Can you be too old to become a Personal Trainer?
Introduction
In the fitness industry, there is a definite element of youth outweighing experience when you look upon the personal trainers of many gym floors. This may afford the question of whether personal training is a career predominantly for younger people. This article will discuss this idea, presenting the benefits of age for personal trainers.
The Research on Older Personal Trainers
According to a statement from the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS), the demand for older PTs is undeniable. This stems from the fact that older clients may want to seek trainers in their own age group. Having a PT who comprehends and can empathise with the challenges they face can alleviate self consciousness about potential movement limitations. EREPS also notes that older clients may view more mature personal trainers as inspirational figures, which contributes to an increasing demand for seasoned professionals.
Research from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) also supports this, highlighting that the 55+ demographic is the fastest growing demographic of age groups with active gym memberships, which in line may also lead to an increase in demand for PTs also within this age bracket.
Reasons to Pursue a Career as an Older Personal Trainer
Beyond the demographic trends and demand, there are hundreds of reasons to consider becoming a personal trainer, especially at a later stage of life which you may not have previously considered:
Flexible Study Options: You can tailor your studying around existing commitments with online, part-time, or full-time study options, allowing you to become a certified personal trainer in as little as two weeks. Online Level 3 Personal Trainer Course options allow you to study in your free time and around potential existing work.
Flexible Career: As a Personal Trainer, you can enjoy the flexibility of setting your own hours, prices, and the number of clients you wish to take on, creating a career that aligns with your lifestyle.
Niche Specialisation: If you want, you may wish to leverage your age and experiences to specialise in working with older clients, providing tailored programs that address their needs.
Experience Matters: Life experience becomes a valuable asset. Part of being a great personal trainer isn’t just about fitness and nutritional knowledge. Having experience in communication and information delivery is incredibly important as a personal trainer, and these are generally traits that may come with life experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, age should not deter anyone from pursuing a career as a personal trainer. If you want to make the first step in your journey to becoming a personal trainer, then be sure to check out our Level 3 Personal Trainer Course. If you’re already a PT and you want to upgrade your knowledge, then also check out our Functional Fitness Coach Course.
If you’ve been a personal trainer for a while then why not specialise and become a strength and conditioning coach or another more specialised coach?
If you have any questions about being a personal trainer, then be sure to also check out our Personal Trainer FAQs.
