Online Coaching vs. Working in a Gym • Focus Fitness UK

The fitness industry is seeing some huge changes, many of which have been accelerated by the pandemic, opening up more exciting career prospects than ever before! Personal trainers used to be based solely in gyms but thanks to the rise in virtual online coaching classes and training, PTs now have the chance to operate online, opening up national and even global career opportunities.

If you’re looking to make the most of these opportunities, Focus Fitness UK can help you take your first step to becoming a PT and launch a successful career. Established in 2011, we’re London’s leading fitness education training provider. Rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with Outstanding features, Focus Fitness UK offers quality, industry recognised PT qualifications . Delivered by our team of passionate, highly qualified tutors, we offer full and part time learning as well as blended tutoring via face-to-face and online classes. We also offer government funded courses for those eligible.

In a minimum of just 8 weeks, you will have the skills and knowledge to advise your own clients on aspects of exercise and nutrition to help them reach their personal fitness goals. Once qualified, you can then decide whether virtual training is something you’d like to pursue or if face-to-face training is how you’d prefer to connect with clients. Both our Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training and Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Personal Training courses offer you the flexibility to do either, giving you freedom to follow your passion for fitness in a way that best suits you.

Here we’ve highlighted some of the key benefits of each of these career paths to help you make the right choice for your fitness career.

Online Coaching

More flexibility – with no set physical location you can work from anywhere, creating your schedule to suit you and reaching clients worldwide.

Wider client base – as location isn’t an issue, you can attract clients from anywhere around the globe, as well as clients who might not have been able to commit to a certain schedule/location before. All of our fitness qualifications are globally recognised which opens up more opportunities to grow your business.

Modern approach – online coaching is a fresh, modern experience which appeals to a lot of clients and tech-loving PTs. Streaming workouts as well as using apps and wearable technology not only adds to how engaging your sessions are, they also add to your skill-set as a PT.

Cost-effective – an online PT training business typically requires fewer overhead expenses and start-up costs compared to a traditional gym.

Pandemic-proof – recent events have shown how important online personal training is. Even in challenging times, you can continue training clients and maintaining your income.

It’s worth noting that competition for online training can be fierce! To set yourself apart, you’ll need to implement an effective marketing plan and build a significant following on social media by posting regular, engaging content.

Gym-Based Personal Training:

Better interaction – face-to-face interaction can lead to a better rapport with clients without the barrier of technology. A successful PT needs to be confident, upbeat and able to engage with a variety of clients.

Access to equipment: Gyms are well equipped with a wide range of exercise machines and strength training equipment so you can add more variety to your exercise plans.

Networking opportunities: Gyms are great places to network with other like-minded people, potentially opening doors to new opportunities. Focus Fitness UK have partnerships with a number of gym operators to help you secure your first job in the fitness industry.

Colleagues: In a gym setting, you’re likely to have colleagues to sound ideas off and observe other people’s training techniques.

Whichever path you choose, rest assured that once you’ve qualified with Focus Fitness UK you will have endless career opportunities to be able to follow your passion for fitness. Whether you take advantage of our relationships with companies such as Pure Gym and David Lloyd, or go it alone by launching your own PT business, like 15% of our graduates. All of our learners receive careers support to get their PT career off to the best start, with access to an Online Careers Hub, our dedicated Employment Manager as well as regular careers events. Focus Fitness UK has helped over 2,000 students graduate with fitness qualifications and 68% of our learners gain employment after qualifying. .

Take your first step towards a rewarding career in personal training with Focus Fitness UK and shape your fitness future with us.