Horsham-based female personal trainer, Becky, embarked upon her personal training course four years ago. Having experienced training through the highs and lows of lockdowns, and now working face-to-face with a variety of clients, she shares her advice for those looking to undertake a Level 3 Personal Training certification…
I was nervous when I booked my PT course. I knew that I wanted to do it, but I had reservations. My main concern was the fact that I don’t fit the typical “look” that many convey. It’s something I’d really like to see change about the industry, and think that I help to change this just a little.
There were a lot of things I noticed whilst I was undergoing my training, so for anyone else who’s thinking about doing it, these are my main pieces of advice…
Have some personal training
There were four other people on my course. None of them had had any personal training sessions themselves.
I’ll let that sink in.
I’d been training with a PT for over three years, having sessions twice per month. I also went to a gym where several other personal trainers work, and had spent some time observing their sessions from a distance. I knew what it was like to be a client, and to learn from scratch. I knew what did and didn’t work for me. And whilst that can’t be applied to everyone, it gave me a start.
I know that there’s an affordability level with personal training, and I’m not saying that there should be a figure attached to how much coaching a person should receive prior to training others. What I am saying is that it’s worth having at least a handful of sessions, going to a few classes, or observing how others work (and not in a weird way!). It’ll give you some more background to work with, and help you take a different perspective.
Do the course in person
Remote learning has been how I’ve done several qualifications and, in terms of improving access, it’s so important. I also think that, for an in-person and practical role, having practical training face-to-face is beneficial.
If there’s a blended option available, so that you can do some learning remotely, and the practical elements in person, I’d advocate for that being a great option. I think that there’s greater development opportunity in receiving real-time feedback, and interacting with other people. Again, you’ll get to witness different styles, and appreciate a fresh perspective. It’s your chance to learn in a low-risk environment, before the training wheels come off and you have to go it alone.
Be critical
What I want you to be critical of is specific. I don’t mean the facilities, or the teaching (necessarily). The PT course material deserves to be criticised. I always knew that I was going to disagree with some of it, and I understood that it’d be a case of getting through it then being able to do it my own way.
In my opinion, a lot of the course is outdated, and students aren’t necessarily encouraged to question whether what is taught is correct for every client. It’s very generalised, and there’s a lack of holistic content. I’d encourage anyone participating to listen, learn, and continue to develop. Appreciate that you’re working with people, who are all individuals, and that therefore one style or approach doesn’t work for everyone.
Again, as with driving, it’s the case that you learn more once you pass your assessments than before. Having to actually satisfy clients, rather than assessor, is when you learn what has appeal among your target market, and wise personal trainers will figure out how to put together sessions which are technically effective whilst also being enjoyable.
Your biggest mistake would be to learn the course handbook and regurgitate it to those you hope to keep as clients. You won’t last long.
My role as a personal trainer is something that I find incredibly satisfying, and getting to run my own business is a valuable experience for me. It’s also important to stay true to the “personal” element of the job title – your role is to provide individuals with a service that’s tailored to them, which is worth remembering.