Spin Instructor vs. Personal Trainer: Which Career Is Right for You?

So, you love fitness. You’re the one your mates ask for gym tips, and you practically live in activewear (don’t worry, same here – I’ve accepted it as a lifestyle now). And now you’re thinking… hmm, could I do this for a living? 

Welcome to the great career crossroads: spin instructor vs personal trainer. 

I’ve done a little digging into both – think of this blog as your behind-the-scenes guide to figuring out which path is more your vibe. Whether you're looking to switch gears (pun very much intended) or just want to offer more rounded advice to your clients, this blog’s got the goods. 

Let’s spin into it (okay, I’ll stop... maybe).

What's the Day-to-Day Like? 

The Spin Instructor Life 

If you’ve ever taken a spin class, you’ll know it’s basically a dance party on bikes – with a bit more sweat and the occasional leg wobble when you get off. 

As a spin instructor, you're leading the charge, playlist pumping, motivating the crew to push through those hill climbs and sprints like their lives depend on it. You’ll usually teach group classes at gyms, studios, or leisure centres. Expect early mornings or evening slots – that's when the class warriors come out. 

Key tasks: 

Oh, and you’ll likely be teaching multiple classes a day across different venues, unless you land a fixed gig. 

Personal Trainer Vibes 

Personal trainers (PTs for short – because who has time for full titles?) are all about one-on-one support. You're working directly with clients, helping them reach their goals – whether it's building muscle, losing fat, or running their first 10K. 

Your day could be a mix of gym floor sessions, program writing, nutrition chats, and dodging people who think they know better than you because they read one dodgy blog. 

Responsibilities include: 

If you want variety and deep, long-term impact, PT life might be calling your name. 

Let’s Talk Money: What’s the Earning Potential? 

Okay, let’s be honest – passion is great, but we all have bills (and protein powder isn't cheap). So in the spin instructor vs personal trainer battle, who takes the cash crown? 

Spin Instructor Earnings 

As a spin instructor, pay usually comes in per-class rates. In the UK, this can range from £20 to £50 a class depending on the location, your experience, and the studio’s fanciness level (aka if they give out eucalyptus towels, you’re probs on the higher end). 

Teach five classes a week at £30? That’s £150. Double it and do ten? You’re at £300. Not bad, but your income is capped unless you teach a lot. (Or become an international spin celeb like those Peloton instructors. Manifest it.) 

You’ll also need to factor in time spent travelling, prepping classes, and, let’s be real, recovering. 

Personal Trainer Potential 

Here’s where things get juicy. PTs typically charge per session, and that can vary wildly. We're talking £25 to £100+ an hour, depending on experience, location, and whether you train in-person or online. 

You can go freelance, work in a gym (sometimes with commission or rent), or go fully online. Some PTs even run group classes or bootcamps to maximise earnings. 

Need help working out your rate? This fab guide breaks it all down: How Much to Charge for a Personal Training Class. 

In short: PT life can be more lucrative, but it might take longer to build your client base. Spin is more structured, but you’re trading time for money. 

Qualifications: What Do You Need? 

Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to get certified. No one wants to be trained by someone who “just vibes it”. 

To become a spin instructor, you’ll usually need a Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification plus a group indoor cycling course. If you're starting from scratch, check out the Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction – it’s the perfect first step. 

For PTs, you’ll need the Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications. That unlocks the door to working with clients 1:1 and getting insurance. 

Bonus: Sites like Active IQ and CIMSPA can help you understand what courses are fully recognised and where you can go from there (nutrition, pre/post-natal, strength & conditioning – the works). 

Job Satisfaction: Which One Wins? 

Here’s where it gets subjective. Because job satisfaction depends on your personality, lifestyle, and goals. 

Why People Love Being Spin Instructors 

Energy: Nothing beats the buzz of a packed class all pedaling to the beat. 

Sociability: You become a bit of a local celeb – especially if you have a signature playlist or motivational catchphrase. 

Structure: Classes are scheduled, so it’s easier to plan your week. 

But if you don’t like loud music, cardio, or shouting, well… it’s going to be a long 45 minutes. 

Why Personal Trainers Thrive 

Real impact: You see clients grow stronger, fitter, and more confident – it’s super rewarding. 

Flexibility: You can structure your work hours (and even go online). 

Career progression: From group sessions to elite sport, the path is broad. 

That said, it can be a hustle at first. You’ll need to market yourself, manage admin, and keep clients motivated – even when they want to give up and crawl into a doughnut. 

Still not sure which to pick? Check out Great Paying Personal Training Jobs with No Prior Experience for some inspo on how quickly you can get stuck in. 

So... Spin Instructor vs Personal Trainer – Which Is Right for You? 

Let’s break it down: 

If you’re all about that high-energy, music-fueled, group-vibe life – spin might be your match. But if you're more into custom plans, helping people transform long-term, and maybe working in your trackies from home? PT is calling. 

Still stuck? A good ol’ pros and cons list never hurt anyone. And if you want a peek into course options and career advice, I always recommend having a nosey on sites like WhichPersonalTrainerCourse.co.uk or Premier Global too. 

Final Thoughts: Follow the Sweat Trail That Feels Right 

In the end, there’s no wrong choice in the spin instructor vs personal trainer debate – just the one that fits your lifestyle, energy, and goals best. 

Hey, you could even do both! Teach spin classes a few times a week and train clients the rest of the time. Double the income, double the fun (and double the need for deep tissue massages – but worth it). 

Whichever you choose, just remember – you’re stepping into a role that changes lives. And that, my friend, is pretty damn cool. 

Article by Jemma Walsh, Blog Editor for Study Active.