How to Become a Personal Trainer in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a personal trainer (PT) in 2025 is an exciting opportunity to turn your passion for fitness into a rewarding career. Whether you want to help people get stronger, lose weight, or improve their overall health, personal training offers flexibility, great earning potential, and the chance to make a real impact.

If you’re wondering how to become a personal trainer, this guide will take you through the exact steps you need to follow to get qualified and start your career.

Why Become a Personal Trainer?

Before diving into the process, let’s talk about why personal training is an amazing career choice:

Flexible Work – Set your own hours and work in gyms, online, or even from home.
Good Earning Potential – The average PT in the UK earns £25-£50 per hour, with top trainers making £5K+ per month.
Job Satisfaction – Help people transform their health and fitness.
Opportunities for Growth – Specialise in areas like sports performance, special populations, or young people.

If that sounds good, let’s look at how to get started.

Watch or Listen: How to Become a Personal Trainer in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you thinking about becoming g a personal trainer in 2025? In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy Podcast, we guide you through how to make this a reality step by step.

Watch on YouTube – Hit play below to watch the full episode:


Listen on the Podcast – Prefer audio? Tune in here:

Step 1: Get the Right Qualifications

To work as a certified personal trainer in the UK, you need to complete an accredited qualification.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

1️⃣ Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualification – The foundation course that allows you to work in a gym.
2️⃣ Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification – The essential qualification to work as a PT and train clients 1:1.

Without a Level 3 PT qualification, you can’t work as a personal trainer.

Want to get qualified quickly? Check out our Personal Trainer Courses to fast-track your career!

Step 2: Choose a Training Provider

Not all PT courses are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

CIMSPA and REPs Approved Courses – Ensures your qualification is recognised in the UK.
Flexible Study Options – Choose between full-time, part-time, or online learning.
Career Support – Look for a provider that offers help with job placements, marketing, and business setup.

Stand Out from the Others!

Our Advanced and Elite Packages cover everything you need to qualify, stand out from the crowd and build your own fitness business so you can start earning fast!

Step 3: Get Certified & Gain Experience

Once you complete your PT qualification, you’ll need to:

Gain Hands-On Experience – Work in a gym, shadow an experienced PT, or train friends/family.
Start Building Your Personal Brand – More on this in Step 5!

Pro Tip: The best PTs start marketing themselves while still studying. Utilise social media and start sharing health and fitness education to help others achieve their goals.

Step 4: Decide How You Want to Work

Personal trainers can work in multiple ways, depending on their goals.

Where Can You Work?

️‍Commercial Gyms – Salary or rent-based PT roles.
Self-Employed/Online Coaching – Set your own rates and work remotely.
Outdoor & Mobile Training – Train clients in parks, homes, or corporate settings.

Each option has pros and cons, so choose the one that fits your lifestyle. Our Bulletproof Business Course, included in our Advanced and Elite PT packages, has a module called ‘Build a Bespoke Business’, which teaches you how to build a fitness business that gives you the lifestyle and income you desire.

Step 5: Build Your Business & Get Clients

Getting qualified is just the first step – now, you need clients!

How to Find Clients as a New PT

Use Social Media – Post workouts, transformations, and fitness tips.
Network Locally – Offer free taster sessions in gyms or parks.
Create a Website – Make it easy for people to book sessions with you.
Get Testimonials – Even training 2-3 friends for free can help you build credibility.

Want a step-by-step guide to building a profitable PT business? Check out our PT Business Course to learn how to market yourself and get consistent clients.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer?

The cost of a Level 3 PT course in the UK typically ranges from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the provider and study method. Many offer flexible payment plans to make it more affordable. Remember, quality matters—a cheaper course may cost you more in the long run if it lacks proper accreditation or support!

How Much Can You Earn as a PT?

Your earnings as a PT depend on where and how you work:

Gym-Based PT – £25-£50 per hour
Online Coaching – £100+ per month per client
Self-Employed PT – £40-£100 per session

Want to learn how to maximise your income? Our Fitness Business Course teaches you how to scale to £5K+ per month.

Ready to Start Your PT Journey?

Becoming a personal trainer in 2025 is easier than ever, but having the right qualifications, experience, and business skills is key.

Take the first step today! Check out our Personal Trainer Courses and start your dream career in fitness.

FAQs About Becoming a Personal Trainer

How long does it take to become a PT?

Most people qualify in 12-16 weeks (level 2 & level 3).

Can I become a PT without a qualification?

No, a Level 3 PT qualification is essential for gaining employment in gyms, securing insurance, and building a credible career. Most gyms and fitness facilities require it, and without it, getting insured—an absolute must for protecting yourself and your clients—is nearly impossible.

Is personal training a good career in 2025?

Yes! The demand for qualified trainers is growing, especially for online coaching and specialist fitness niches.

Do I need business skills to be a successful PT?

Yes – marketing, client retention, and pricing strategies are essential for making a good income. Learn how in our PT Business Course.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a personal trainer in 2025 is a fantastic career choice for those passionate about fitness and helping others. By following this guide, you’ll be on your way to getting qualified, finding clients, and building a successful business.

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