By, Caroline Newton, Certified Personal Trainer and Discovery Learning Tutor

One of the biggest questions you will have to ask yourself before entering into the personal training industry is: “Do I want to go freelance, or do I want the security of employment?”  Before you make this decision, I have highlighted some facts that might help you decide:

The “Working in Fitness 2008 Survey” stated that 76% of Personal Trainers are freelance, while 7% are employed on a part time permanent basis and only 16% are employed on a full time permanent basis. These statistics often bring people down to earn and realigns their expectations. This means that it is more difficult to obtain a full time permanent job in the industry.  The route I took into the industry was to start off as working for a big fitness company as a gym and indoor cycling instructor, I then gradually decreased my hours as a gym instructor and increased my hours as a Personal Trainer until I was a Freelance Personal Trainer paying the company a percentage of my hourly rate. I then moved to another company which charged a flat monthly rental for use of their facility. I still wore their uniform etc, but I was my own boss.  This was a step in the right direction; however, I found it frustrating to work on a shift basis, especially when my clients wanted a session outside of my times.  So I moved on from there started training people outside of the gym on my own. I trained them in their homes, and in the park. One of the key motivators for this move is that I did not need to pay any monthly rent to a middle man! Initially, I had to really get motivated and organise to market myself, and I learnt the power of the internet very quickly. I set up my own website, joined forums, advertised myself in local papers. Initially, I thought that all this work was in vain, but soon the number of clients increased, but I was too nervous to take my foot of the pedal.

I did earn more money as a freelance Trainer than employed (approximately 15% more) and my hourly rate went up, however, I had to take myself out of my comfort zone in terms of my sales techniques. I am not naturally a sales person, and found cold calling people and approaching people very uncomfortable. But through strong will power and self discipline, I managed. Then in time, it became easier and easier, with client referring their friends to me. One of the biggest tips I would be to specialise in a specific area such a weight management, sport specific goals, medical condition etc. This way you have a unique selling point that makes you meet your client’s goals.  I loved the freedom of being able to choose how and when I would work and being creative in the packages I would offer my clients.

At some points I did miss the security of a monthly fixed income that the employed route offered and I could sleep at night knowing that my bills would be paid. However, I found that if I kept my accounts up to date and developed my budgeting skills, I did not need to worry. I also consulted an accountant friend who helped me with my tax returns and what I could claim as company expenses.

After reading my experiences of freelance and employed personal training, I hope I have given you an insight to help you make your own decisions.  I know I wish I had someone to talk to, back then to help me on my way. So I suggest, chatting to both a freelance and employed Personal Trainer about their experiences to help you with your decisions.

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