Free vs Paid Personal Trainer Courses Explained

Nowadays, our access to learning opportunities are far and wide, and can often be overwhelming in their scope. Personal training courses are no exception to this rule, and if you’ve considered doing a personal training course, you probably already know about the broad range of options out there for you.

One of the most significant differences between courses, however, is whether it’s free or requires payment and we’re here to explain the difference between the two.

Most people want to study a personal training course to become a certified personal trainer or fitness instructor so that they can help clients through their fitness journey, whether it be online or in person.

What many don’t know; however, is that depending on prior industry experience or qualifications, the course in which you start (or continue) your fitness education, can vary. The course you can study will determine how qualified of a personal trainer (PT) you become. In personal training, there are three levels.

This is the introductory level in which people start their professional careers in the fitness industry. All necessary knowledge about client and machine handling, as well as the steps to take during a professional personal training service, are covered. Practical placement occurs by shadowing a Level 3 Personal Trainer at a licensed establishment. This is the first step to a new career as a fitness professional.

Skills and knowledge are extended in a professional setting, and all clients are independently the personal trainer’s own. Often exercise specialisations are developed during this level by completing higher specialisation qualifications (e.g. pregnancy training or boxing).

A personal trainer at this level is highly knowledgeable in all areas of fitness and has extensive experience handling multiple client situations. Level 3 personal trainers often take on a mentoring role for younger, less developed professionals. Other PTs and their clients may consult a Level 3 PT for assistance with trickier or more nuanced issues.

Depending on your overall goal for completing a fitness course, both paid and free fitness courses have their benefits. For those who wish to use the acquired knowledge for their own personal use and who have the self-discipline to persevere with a non-structured course, a free-course is a great, no-cost, no-risk option!

If you’re looking to become a qualified personal trainer and start your career in the fitness industry, a paid course is a critical step in the right direction to ensure you’re properly educated and qualified to take on clients and start your business!