Personal Training Career, still worth it?

StephenCPA

Hi, I've always fancied a career in health and fitness but always shied away from it, I don't know why, probably because of fear of failure. I'm living abroad and really not particularly happy in my career and I'm thinking of following my dream of starting a career in health and fitness.

The question is, is it still worth it? I read a thread from 8 years ago, where it seemed a few boardsies were doing OK. But with the recession and the fact that every dog on the street now seems to be a gym expert, can one still make a career for themselves?

I'm nearly 30, I'm in good shape and have a lot of fitness hobbies (running, cycling, yoga, weight-lifting). But I'm beginning to feel like I'm on the scrap heap career wise.

Any advice on whether this is feasible and what course is the best to take.

I'm also willing to travel, if anyone can recommend any opportunities internationally.

Deco99

StephenCPA wrote: »

Hi, I've always fancied a career in health and fitness but always shied away from it, I don't know why, probably because of fear of failure. I'm living abroad and really not particularly happy in my career and I'm thinking of following my dream of starting a career in health and fitness.

The question is, is it still worth it? I read a thread from 8 years ago, where it seemed a few boardsies were doing OK. But with the recession and the fact that every dog on the street now seems to be a gym expert, can one still make a career for themselves?

I'm nearly 30, I'm in good shape and have a lot of fitness hobbies (running, cycling, yoga, weight-lifting). But I'm beginning to feel like I'm on the scrap heap career wise.

Any advice on whether this is feasible and what course is the best to take.

I'm also willing to travel, if anyone can recommend any opportunities internationally.

Brother doin it last few years. You need qualifications, experience and a bit of luck. Its a long road and you'll most likely have a satisfying career as opposed to a financially successful one. Getting paying work is a big task.

Paddy_PT

I was a mental health care worker from the age of 17 to 25 then moved to Spain for a career break for almost a year, once I returned I knew I wanted to become a personal trainer!!

I have always been a gym enthusiast and loved training with people. I started reading alot about programmes and supplementation and eventually people started asking my advice. This planted the seed in my head and I had to do it!!

Im now 27 and have a level 2 and 3 fitness qualification. I worked in a small gym for 6 months and actually had a decent amount of clients ( Any PT will tell you that getting clients when your starting out can be difficult ) Sadly after some issues with the gym plus my girlfriend being from west cork (Im from the north) I decided to moved and sadly to date havent been able to find work.

Is it difficult? Yes! But when you actually start seeing progress it will all be worth it. There are millions of new PT's these days so dont follow the crowd. Dare to be different, dont take on clients if you know you cant help them. If you want to be rich and dont want to put the hard work in then its not the career for you.

Hunter gatherer

To be a trainer you would have to be more confident. It sounds like you may be lacking in confidence. I could be wrong. But if it is what you want to do (and you seem to have thought about it for some time but have put it on the back burner) then I would say go for it.

Is it still worth it? Financially, it can be different for everyone. Depends on if you can survive getting experience in a decent gym and building up your own clients.

But in terms of the sense of reward, if it is what you want to do, then YES. Helping people who struggle with their fitness is very rewarding.