There is something very appealing about life as a personal trainer. No more sitting behind a desk day in day out, no more deadlines and no big boss watching over your shoulder. Life is spent outdoors and in places where people go to make themselves feel better. It’s a happy, feel-good industry that is rapidly on the rise.
With the economy improving and health professionals warning us of the dangers associated with being overweight, many people are turning to personal trainers as a way to keep fit. According to a 2012 IBISWorld research paper, the personal training industry rose by 5.3% in just three short years. Since then, the industry has seen continued growth but is expected to slow down as the market reaches saturation.
The personal training market
Currently in Australia, there are 6355 registered personal training businesses actively teaching each and every day. According to Sydney trainer Libby Babet, the industry is already starting to feel overcrowded. The good news is that personal training is a service that will always be required. Improving fitness, building muscle and losing weight is not always easy and personal trainers play a big part in helping people to achieve their goals.
What to do if you want to be a personal trainer
If life in the office is getting you down and you consider yourself a bit of a fitness buff, personal training can be the ideal career. Before you get started, however, consider all elements to ensure it’s the right path for you.
Becoming a personal trainer takes a good amount of discipline. You’ll have early mornings to contend with (often you’ll be up and at it by 4:30am) and you’ll also most likely be required to work of an evening. Many people who lead busy lives turn to personal trainers to help them get a better workout in a short amount of time. You will need to be prepared to fit in with these people and work outside traditional office hours.
You will also need to carefully look at your personality to know whether or not you could stand out from a crowd. Personal trainers need to be great motivators, have patience and should not be afraid to be fun, loud and sometimes a bit goofy. Personal training requires a hyperactive personality that will continue to pump and motivate people even after long hours.
Once you have decided that yes, you definitely do want to be a personal trainer, you will need to complete appropriate training. You will need to acquire a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness, and it is recommended you follow this with a purpose built theoretical training program such as the one offered by the International Career Institute. The program covers aspects such as:
The Master Personal Training Course will teach you everything you need to know about personal training and gives you the opportunity to learn from some of the county’s leading fitness professionals. There are no previous work or education requirements needed to enter this course, and participants will walk away with a Certificate that will help them when they begin finding secure employment within the fitness industry. Students can choose to fast track the course or fit their studies around other commitments. Typical completion time is 31 weeks, however students are given up to two years to complete their Master Personal Training course.
Learn more about a personal trainer course with the International Career Institute
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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