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From overcoming gymtimidation to PTs becoming the norm… Here’s how 2020 brought a positive change to the fitness industry.

We’re on the brink of leaving 2020 behind and it’s truly astonishing for us at all to reflect back on what we’ve been through as a nation this year. It will be an emotional and bittersweet farewell to the year that turned our world upside down; putting us to the ultimate test but overall helping us to come out even stronger than ever.

So on that beginning note, how can we complain? The pandemic has taught us that with the right grit and determination, anyone can face the odds and evolve when it’s crunch time. Remaining positive is such an integral part of fitness, and right now the rest of the world could benefit from this outlook too – so here we are, spreading the word!

It’s not just businesses that have discovered new ways to survive, but lockdown itself and the surge in online workouts opened up a whole new avenue to people suffering with ‘gymtimidation’ prior to the pandemic!

It might be hard for us gym addicts to comprehend, but the gym actually isn’t for everyone. Plenty of people feel uncomfortable even stepping foot inside one, which is why the boom in online workouts might have been the best thing that ever happened this year for those who finally gained the courage to transform their mindset and turn their life around.

And we know better than most that becoming fit and uprooting old habits really does change lives. So how about that Covid-19? A restrictive and negative presence has been used for something constructive and hopeful, which is the inspiration we all need to continue battling against the virus.

It’s amazing to see the opportunity this year has created for people, but of course we can’t ignore who else this benefits: us, the personal trainers! With gyms still walking a slippery slope and being ripped away from the public on the regular, it’s absolutely crucial that fitness professionals can access an online market to work within and continue doing what they do best.

People from all walks of life have relied on fitness so much this year and used it as a crutch to lean on, even those who had never worked out a day in their life! And as a result, the industry has completely evolved into something bigger.

Let this be a glimmer of hope for all personal trainers, who are heading into a new era as a result of Covid-19, where having a PT is no longer a luxury but in fact the norm.

Get in touch to find out how to join them. ptacademy.com/contact-us

The question might have been playing on your mind ever since you started PT classes, or hearing about a friend or family member making the PT career move. So, Who exactly can become a personal trainer? We’ll let you in on a little secret…

Absolutely anyone! With the right attitude, that is. Like most things in life, (such as gaining muscle) a rewarding career is not so easy to acquire without putting in some weighty work first. So, if you’re willing to graft for your dream job and serious about your future in fitness, then it is 100% possible that you could become a personal trainer.

Having the attitude and mindset is a great place to start, but it’s important to be resilient and not let self-doubt cut off your fitness career early in its tracks. We made a myth-busting list of reasons to carry on if you’re feeling ready to hang up the towel too soon.

Am I too old to become a personal trainer?

This is probably the most common objection people confront themselves with when they consider a career as a PT. It’s also the biggest myth of them all, and the answer is no, probably not! A staggering 68% of personal trainers are aged between 25-44, with more than a quarter of them being over 45. Age ain’t nothing but a number.

We are living in times of gym closures. How will I get work?

Gyms have been on a rocky road this year with them opening and closing faster than you can do one squat. However, like many things, the world of personal trainers has evolved massively in light of the pandemic and it has never been easier to deliver classes virtually to a nation eager to keep fit and connected to the outside world. Some PTs have even claimed they are more successful online. Read our blog – Why Personal Trainers are vital in the fight against Coronavirus.

Is it a male-dominated industry?

Job opportunities in the fitness industry are great for women, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Gender inclusivity has come a long way over the last 20 years and the industry landscape has transformed rapidly, with the demand for female personal trainers remaining high. Read our blog – The rise of strong, powerful and kick-ass women personal trainers.

Do you have to be ‘ripped’ to be a personal trainer?

If you have asked yourself this question already, you’re not alone. The fitness industry can be alienating if you don’t have that idolised lean, muscular body type that is plastered over social media and commercials. However in today’s fitness market, clients of all ages and life stages are searching for an equally diverse range of trainers they can feel relaxed with to help reach their personal goals. So no, you do not need to be ‘ripped’ to be a personal trainer!

None of us are strangers to the familiar winter blues that creep in at this time of year. And with us having tackled a considerably tough year already, and facing a winter with further restrictions in place, we thought now was a good time to shake off the doom and gloom with some tips on how to pull yourself out of the winter slump and stay on track.

As fitness enthusiasts, we are lucky to have the advantage of consistent exercise in our lives which naturally helps boost our mood through the release of endorphins. However exercise alone can sometimes not be enough to combat the body clock change we go through when heading into darker, colder months.

Feeling tired? Here’s why

During the summer months, our bodies are scheduled to wake up when the sun rises, so you can probably imagine how this affects our routine as the sun gradually takes longer to make an appearance each morning. To avoid feeling lethargic during the week, set your alarm early each morning between 6.30am and 7am to start a morning workout. We can promise you that you’ll have more energy during the day and feel on top of your game. (You might also see an awesome sunrise or two.)

Don’t hibernate, accelerate

Colder months can push us into a rut of spending all our time indoors but this is the exact vicious cycle that keeps us feeling blue for longer. Our advice? Snap out of hibernation ASAP and make time to go outdoors for some fresh air, preferably in daylight. As the days grow shorter we need to take advantage of what little sunlight there is, one way to do this is jogging distances instead of driving.

Be your biggest fan

Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated without a vision of what’s ahead. With your goals clearly set in front of you every day, you can easily overcome self-doubt and empower yourself to keep grafting towards the ultimate goal. Be your biggest supporter, by leaving motivational prompts and quotes on notes around the house, in your car, on your laptop screen, on your dumbbells, EVERYWHERE!

Look forward to your workout

You’ve got to pump it up! If you start to dread the daily grind it will no doubt start to affect your mindset. Take control back of your own mood and kick off the negative vibes by making a new workout playlist that you love, or buying new winter workout gear that you look forward to using. You could even take up a brand new course or hobby to expand your skillset and keep you inspired.
You’ve got this!

In our last blog, we brought you the story of boss mum Alina Parpala, who smashed out her PT qualification with us after washing her hands of the 9-5 grind.

It is absolutely possible to become your own boss, but many of our graduates are wanting to know how they can show off their brand new PT business and live their best lives, attracting a trail of new clients.

Securing repeat clients will depend entirely on your classes and the effort you put in, however getting those first few clients to set you off on the road to success can be the trickiest part. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips on how to hit the ground running in the fitness industry.

Offer a free trial

It’s hard to resist a freebie! Offering a free trial is the fastest way to get those initial clients flooding in, and when they do – it’s your time to shine. Show them why they should return to your classes, and why they’re worth paying for.

Make a good first impression

Not a single Google or TrustPilot review will match up to the power of reputation! Never underestimate word of mouth, which is how you will gain clients organically. Make a good first impression in that first class you give, and your devotion will inspire clients to tell their mates about you.

Shout about yourself!

After wowing your first few clients with your amazing PT skills you will be able to bag yourself a testimonial or two. A written testimony authenticates your ability as a personal trainer, making you instantly attractive to clients. Once you have several good ones you can upload them to your professional website. (Yes, you should have a website!)

Interact with your clients

Don’t be shy! Clients want a real and approachable PT, not a robot. Stay on their radar by linking them to your social media pages (yes, you should have social accounts!) which you can use to upload useful workout videos, tips, and general advice.

A bonus would be sending out weekly or monthly emails to all your clients, or even posting the regular blog on your website. All of the above will position you as an expert in your field, and help you to gain traction faster.

What are you waiting for? Time to take your marketing up a notch.

2020 has pushed us to the absolute limits! With people everywhere being affected in some way by the Covid-19 pandemic and it pretty much dominating our lives, it’s easy to forget that daily struggles go beyond the virus.

As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day this month after spending half the year coping with life amidst a global pandemic, we believe that addressing the subject of mental health is more important now than ever.

Fitness: a crutch to lean on

Life as we know it has been flipped on its head but being part of a huge network of fitness professionals definitely has its benefits; providing an escape from reality and a positive release on the worst of days.

Working out around the clock, whether you’re a trainer or a student reaps rewards you can see physically and also feel in your mindset, which helps massively with issues such as anxiety, depression and stress.

Talking is tough

Of course, exercise alone is sometimes not enough to help those going through tough times, as we are only human after all and naturally crave human connection. Having said that – in a world that still preaches the ‘man up’ mentality, talking to someone could be the hardest weight to lift.

Males in the fitness industry are particularly vulnerable to this toxic stigma around mental health and the notion that because they are physically strong and ‘ripped,’’ talking about their feelings shows weakness. It’s horrifying that suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.

Help is out there

This is why It’s fantastic to see so many initiatives and personal trainers developing a support system for both mental and physical health, as it becomes increasingly more apparent that the two factors work in unison. It’s true – the body cannot be 100% healthy unless the mind is!

James Jackson from LEANonhealth in Sheffield founded his PT business 5 years ago following a traumatic struggle with his own mental health. He now coaches his clients through promoting sound well-being, for both a strong mind and body.

More than a job

For most fitness professionals, breaking into the industry is simply in pursuit of a rewarding career. However, we learnt that the fitness industry meant so much more than this to James, as he explained: “The health and fitness world saved my life, so I know it can save others too. I’m lucky to now have a career that doesn’t feel like a job and to be doing something I’m extremely passionate about.

“The gratification I get from helping clients overcome their mental and physical struggle is second to none. There is no greater feeling than seeing someone turn their life around and gaining control after seeing them at their lowest point. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey and life.”

James’ inspiring success story is a testament to the power of fitness and how it can transform lives. At PT Academy, we can absolutely vouch for the positive impact exercise has on mental health. Talking is vital too, so don’t be afraid to reach out to those close to you or get in touch with someone at Mind, Samaritans or similar emotional support services.

The online fitness industry has taken the world by storm since the coronavirus outbreak and the result has seen many fitness education providers scrambling to adapt to the new virtual world around them.

Many fitness experts and trainers had already started shifting to online streaming/webinar services long before the onset of Covid-19 and are now thriving as a result of their pre-existing digital framework. Meanwhile, others have had to quickly change their strategies to keep up with the demand in the market.

At PT Academy we have been ahead of the curve in terms of implementing online accessibility, and even though no one could have predicted the tricky situation Covid-19 brought to the table, we have stayed one step ahead by becoming the first-ever personal training provider to offer these new digital pathways without any gym required.

As well as adapting our diplomas carefully and analysing the comprehensive needs of our learners, we also remain unbeaten on the value of our packages which include many added benefits and extras such as free gym memberships, unlimited career support and dozens of attached CPD courses to further your personal training CV.

Our Gold Diploma is the perfect place to start for someone who wants to become a personal trainer but hasn’t yet got any qualifications. It’s complete with OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal training, unlimited career support and online assessment support, free gym membership at your chosen gym, 0% interest on payment plans, with complete flexible learning options, including face to face.

Other fitness training providers such as Origym and Premier Global cannot compete with our level 3 diplomas on value, with ours currently priced at £999 and theirs starting from £1199 and a staggering £1529.

PT Academy is 100% committed to preparing our aspiring personal trainers for the industry with the right skills, and have ensured that our diplomas are comprehensively and appropriately equipped to help learners begin their road to success.

That’s why our diplomas are not only the most competitively priced but also the best value for money in the industry!!

Stringent measures introduced since Covid-19 have forced the public to invent new ways of keeping entertained. When facilities of all natures shut their doors to the world, daily exercise took hold of the nation and became the new staple routine.

From jogging and cycling through the streets and local parks, to creating home workout spaces and setups, people have used health as a shoulder to lean on from the very beginning.

In light of the newly fitness-focused nation, the leisure industry has had a much-needed boost as the sports facilities reopened in England last month.

Keeping fit during the coronavirus pandemic really does have its benefits. Individuals who have diabetes or a BMI of 30 or above are known to be more vulnerable to the virus, and for those categorised as obese, infection mounts pressure on the immune and respiratory systems.

Strong immunity, good metabolic health and a healthy lifestyle are all vital in helping fight infection, and personal trainers have made themselves available at a distance through video streaming to help people stay on top of their game mentally and physically. As gyms begin to reopen, they will have the chance to intervene on an even higher level.

CEO of PT Academy Adam Kiani firmly believes in the impact fitness professionals have had and will continue to have in fighting the pandemic.
Speaking to Leaders Council of Great Britain & Northern Ireland interviewer, Scott Challinor, in the early weeks of the UK lockdown in April, Adam said: “I authorised my staff to work from home even before lockdown, firstly to minimise risk but secondly because it was something we had been planning to do for some time before: expanding our offering in new ways.

We had spent a couple of years before 2020 looking at scaling internationally and expanding our offering online and through other avenues. One such way was by increasing our qualification portfolio.

During the lockdown, we have been given the approval to offer 65 new qualifications, meaning we can progress with making our offering more comprehensive. We can offer more than before which will help tap us tap into a new market.

“I’ve encouraged my staff to take advantage of their right to exercise and train and help others during this lockdown period. As fitness professionals, we play a vital role in helping the nation fight back against this terrible virus.”

The news we’ve all been waiting for was announced last week, no not that the pubs are reopening but that the gyms will be open from the 25th of July! This is great news for all fitness professionals, as the only bar we’ve been interested in, is the one you squat. Anyone who loves exercise has been keen to get back to the normality that the gym brings and unless you have a Beyonce style house with its own fitness centre, you’ll be craving a visit to your local gym.

It’s clear to see that all gyms have been doing their very best to ensure that everything meets regulations, from personalised pods to plastic screens and numerous cleaning stations. So how can you ensure that you stay safe whilst working out? Here at PT Academy, we’ve put together our top tips for safe exercising:

1- Keep the sanitiser handy.

The common misconception is that gloves are a good idea when it comes to protecting yourself from COVID-19. However, it’s been advised by many Doctors that when it comes to the gym, gloves can lead to cross-contamination, and keeping your hands and equipment clean is the best approach. So, ditch the gloves and keep that sanitiser nearby!

2-Stay low.

If you’re a sucker for a HIIT class, then make sure you book in advance and check the number of people attending. The advice for gym classes is that sessions with 10 or fewer people in them are the safest, so why not set that alarm a little earlier or HIIT up an evening class to avoid those busy periods.

3- You can leave your mask on.

One of the best ways to stay safe at the gym is to always leave your mask on, try and avoid taking it off in between sessions and wear it from the moment you enter the gym until you leave. We know this can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re doing a high intensity or cardio session but after a couple of times, wearing it will just become second nature.

4- BYOM (bring your own mat)

Most experts recommend that you should bring your own equipment where possible. One of the fastest ways that cross-contamination can spread in this environment is people sharing items such as towels and mats. So, get investing in a bigger gym bag and make sure you pack it properly.

The Government guidelines do state that the safest way to exercise is still outdoors, so if you’ve not been spending your days daydreaming of dumbbells or thinking of treadmills then outdoor fitness may be the best option for you.

Whichever approach you choose, stay safe!