I have been asked many times: "What is the best way to progress my training without injury?" Inside any fitness club, there are several avenues open to you. Let me describe them clearly, because not all guidance is equal — and knowing the difference matters.
You will find three levels of expertise. Most fitness clubs require some form of recognised certification before anyone is permitted to train their members — awarded by an approved training school or association.
Fitness and Gym Instructors
These individuals typically range from 17 to 21 years of age. They hold a Level 2 qualification — not yet the Level 3 standard now required to become a Personal Trainer. Think of it as an apprenticeship: they are learning the trade on the club floor.
At this level, they are not permitted to accept money for personal instruction — the club pays them directly. You will see them cleaning machines, taking studio classes, showing prospective new members around, and helping existing members use the equipment correctly. Their assistance is free. Many clubs give them a distinct uniform to distinguish them.
Personal Trainers
A qualified Personal Trainer has completed the Level 3 qualification — typically achieved after three months of study. We must hold our own personal insurance, public indemnity insurance (usually at £5 million), a current First Aid certificate, and CIMSPA registration.
Full-time PTs are self-employed. We pay the club a monthly rent in exchange for access to their members. We charge clients a fee — hourly, monthly, or in blocks — with sessions typically running around one hour. What a PT charges depends largely on how good they consider themselves to be.
It is not uncommon for PTs to work some shift hours for the club to offset their monthly rent, particularly while building their client base. When the shift ends, they revert to operating as a self-employed PT, charging accordingly.
Ask members who they would recommend, and observe trainers on the floor before committing. Does their style fit your personality? Personal training is about personalities first — then training.
Do not expect a PT to approach you on the gym floor unprompted — it is simply not the done thing. In a class environment they will be more approachable. Outside of that, you will need to make the first move.
Apps and Online Training
With the rise of technology, many clubs now offer free apps as part of membership — showing exercises on club equipment and suggested routines to follow. In principle, this sounds ideal. In practice, if you are new, you are left entirely on your own to determine what weight to use, how to perform the movement correctly, and how to locate the equipment. None of that is as simple as it looks on a screen.
It will be rare for anyone to approach you unprompted. More often than not, it will be a fellow member — not a trainer — who asks if you need a hand.
Online Personal Training
Online training became widespread before and during the pandemic. What began as something genuinely useful — an oasis, for many people — has since expanded considerably. Search "fitness trainers" online today and the list is endless. Bear in mind that you will likely need to purchase equipment separately.
Payment is typically made upfront via bank transfer or card. The most reliable way to find a good online PT is through a personal referral from someone already using one.
My concern with online-only training is this: if something goes wrong, recourse is extremely limited. An email address and a mobile number are not enough to hold anyone to account.
You are paying for their service. Make sure you are protected.
CIMSPA — What It Means and Why It Matters
Before appointing any online trainer, ask them to confirm they hold a Level 3 qualification, personal insurance, and public indemnity cover. Then check for CIMSPA registration.
CIMSPA is a government-recognised body that vets qualified Personal Trainers against a high standard of ability. No reputable fitness club will accept a PT without it. It was established specifically in response to the surge in online training injuries and cases where clients paid for sessions that were never delivered — with no address to pursue, no contract, and no protection.
Many online trainers do not hold this endorsement, or any formal qualification. That does not automatically disqualify them — but it does mean you must do your own due diligence. At the very minimum, they should be insured. CIMSPA at least gives you a trail to follow if things go wrong.
Know what you are signing up for before you sign.