Do I need a certificate?
There are more ways to become a personal trainer today than even just a few years ago. It is no longer necessary to become certified if you don’t feel the investment is worth it in the long run. Consider how you will make money - it is no longer just a case of getting regular clients. You could simply publish videos and charge a subscription service. Personal training has moved beyond the PT client relationship and become less personal. If your business plan details your main income coming from online services then you may question wether a qualification will actually help you. It may save you thousands. The only benefit to getting certified is if you want a job in a gym or other organisation where a recognised qualification is essential to getting the role.
Doing a course & getting certified
There are many many courses to choose from that can get you started in Personal Training, however I would recommend choosing one that is more comprehensive even if it comes out more expensive than others. A university course that includes sports science etc is the gold standard, and will open more lucrative doors for you than any courses hosted by training companies. This is because these companies profits rely on churning out more and more PTs. The jobs market then becomes saturated with recently qualified Personal Trainers all looking for work.
Going your own Way
So how do you make a successful career in Personal Training when there are so many other PTs and fitness services competing in the same market. Hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of any success in any career. But for the best chance of success in personal training in the modern age is to specialise in a specific field or niche. This may be OAPs, Kids, Body building etc.