Becoming a personal trainer - is now the right time?

The health and fitness industry is bucking the trend of current unemployment fears by showing positive signs of growth, latest research has revealed.

Despite the difficult economic climate, 2008 FIA State of the Fitness Industry figures has revealed a 2.6 per cent increase in the estimated market value of the personal training industry.

So what does this mean for fitness professionals?

The personal training industry continues to grow and flourish as more people recognise that investment in their wellbeing should not be viewed as a luxury item.

One theory for this upward trend towards personal training is that those still in employment understand the value of staying healthy; they know that they must be accountable for their wellbeing to avoid illness and disease. Neglecting their health could lead to loss of income through illness, so we must promote personal training as an essential investment in future wellbeing and personal growth.

On the other hand people have more time on their hands because of the recession: clients who have been made redundant and paid out are stepping up their routines, using a renewed dedication to fitness to stave off postemployment blues. A number of them are burnt out from their jobs. Some are entirely re-evaluating their lives.

According to predictions, as many as one in ten workers will be unemployed by 2010. This equates to over 3 million Brits.

How can we save ourselves from being one of these figures?

As a personal trainer, it may be inevitable that you do lose business. You are going to have to get back to basics and develop new leads. Client turnover is likely to increase so you have to make a concerted effort to recruit new people. Besides proven marketing strategies, think laterally about how you can help your clients continue to afford your services. Perhaps you could suggest a shared session to half the cost?

It is time to think positively about recession, it is happening, we cannot change that. However, why not see this ‘change’ as being a time for transformation and investment. Client inquiries are the staple of the personal training industry and they have never been healthier.

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We believe that our success comes from more people being interested in losing weight, getting fit and feeling great; essentially taking better care of themselves. This is causing the personal training industry to grow. The growing fitness industry combined with entrepreneurs who have a passion for helping people lead a better quality of life through their own franchise business, is a winning recession-proof formula.”
- Mik Cowans - Inspiring Fitness

Clients want personal trainers for a reason: choice. They want to achieve something. Personal training not only empowers the client, but gives us as personal trainers an opportunity to turn our passion into a successful profession.