Any Personal Trainers on here?

[Dog Biscuit]

Just looking for some advice....

I'm looking to undertake the training to become one and want to select the best, most comprehensive and cost effective provider that has all the right associations for insurance.

I'm 51, currently qualified an amateur boxing coach with England Boxing and well versed with all aspects of physical training and student management etc.

My target market with the PT route is my current demographic where Ilive - older people, say 50 plus who are finding things are harder than they used to be, fitness has deteriorated and accumulating the associated ailments of older age. Like a get fit and improve mobility rather than weight loss and smashing out PBs.

Many thanks

[milesgiles]

I’m not but I think it’s a great idea. I would just get the minimal qualifications your gym requires but LOOK THE PART. I’m 50 myself, if you look fit at that age I’d be amazed if you didn’t get business

[Dog Biscuit]

Thanks Giles and yeah I agree; if you're selling the dream you have got to live the dream.

Fortunately I'm in good fettle as I work out daily, be that cardio, boxing or weights. It's partly my reasoning for the move - I want to help others get into shape and enjoy life better in later years.

[milesgiles]

Since it’s not my job I don’t diet strictly enough to be ripped. But I still stand out a little for my age and get asked bits and bobs here and there. Got to believe there’s an obvious niche for older trainers training older clients

[Dog Biscuit]

milesgiles said:

Since it’s not my job I don’t diet strictly enough to be ripped. But I still stand out a little for my age and get asked bits and bobs here and there. Got to believe there’s an obvious niche for older trainers training older clients

That's my feeling too

I just don't think people really realise how much their strength and mobility deteriorates with age and before they know it they are struggling.

The mental lift is a big benefit too.

[milesgiles]

Dog Biscuit said:

That's my feeling too

I just don't think people really realise how much their strength and mobility deteriorates with age and before they know it they are struggling.

The mental lift is a big benefit too.

Just don’t think a twenty year old has any concept of the limitations of middle age. I know I didn’t. Makes no sense to me hiring a much younger pt unless of the opposite sex obvs

[popeyewhite]

Hello OP, I did the Premier personal trainer course about 20 years ago. To my mind they were quite thorough. I went on to teach for Premier, already having a couple of exercise related Degrees, and like yourself a long term history of sports coaching: mine in strength and conditioning and martial arts.

A quick Google informs Premier still exists, I can't really speak for any others though I have a qualification from ABC as well. Regarding insurance: I source my own. Regarding clientele: you adapt your style to whatever demographic you choose. Unless you take a specific course (ie post operation rehab for heart patients) you could coach almost any age group provided you screen properly initially.

[Dog Biscuit]

popeyewhite said:

Hello OP, I did the Premier personal trainer course about 20 years ago. To my mind they were quite thorough. I went on to teach for Premier, already having a couple of exercise related Degrees, and like yourself a long term history of sports coaching: mine in strength and conditioning and martial arts.

A quick Google informs Premier still exists, I can't really speak for any others though I have a qualification from ABC as well. Regarding insurance: I source my own. Regarding clientele: you adapt your style to whatever demographic you choose. Unless you take a specific course (ie post operation rehab for heart patients) you could coach almost any age group provided you screen properly initially.

Ah great thanks for that - really useful and I appreciate it!

I'll take a look at the premier route and see what they offer.

[DrEMa]

I'm a PT and massage therapist, also not that much younger than you (45). My advice would be to find the cheapest course to get the qualification for insurance, then invest your time and money in to learning from people who are experts in their field - every PT qualification course will cover basic gym exercises, programming etc but realistically none of that will make you stand out from the crowd. They're also way behind with regards to things like anatomy and functional movement (in the true sense, not CrossFit stuff). Feel free to give me a shout if you want any advice on where to start looking.

[popeyewhite]

DrEMa said:

They're also way behind with regards to things like anatomy and functional movement (in the true sense, not CrossFit stuff).

When I was at Uni on a Sports Coaching Degree (Bsc) we did a very thorough module on anatomy. We were joined for the entire module (1x pw/5 weeks) by students on the Premier personal trainer course. This was a while back now. To be fair I have no idea - other providers who run these courses may do exactly the same, I'm not trying to promote premier in any way!