Got a passion for health and fitness?

Why not work as a PT? Here are five ways to do it…

plus seven tips to help you build your freelance empire

College

Many colleges now offer the Active IQ Diploma in Personal Training for Health, Fitness and Performance. This two-year, full-time course is designed to provide a direct pathway to employment within the health and fitness industry. The course also carries UCAS points, enabling students to keep their options open and progress into work or take a university pathway at the end of their studies.

To find a college offering the Diploma in Personal Training for Health, Fitness and Performance please visit www.activeiq.co.uk/students.

Apprenticeship

A personal training apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with study (usually one day per week) and typically lasts 12 months. You’ll work full-time for a gym, leisure centre or health club, shadowing those performing the role you’re preparing for, taking on more responsibility as you become more experienced. You’ll also earn while you learn.

Everyone Active has taken on 1,000 apprentices in the past four years across their 140 sites nationwide. For more information on apprenticeships and to search for apprenticeships near you visit www.getingofar.gov.uk to apply for an apprenticeship with Everyone Active visit www.everyoneactive.com

University

Some university degrees are recognised by REPs, with the units of the PT course embedded into the degree. You’ll complete the assessments associated with the PT qualification as part of your university coursework and exams. Other universities offer the PT course as part of an additional CPD programme.

“The job market for university graduates is very competitive, so having a PT qualification in addition to a degree can give students the edge in finding employment,” explains Kristoph Thompson, Sideways8 Training. “Working in a field related to their studies allows them to put the concepts from lectures into practice straight away, benefiting their studies and their part-time work.

” To search for universities that offer personal training as part of a degree course please visit www.ucas.com. For Sideways8 university courses nationwide visit www.sideways8.co.uk

Full-time

Full-time study is perfect for those wanting to start work as a PT in the shortest possible time. This option typically takes around six weeks to complete and will involve attending lessons five days a week, eight hours a day. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in your studies.

This is perhaps the most expensive option, with the cost anything upward of £2,000. In addition to the cost, you should also factor in the cost of any travel to and from the training venue, and potentially any overnight accommodation.

Any centre delivering the course needs to be accredited by an awarding organisation such as Active IQ or YMCA Awards. You can search for your nearest centre on both of their websites.

Part-time study

This will involve independent study, completed using e-learning or a workbook, or a combination of the two. This is usually combined with attendance days for additional tuition and the completion of any theory and practical assessments.

It will take longer to gain the qualification than the full-time option, but gives you the flexibility to fit study around your existing commitments and allows you to progress at your own pace.

As you receive less face-to-face tuition than the full-time approach, part-time study is a little cheaper. The part-time approach is not for everyone, before committing you need to be confident you have the discipline to study independently.

7 TIPS TO BUILD YOUR ONLINE FITNESS EMPIRE

Words: Li-at Karpel Gurwicz, Wix.com

Competition is fierce, so here are seven essential tips to whip your fitness brand into shape:

1_ Visuals are your weapon

Being in the fitness industry, chances are that you have some killer fitness and workout tips. Use Vines, Instagram videos and YouTube to share your expert advice with your audience. You could complete a full workout video on YouTube or simply release a teaser on Instagram. This will position you as an expert and show potential clients what they can expect when getting fit with you! Also, sharing these visuals through your social media channels will help promote your brand and best of all, it’s free!

2_ Social Media

Fitness gurus are all over social media; the #fitfam has been used over 49 million times! These accounts are successful because their channels combine story telling (fitness journeys) with regular updates and motivation. Using social media will help build your business by reaching a wider range of potential

3_ clients

Channels like Snapchat and Instagram are particularly important in advertising your business because of their aspirational nature. Using strong visuals and videos can help inspire your audience to make the positive change to a happier, healthier life.

4_ Consistency Is Key

Just like achieving any fitness goal, your online presence needs to be consistent to be effective. Choose descriptions and visuals that represent your brand and vision.

5_ Position yourself as a fitness guru

A great way to position yourself as an expert is to share your praise through your website and social media channels. If you have clients gushing over your services, encourage them to share their experiences. It’s an effective way to get positive feedback to a wider audience and also brings your community together.

6_ Website

Another key channel that will help boost your online presence is a website. While your social media feeds and videos are important, their goal is to drive potential customers to your website. This is why your website needs to embody everything you want your audience to know about you and your business.

7_ Be easily contactable

Being able to communicate in real time is an important part of a strong online presence. When your potential customers have questions or run into a problem, responding promptly shows you care about your audience and what they have to say.

8_ Blog

Be a source of reliable information for your fitness community and start a blog. It can be shared through your social media channels and linked to your website. Building a voice of authority in your industry can lead to partnerships with other businesses and brands, as well as showing off your knowledge and expertise.