There has never been a better time to become a Personal Trainer. The health and fitness industry has experienced tremendous growth in the last 12 years, increasing by 75% since 1998, and shows no sign of slowing down. Becoming a Personal Trainer is a rewarding and lucrative career choice, and it is increasingly seen as an essential profession that can offer security for many years to come.
 

Discovery Learning are an established training provider committed to delivering exceptional learning experiences and outstanding levels of customer care.  Our mission is to be industry leaders by delivering flexible, high quality, innovative, evidence based fitness qualifications.

Discovery Learning offers a full range of fitness courses from the foundation gym and aerobics instructor courses, certificate in personal training and Master in Personal Training, through to the Exercise and Obesity Specialist.
 

Case Study 1

Name: James Buckland
London Irish Player
Course: Level 2 & Level 3 course Testimonial

What factors made you chose Discovery Learning to assist you with your fitness career?
Discovery Learning has built a relationship with the RPA; the course was recommended by them and was mapped around my rugby and club commitments.

What were your perceptions about working as a Personal Trainer before you started?
I would be able to transfer my knowledge gained through my professional rugby career to the fitness industry.  This was supported and encouraged by the Discovery Learning tutors.

How has that perception changed having completed the Personal Trainer course with Discovery Learning?
I have learnt many processes and theories to reinforce my knowledge.  I am more confident after attending the personal trainer course.

What did you enjoy most whilst at Discovery Learning?
The flexibility and relaxed approach yet extremely thorough learning environment – very enjoyable

How did Discovery Learning meet your expectations?
Discovery Learning has well qualified staff and excellent learning support – FIRST class tutors.  Also Discovery Learning was able to accommodate my wife on the course at the same time.

Did you have any hesitations before you decided to enrol on the Discovery Learning course?
N/A

What are the three biggest benefits of completing the RPA fitness route?
Flexibility, bespoke course relative to my background and club commitments, transfer of previous knowledge, relevant to the current fitness industry – plus many more benefits.

If you were to recommend Discovery Learning to a colleague, friend or business associate, how would you best describe the PT course provided?
It was a bespoke course built around my time restraints – a very flexible and supported journey.

Is there anything else you would like to mention that you have not already?
Yes, the continued professional development courses are exciting and provide a great approach to a well rounded PT.  Also, the course gave me an opportunity to network within the industry with many other fitness professionals.  THANK YOU

Case Study 2

Name:  Chase Coles
Course Title:  Full Time Master Personal Trainer Diploma
Training Provider: Discovery Learning

Can you tell us a little about your military background?
(What outfit, tours, highpoints etc):
From 2000-2005 I served in the 1st battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. I completed active tours of duty in Kosovo, NI and Iraq. I was lucky enough to go on adventure training in Canada, Ukraine, Canada and Kuwait during my service. This enabled me to experience scuba diving, rock climbing, static and free fall parachuting to name a few.

When you entered resettlement did you have a fixed idea of what you wanted to do when you left the military?
I didn’t receive resettlement when I left the Army. I caught up with a friend a couple of years after I left and he informed me of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme. I had a boring 9-5 when I left and always wanted to pursue a career in the Fitness Industry but got tied down to the job and a mortgage. I then decided to go for it and get the necessary courses under my belt. It was definitely the right choice and I’m so happy to be out of that boring office job!

What attracted you to the course you have just completed?
The time frame in which I could achieve my REPs accredited Personal Training qualification, which was just 6 weeks.

What did the course involve?
It was the Full Time Master Personal Trainer course which took just 6 weeks.  The course included my Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, Level 3 Personal Trainer, Posture Correction, Nutrition and Weight Management, Circuit Training, Indoor Cycling, Sport Nutrition and First Aid.  It required us to be there all day for 5 days a week for the 6 weeks, which was great because I liked having the hands-on learning and the tutors were really helpful and knowledgeable themselves

What was your favourite aspect of the course?
To be honest, it was a learning curve and I enjoyed it all. Of the whole course content I found Nutrition, Weight Management and Postural Correction to be the most interesting and useful.

How do you see this course benefiting you in your career development?
Already I have implemented a lot from what I have learned in my new role as a personal trainer for Virgin Active. Postural Correction is a good selling point and this has enabled me to pick up clients straight away. It sets me apart from the other PTs in my gym.

Where do you see your career going in 5 years time?
Since finishing the course I have attended Kettle Bells, Vipr and a PT Business Course. I am currently employed and using the next 6 months to get as many qualifications as possible and to get a feel for the industry. My goal is to be freelance, and I am in the process of starting my own business part time. I aim to have this up and running full time within the next three years as per my business plan.
 

Case Study 3

Name: Samantha Pollock
Course Title: Master Personal Trainer Diploma
Training Provider: Discovery Learning

Why did you want to become a personal trainer?
I worked in the health and beauty industry for many years and was always based in spas and health clubs which meant I was familiar with the environment. I was always trained by a personal trainer and loved the industry.

What research did you do to find the course you wanted?
Not much actually, I am friends with Lou Court (a Discovery Learning Tutor) and she told me about the courses that are run so I looked into them a bit more online and thought they looked great.

What attracted you to discovery?
I researched into past students testimonials and found that they really enjoyed the course and had high pass rates as well as help with finding jobs after the course.

How did you find the course and the time spent with the discovery team?
The course was fantastic, all the team were really supportive and knowledgeable as well as being really patient with everyone and emphasizing that no question was a stupid question. I had a slight advantage as I already knew some of the anatomy etc, but you got as much or as little help that you wanted.

What have you done since the course?
I had an interview with Fitness First and David Lloyd but I felt David Lloyd was more suitable for me at the time. It’s a freelance position and they have been really helpful in getting me started. I have also completed more courses, some with Discovery and some with David Lloyd as well as starting my own circuit course once a week and have about 15 followers.

What do you enjoy most about being a personal trainer?
The people. I enjoy meeting people and the diversity of my clients and helping them achieve their fitness goals. To do this job you have to like people really, it sounds obvious but it’s very true.

What advice would you give to people looking to work in the fitness industry?
They must have passion, and love what they do. Enjoy meeting people and love fitness. Also be prepared to work hard, the beginning is hard but you have to start somewhere.

What are your plans for future training?
Keep going and learn as much as I can and grow as a Personal Trainer. That’s what I love about the fitness industry, there is always something new to learn so you can never be bored. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years within the fitness industry?
I would love to teach and pass on the knowledge I have learned. I would also like to have 35 sessions a week, I'm not there yet but that’s where I would like to be.

 

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