From fitness trainer to personal trainer and self-employed

Fitness and trainer education gives you a solid foundation but the fitness industry contains many directions to develop further. Some stay in the center and specialize others use education as a springboard to become self-employed or to pursue further education in health and sport.

Most start as gym staff or group instructor where the focus is on the daily operations instruction of classes and guidance of new members. This is where you really sharpen your ability to read a room adapt instruction to many levels at once and build relationships that keep members coming.

Many eventually choose to specialise as a personal trainer (PT) where work is closer and more individual: customised programs closer follow-up and typically a different payment model than ordinary group training. A recognised path to PT work is an EREPS certification (European Register of Exercise Professionals) where level 4 is typically required to work as a personal trainer — a certification that is internationally recognised and therefore also opens doors outside Denmark.

• 01EREPS Level 3 – typically the level for group instructor/gym instructor.
• 02EREPS Level 4 – typically the level for personal trainer.
• 03The certification is internationally recognized and can be used in several countries.
• 04Further specialization can occur within e.g. nutrition guidance, health or performance.

Another path leads towards management: team leader, team supervisor or district manager responsible for several centres. Here the professional background is still used, but supplemented with management, staffing planning, economics and member development. This path suits well those who are passionate about both the operation and the employees as about the training itself.

Some choose to become self-employed – as a freelance personal trainer, by running your own small studio or by offering online training guidance. It requires, in addition to professional competencies, business understanding: pricing, marketing and administration. The industry's demand for skilled, trained personal trainers has been increasing, which provides a solid foundation for those who want to stand on their own feet.

“The education gives you a key to the industry—which door you open with it is up to you.”