To become a fitness instructor in the UK, you will need to obtain:

• Level 2 Gym Instructor Certificate

This course provides vital knowledge and skills required to succeed in the industry, and is a requirement of both employers and insurance providers. Some employers may list other requirements needed to become a fitness instructor, specifically the Level 3 Personal Training Qualification.

With this in mind, it is worth completing a Personal Training Diploma, which combines both the Level 2 & 3 Qualifications at a discounted price.

These qualifications must also be regulated by Ofqual, accredited by an awarding body (such as Focus Awards), and endorsed by CIMSPA.

Here are some things to consider when comparing providers:

Tutor Support – Check what support is offered and when it’s available. Many providers only offer support during office hours, which isn’t helpful if you plan to study on evenings or weekends.

Study Options – Fitness instructor courses are delivered via 3 methods: online, part-time (online + practical workshops), or full-time (4-week in-person). Ask what options they offer and choose what suits your learning style.

Career Support – Look for a provider that offers free career support as this will make it much easier to get started in the industry. For example, at OriGym we offer free CV analysis for our students.

Industry Awards – Establish the quality of their training by asking what industry awards they have won or are nominated for. The biggest awards are the BFA’s, UKactive awards, and National Fitness Awards.

Student Reviews – Check out independent review sites like TrustPilot to see what past students have to say about their experience. Look at their rating and how many reviews they have!

Once you’ve decided on a provider, it’s time to get qualified! To become a fitness instructor, you’ll need to complete the Level 2 Gym Instructing Course. This will provide you with the necessary foundational skills and knowledge to work successfully as a fitness instructor.

When you’ve gained this qualification, you can then choose to progress onto a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course. This course which will teach you how to plan and deliver 1-on-1 training programmes and help clients effectively reach their goals.

As long as you’ve chosen a reputable provider, this should be a stress-free step that allows you to apply for employment opportunities as you’re backed up by the knowledge and certification.

Once you qualify as a fitness instructor, you’ll have a range of career paths to choose from depending on your lifestyle and goals. Some of the most common options include:

Employed by a Gym – Many newly qualified instructors start by joining a health club or leisure centre as part of their staff team. You’ll usually be paid a set wage and will work with members on the gym floor, delivering inductions, offering training advice, and running classes. This route provides job security and is ideal for building experience and confidence in the role.

Freelance within a Gym – Some gyms allow fitness instructors to operate on a freelance basis. You may be employed by the gym to teach a specific class, meaning you can work at different locations. This also option offers greater flexibility and allows you to meet new members who you can offer additional services too.

Independent Work – With your qualification, you could take your skills outside of a commercial gym environment. Many instructors run bootcamps in local parks, offer sessions in community centres, or even work with clients in their homes. You could also specialise in group training, circuit-style classes, or online fitness delivery, giving you full control over your schedule and services.

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

• Public liability insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance

Never assume that being employed means you don’t need insurance! If you land an employed role in a gym, be sure to ask whether you’re insured through them and exactly what you’re covered for.

If you’re working as a freelance personal trainer, you will absolutely need to take out both of the above policies. Failing to do so could have significant legal and financial consequences.

Starting your own business? You might need additional cover, especially if you buy your own equipment or hire staff!

Once you become a qualified fitness instructor, you can then progress onto the Level 3 Personal Trainer. You can still teach fitness classes as well as train clients 1-on-1 and build your client list. The more clients you have, the more money you make!

Some of the most effective marketing strategies for personal trainers to grow their client base include:

• Establishing a social media presence
• Setting up a client referral scheme
• Building your own website
• Creating a Google My Business page
• Utilising paid ads on social media

Want more useful tips on this topic? Check out our expert guide: how to get personal training clients.