Become a Confident, In-Demand Personal Trainer – Fast

Qualify in months, work in gyms or online, and build a £40k+ career doing what you love.

Discover the Personal Trainer Pathway

Start your career as a Personal Trainer today and discover how you can progress to become a:

  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Group Exercise Instructor
  • Nutrition & Weight Management Coach
  • Online Transformation Specialist
  • Gym Manager or Studio Owner

For tailored career coaching, get in touch with our Careers Advisors on 01223 912 122.

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Graduate success stories

Here are a few testimonials from former Study Active students
Calvin Zola
Professional Footballer
“... I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a highly professional and competent L2, L3 and L4 course provider. I can not recommend them enough. The level of support is second to none and the teaching is easy to understand and follow. The prompt response to any questions that you may have is also very much appreciated. Thank you again Study Active."
Giles Matthey
Actor
“I had a wonderful experience getting my level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications with Study Active.
The online support and tutors were so helpful and professional, making it all very clear and they were always quick at responding. I did a lot of research before choosing Study Active and I’m so glad I chose them. If you have any interest in getting qualified as a Personal Trainer, Study Active are the ones to talk to!”
Anne Nixon
Former CBBC Television Presenter
“I found Study Active after hours of browsing various course providers online. The moment I had my first phone call I knew they were one to trust... the level of support is exceptional.”

Step into success

A better life for you and your clients
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Step 1: Set your goal

Know where you're starting out and where you want to go. We'll help you map it out.

Go to Step 1
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Step 2: Choose your course or bundle

Pick the training option that fits your lifestyle, ambitions, timeline and passion.

Go to Step 2
3
Step 3: Start learning

Study online at your own pace with expert support whenever you need it.

Go to Step 3
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Step 4: Start earning

Complete your course, unlock guaranteed interviews, and start your career as a personal trainer.

Go to Step 4

Step 1: Set your career goal


Think about what drives you – your passion for fitness, the ambition to move beyond an unfulfilling job, and the vision of becoming the trusted fitness coach people turn to. Decide which type of clients you want to support, then explore our courses to choose the pathway that gets you qualified quickly and helps you stand out.

Your journey can begin with the Level 3 Personal Training Course (for those who already hold a Level 2 Gym Instructing qualification) or the Level 3 Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer Course (below) if you are starting at entry level. From there, you can build your expertise further by adding specialist CPD courses tailored to your career goals.
  • Train clients 1-1 in gyms, studios, or 100% online
  • Earn £25–£75 per hour once fully qualified
  • Add specialisations like strength, group fitness, nutrition, or kettlebell coaching
  • No degree needed – start with zero experience

Course bundles & specialisations

Become a Strength and Conditioning Coach
Ideal for a fitness professional who wants to apply sports science principles to improve an athlete's performance and reduce injury risk.
  • Focus on athletic performance
  • Emphasises injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • Work with athletes and sports teams
Specialise in Advanced PT Skills
Take your training beyond the basics and stand out in the gym with high-value, in-demand skills that impress both clients and managers.
Specialise in Group Personal Training
Perfect for those who love the energy of group workouts and want to lead sessions that get people buzzing.

Step 2: Choose your course or bundle

Select the course that best matches your career goals. You can enrol on individual programmes or bundle them together for greater value.

CIMSPA Endorsed Level 3 Diploma Practitioner in Personal Training

Gain both your Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualifications in one comprehensive course

CIMSPA Endorsed Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training

Take the next step and qualify as a professional Personal Trainer

CIMSPA Endorsed Level 4 Personal Trainer Bundle

Combine gym instructing, personal training, and advanced nutrition into one powerful qualification package

McDonald Method Boxing Basics Online Course

Online, Self Study, Boxing Basics Education

McDonald Method Breathing Basics Online Course

Online, Self Study, Breathing Basics Education

CIMSPA Endorsed Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instruction

Launch your fitness career with the UK’s leading online Gym Instructor course

RSPH Level 4 Award in Nutrition

Take your fitness career to the next level with advanced nutrition coaching expertise.

Boxercise Instructor Course

Online or in person training with Boxercise Education

Level 3 Award in Nutrition for Exercise and Health

Fast track to qualify in Nutrition

Kettlebell Instructor Course

Learn to Deliver Safe, Effective Kettlebell Training with Confidence

Step 3: Start learning

Guaranteed Interviews
Benefit from our network of top UK gyms.
Flexible Study
Study on your own time, from anywhere.
Trusted Provider
An industry leader trusted by 1000's since 2012.
Growing Careers
Jobs in a growing industry with top satisfaction.

Step 4: Start earning


Once you’re qualified, we don’t leave you hanging. As one of the UK’s top-rated training providers, we’ve built partnerships with leading gyms across the country —including The Gym Group, Virgin Active, and more. Learners get access to guaranteed job interviews, giving you a clear pathway into paid employment, check out our Career Support page to learn more.

Want a career that pays well, fits around your life, and doesn’t require a university degree? Becoming a Personal Trainer opens the door to flexible, rewarding jobs that keep you active, fulfilled, and in control of your time. Whether you want to work in gyms, run sessions in the community, coach clients online, or build your own fitness brand, it all starts here.
1. Personal Trainer 

Salary: £25,000 – £45,000+ (higher if self-employed with a strong client base) 

Description: 

Help clients smash their fitness goals with tailored workout programmes and nutrition advice. Work face-to-face in gyms, leisure centres, or as your own boss. 

Growth outlook: 

Consistent demand in gyms, health clubs, and private studios across the UK. 

2. Online Personal Trainer 

Salary: £25,000 – £45,000+

Description: 

Coach clients remotely using apps, video calls, and social media. A perfect way to train anyone, anywhere — and keep earning without being tied to a single gym. 

Growth outlook: 

Rapid growth as more clients want flexible, home-based training options. 

3. Group Trainer / Instructor 

Salary: £22,000 – £38,000+ (or £25–£50+ per class as a freelancer) 

 Description: 

 Lead high-energy classes in gyms, parks, or even cruise ships. From circuits to bootcamps, motivate and manage groups to hit their goals together. 

 Growth outlook: 

 Steady demand through gyms, leisure centres, and community fitness programmes

4. Studio Cycling Instructor 

Salary: £28,000 – £50,000+ (plus bonuses for popular classes) 

Description: 

One of the most in-demand group training roles in the UK. Run music-driven spin classes that clients love and keep coming back for. 

Growth outlook: 

Strong and growing as indoor cycling gains popularity in gyms and workplace wellness programmes. 

View all