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Retraining as a Gym Instructor or PT

5 replies

gigi556 · 31/01/2018 11:40

Has anyone on here re-trained as a personal trainer or fitness instructor? Or perhaps already works in this field?

My DS1 is currently eight months old and I definitely do not want to go back to old job. Really wasn't enjoying it. Could go back to the 9 to 5 but increasingly thinking I'd love to be self-employed (Was self-employed in the past so know what it involves). I guess so many mums on here have said the same, but I'd like to have something flexible around my baby and future children.

I think I've got the personality for coaching and I've always really enjoyed fitness and exercise despite being out of shape at the minute. I was thinking i could run a Boot Camp style fitness business and/or mommy and baby fitness classes..

My current salary is £30k and I'd like to earn at least that fairly quickly (1-2 years). Ideally I'd like to earn £60k+ but realize that is really dependent on how big I can make the business and I'd have to employ other instructors or franchise at that level and it won't happen overnight.

Thoughts?

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Didntcomeheretofuckspiders · 31/01/2018 11:52

Honestly, it’s really hard to make a living in fitness unless you have something totally unique because the market is absolutely saturated. Most gym instructor jobs are barely above minimum wage and whilst PTs can make very good money, you have to be absolutely top notch and find a really good base to work from (be that in a gym, your own home or something else). The best PTs I know CAN make 60kpa but the hours are usually difficult as people want to train around their work days and other commitments. It also takes a long time to build up the client base to get to this point. It’s not totally undoable but I would definitely do a lot of research first.

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gigi556 · 31/01/2018 14:40

Thanks @Didntcomeheretofuckspiders , I guess I was thinking of starting a group fitness business more than really becoming a PT in the traditional sense, but I'd start by getting qualified and running the classes myself and then build from there with other instructors. Are you in the industry?

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Didntcomeheretofuckspiders · 31/01/2018 14:54

My partner is, although he works as management for a big health and fitness company rather than as a fitness instructor these days. I used to work in public sector leisure and now work for the NHS. I have fantasised about leaving to set up antenatal and postnatal personal training frequently but I just can’t quite find a way to justify it given how tough it is to get into the market.

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Didntcomeheretofuckspiders · 31/01/2018 15:00

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gigi556 · 31/01/2018 16:51

Ok, interesting. I feel like there isn't a lot on offer in my immediate area in the prenatal/postnatal sector and there are a TON of new mums. You cannot leave the house without bumping into dozens of pram pushers.

I found this franchise business which outlines potential earning which I thought might be a bit generous, but still promising. I have visions of my own brand all over West Yorkshire. - www.sweatymamafranchise.com/what-can-i-earn/