Can you become a Personal Trainer in middle age?

More Life Experience 

Every life experience you’ve had ranging from work and education commitments to personal and family experiences helped shape you into who you are. Your unique combination of life experiences can help you stand out amongst the crowd of PTs, especially if your experiences resonate with clients. You may know how it feels to juggle a full-time job and young children while still trying to stay fit. Maybe you had a health scare that led you to exercise and healthy habits. Perhaps you were able to use exercise to help manage a mental health condition. Whatever your story, it can add to your credibility and genuineness when seeking out new clients. 

Relatability to middle aged or older clients 

Of course, there are some people who would prefer to train with a 20-year-old with huge muscles, but many people want a personal trainer they feel they can relate to. Middle-aged or older PT clients may feel more comfortable working with a trainer who is closer to them in age or who has similar life experiences to them. They know they won’t be judged if they’re not as mobile and flexible as they once were. It may also help to focus on a niche that you yourself can relate to, such as pre- or post-partum, disabilities and physical limitations, older adults, or injuries. 

Transferable skills from your previous career 

No matter what industry you worked in previously, you’ll have learned a variety of skills that are valuable to a personal trainer. Some of the “soft skills” you can emphasise when going for a job in the fitness industry include the ability to motivate, leadership, creativity, time management, reliability, communication, and problem-solving skills. If you ever worked in customer service, business, or sales, you’ll also have a leg-up when it comes to working with people, marketing your services, and attracting new clients! 

Funds to invest in your business 

Chances are you have a bit more money in your savings account than you did a decade or two ago. Having some extra funds can help you cover the costs of any qualifications or training courses you need to take to begin your new fitness career. It also opens opportunities once you’re fully qualified, especially if you have aspirations of starting your own fitness business. 

Drive and Passion 

How many people can say they’re still extremely passionate about the things they loved in their late teens and twenties? That applies to hobbies but also career goals as well. Changing careers and becoming a PT in mid-life can be daunting, but it guarantees a fresh passion and motivation as you begin your new career. This excitement will be apparent to your clients and help them connect with you.

The wide range of PT courses also makes it possible to fit your training into your already busy schedule. You can choose between part-time or full-time courses and decide whether you’d like to complete your qualification fully in-person or hybrid with some online modules mixed in. Our Next Gen Gym and PT course is the most flexible option yet, making it easy to complete fitness training alongside your work or family commitments.

Are you ready to take the plunge and pursue a career in fitness? We’d love to help you get there! Get in touch with our course advisors, and we’ll help you find the perfect option for you. Life is too short not to follow our passions! 

Explore our selection of PT courses here.