful trainers achieve an enviable work-life balance, often viewed as the ‘ideal lifestyle’. This profession provides freedom as your own boss, with flexible hours and versatile work locations.
Looking to learn more about what you can do with a qualification in personal training, where you can work and what specialisations you can focus on? Keep reading to find out more, or jump to the section you’re looking for;
Is Personal Training a Good Career Choice?
There are a number of multifaceted benefits and opportunities that come with a career in personal training. They demonstrate that beyond financial rewards, this profession offers a chance to pursue a career outside of a 9-5 or cubicle and gets you hands-on within the community to make an impact.
Particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, people began to understand the significance of a healthy lifestyle and taking care of their bodies. Even considering this, there has been a 4.4% annualised increase in Personal trainers since 2016.
So why do we see so many people stepping outside the bounds and choosing a career in Personal Training?
Flexibility and Independence
One of the appealing aspects of a career in personal training is the flexibility it affords. Many trainers have the opportunity to set their own schedules, work independently, and even run their own fitness businesses. This independence can lead to a more balanced and satisfying work-life dynamic.
Global Opportunities
With the rise of online training platforms and the accessibility of virtual communication, personal trainers now have the opportunity to reach clients on a global scale. This opens up new avenues for expanding one’s client base and potentially exploring international markets.
Specialisations and Niche Markets
Personal training offers a diverse range of specialisations, allowing trainers to cater to specific demographics or fitness goals. These may include areas like sports performance, postnatal fitness, senior fitness, or even specialised diets and nutrition.
This diversification can lead to a unique and fulfilling career path.
Job Satisfaction and Impact
Personal trainers often find immense satisfaction in helping clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals. Witnessing clients make positive transformations in their health and lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Personal Fulfilment and Well-Being
For many individuals passionate about fitness, a career in personal training is not just a job, but a lifestyle choice. It allows them to live and breathe their passion every day, contributing to their own sense of well-being and purpose.
What Can You Do With a Personal Trainer Certification?
Personal trainer career paths extend far beyond the confines of a gym. Beyond weight rooms and treadmills, certified trainers can work in a multitude of environments. These include corporate wellness programs, outdoor fitness classes,
private studios, rehabilitation centres, and even online platforms.
Choosing a specialisation within PT should be driven by a genuine passion and interest in a particular area of fitness
Some common specialisations include:
- Â Nutrition and Wellness
- Strength and Conditioning
- Post-Rehabilitation Training
- Functional Movement and Corrective Exercise:
- Youth and Teen Fitness
- Senior Fitness
- Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness
- Sports Nutrition and Wellness Coaching
- Mind-Body Practices
- Weight Management and Lifestyle Coaching
- Outdoor and Adventure Fitness
When you’re enthusiastic about a specific aspect of training, it becomes a source of motivation and fulfilment and may also become the key to your personal trainer career progression and success.
Where Can You Work as a Personal Trainer?
As a certified personal trainer, you have a wide array of options when it comes to choosing your work environment. Here are some avenues to consider:
- Gyms: You can work in-house at Fitness First, Anytime Fitness, F45 or similar. These respected gyms offer a professional setting and a built-in clientele, allowing you to focus on honing your training skills.
- Group Fitness Instruction at Local Centers: Many local fitness centres offer group fitness classes that cover a range of programs such as Bodyattack, Bodybalance, Bodypump, RPM, Les Mills Core, or Les Mills GRIT.
- Start Your Own Personal Training Business: If you’re an entrepreneur at heart, consider launching your own personal training business. This option grants you complete control over your brand, schedule, and training methods. With dedication and a strong business plan, you can cultivate a loyal client base and create a thriving venture.
- Sports Teams and Schools: Opportunities abound for personal trainers to work with sports teams and schools. Whether it’s conditioning athletes, providing specialised training for specific sports, or contributing to physical
education programs and being an integral part of a team’s success and well-being. - Online Coaching and Consulting: In 2023, the potential for online coaching and consulting is bigger than ever. Leverage platforms and social media to offer virtual training sessions, create fitness content, and provide expert
advice to a global audience. This avenue offers flexibility and the chance to reach clients beyond geographic boundaries. - Rehabilitation Centers and Specialised Clinics: For trainers with a background in rehabilitation or a focus on injury prevention, here, you can work with clients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions, using exercise as a tool for recovery and improved quality of life.
How to Choose The Right Work Environment
Choosing the right work environment as a personal trainer is crucial for long-term success and job satisfaction. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision based on your individual preferences and career goals:
- Self-Reflection and Goal Setting: Take time to reflect on your professional goals and personal preferences. Consider factors like work hours, location, client base, and the type of training you’re most passionate about.
- Consider Clientele and Specialization: Think about the type of clients you want to work with. Do you prefer one-on-one training, group classes, or specialised populations like athletes or seniors? Choose an environment that aligns with your target demographic.
- Consider Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Determine how much control you want over your schedule. Some settings may offer more flexibility than others. Consider how the work environment aligns with your desired work-life
balance. - Seek Mentorship and Growth Opportunities: Look for environments that offer opportunities for professional development and mentorship. This can be invaluable for learning from experienced trainers and advancing your skills.
- Be Open to Change: Keep in mind that preferences and goals can evolve over time. Stay open to exploring different work environments, and be willing to make changes if needed to align with your evolving career aspirations.
Remember, the beauty with becoming a personal trainer in Australia is there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right work environment is a highly personal choice, and what works for one trainer may not work for another
How Do I Become a Successful Personal Fitness Trainer?
The longevity of your career as a Personal Trainer starts at your studies and hinges on your dedication during the initial 1-2 years of client engagement. It’s in this crucial period that you must establish a strong foundation for the future success of your fitness venture.
At Vast Fitness Academy, we understand how imperative it is for Personal Trainers to distinguish themselves amidst the broader spectrum of Fitness Professionals in the industry! That’s why we created a number of courses to help you become a Personal Trainer online. Our most comprehensive courses include:
- SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness: An entry-level qualification that enables you to work in the fitness industry as a Group Fitness Instructor or Gym Instructor.
- SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness: The gateway to becoming a Personal Trainer, either working in a gym or becoming your own boss.
- Fast Track Personal Trainer: This course enables you to start working in the industry as a Personal Trainer faster than our regular Certificate courses.Â
In order to thrive as a Personal Trainer in today’s dynamic fitness landscape, you’ll need more than just a passion for health and fitness – and this is precisely where VFA steps in to support you.
Our online fitness courses are the latest Nationally Recognised fitness qualifications in Australia. Our goal has been to create the most thorough and in-depth online course that offers flexibility and convenience every step of the way, without compromising on learning or guidance.
With dedicated support through our Fitness+ Mentorship program, you can also be allocated a Vast Certified Mentor to mentor you inside their fitness facility for the practical components of your course that require a mentor.
*TIP: Why not read our blog on 9 Essential Strategies to Succeed As a Personal Trainer.
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Success Stories: Inspiring PT Career Trajectories
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Numerous individuals have not only found success but have also thrived in their personal training careers. Take the case of Gilson, a now certified personal trainer who moved to Australia four years ago to teach nursing and boxing.
Upon finding the course with Vast Fitness Academy, he said he ‘didn’t think twice’ seeing the opportunity to follow his passion in health and fitness. With the ability to study online and in his free time, he was able to gain his certification. He is now successfully running his own Personal Training classes as well as privately and loving it every step of the way.
In conclusion, choosing a career in personal training offers a wealth of benefits and opportunities. It provides a platform to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives by helping them achieve their fitness and wellness goals. The profession allows for a flexible work schedule, enabling a better work-life balance.
Ready to take the next step in your Personal Training career? Reach out to the team at Vast Fitness Academy today to find the perfect avenue for you to fulfil your dreams.
