Diploma in Personal Training

• Course information
• Module information
• Other information

• Price: £2,599 £2,079

• Ideal for those of you who are new to the industry and about to embark on a career as a personal trainer. This diploma will provide you with the skills, knowledge, resources and expertise - from the entry level requirements of fitness instructing to advanced prescription and training techniques, everything you need to work as an employed or freelance personal trainer.

  This unique course is the only one of its kind to offer an additional CPD workshop (for instance Group Cycling or Core Stability could be taken).

  Once you have completed the course and your specialist CPD workshop, you will be able to deliver additional expertise to your client’s workouts. As a specialist PT you will stand apart you’re your competitors, appealing to niche markets and as a result will command a higher income!

  If you want to expand your client base you may want to consider the Diploma in Personal Training with Referred Populations. If you have a REPs recognized level 2 gym instructing qualification you can complete the Diploma in Personal Training for Current Instructors.

  Want to ease the cost of your training with the Lifetime pay as you learn scheme? See our flexible payment options here.

   

   

• This course is made up of 10 modules, you have the choice of 1 of the following; Group Studio Cycling, Circuits Solutions, Core Stability, Sports and Performance Nutrition and Functional and Sports Specific Training. You have the choice of one of the following special populations modules; active ageing or ante post natal. This is the order we suggest you should complete the modules in.

  • Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 2

    This is a distance learning module supported by workbooks and a fully interactive CD Rom which takes approximately 40 hours to complete.  This is the foundation to all fitness courses and is included ...

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    • This is a distance learning module supported by workbooks and a fully interactive CD Rom which takes approximately 40 hours to complete.  This is the foundation to all fitness courses and is included in fitness instructor courses, personal trainer courses and exercise to music courses.  On completion of your home study you will be required to book the one hour multiple choice exam at one of our training venues.

      Concepts of Fitness

      This element discusses the difference between total and physical fitness. Within this you will be able to describe the relationship between physical fitness and health related fitness and the components of each

      Bones and Joints

      The anatomical structure of the skeleton and its physiological relationships to exercise and fitness. Bone structure and function is discussed along with the major joints of the body and their movement potential

      Muscles

      The anatomical structure of the skeletal muscles and their physiological relationship to exercise and fitness. Identify major muscles and particular types of muscle (i.e Voluntary, Involuntary) and the basic structure of them

      Kinesiology

      The skills to analyse an exercise and identify the joints and muscles involved will be covered here. This is an essential skill for the fitness instructor to be able to identify safe and effective exercises for an individual

      Energy Systems

      Covers the physiological processes involved in the release of energy for muscular contraction and relates this to how significant it is in physical activity

      Nutrition

      Food is central to our lives. Within this section you will identify and learn about the three energy nutrients in the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and water and their function will also be covered. From this information students will learn how to advise effectively on weight management issues

      Cardio Respiratory Systems

      On completion of this element a basic understanding of the anatomical structure and the physiological function of the heart, lungs and circulatory system and their relationship to exercise activity and fitness will be gained

  • Gym Instructing

    This is a four day intensive module that is included in all fitness instructor courses and personal trainer courses. The module is followed by a practical assessment day approximately two weeks after ...

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    • This is a four day intensive module that is included in all fitness instructor courses and personal trainer courses. The module is followed by a practical assessment day approximately two weeks after this initial training.

      Programme Design

      Knowledge will be provided to produce a planned programme in relation to a clients specific goals, likes and dislikes and health related issues

       Health Screening

      A fundamental process, which provides the foundation to a fitness programme. In order to plan appropriate activity over a period of time, there is a need to identify any reason for adaption to the programme or referral to medical professionals

       Preparing People for Exercise

      Within this component the specific components of a warm up are discussed and put into effect by each student planning and delivering a safe and effective warm up

       Resistance Training

      An area covering both resistance and free-weights. The trainee instructor will learn a broad range of exercises and understand the basic principles of resistance programme design and delivery

       Cardiovascular Training

      This subject teaches the trainee instructor the basic principles of cardiovascular training programmes and knowledge of the most frequently used cardiovascular machines in the gym

       Relaxation and Stretching

      Enables the learner to understand the structure and content of an effective stretch component and cool down including the basic physiological adaptations that occur in the body and techniques for developmental stretching

       Health and Safety

      This area will provide the instructor with an understanding of the legal requirements of health and safety requirements within the working environment

       Teaching Skills

      Discussed and practiced regularly to identify qualities of an instructor needed to assist in a successfully delivered session

  • Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 3

    This is a distance learning module supported by workbooks, a fully interactive CD Rom and unlimited tutor support. This is a mandatory module for all personal training courses. You can complete this c...

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    • This is a distance learning module supported by workbooks, a fully interactive CD Rom and unlimited tutor support. This is a mandatory module for all personal training courses. You can complete this course in approximately 50 hours and when you are ready book your multiple choice assessment at one of our training venues.

      Components and Principles of Fitness

      Distinguishing between the components of physical fitness and health related fitness and considering factors affecting training potential for each component

       Bones and Joints

      Building on this subject from level 2 more detail is covered on the structure and function of individual joints and the bones involved in these

       Muscles and Muscle Action

      An in-depth approach to muscular anatomy and movement analysis

       The Cardiopulmonary System

      A more detailed look at the heart, lungs and vascular system including their structure, function and the effect of coronary heart disease

       Energy for Muscle Action

      Covers the energy systems responsible for fueling the body during exercise and how training can affect them

       Nervous and Endocrine System

      Understand how nervous and hormonal responses affect the body

  • Advanced Gym Programming

    This module will enable you to deliver balanced training programmes at a higher level, helping you to increase your clients' fitness levels. The advanced gym programming award is the gateway to access...

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    • This module will enable you to deliver balanced training programmes at a higher level, helping you to increase your clients' fitness levels. The advanced gym programming award is the gateway to access REPs level 3 and is taught as a four day practical intensive workshop with a practical and theory assessment.  This is a mandatory, but extremely valuable module for any personal training course. To participate in the advanced gym programming module you must have a completed REPS level 2 fitness instructor award prior to attending.

      Client Consultations

      Making the most of client consultations including behaviour change, health screening, motivation and goal setting techniques

      Cardiovascular Conditioning

      Advanced training methods for improving cardiovascular conditioning

      Muscular Strength, Size and Endurance

      Advanced training methods for improving muscular strength, size and endurance

      Dynamic and Facilitated Stretching for Flexibility

      Advanced training methods to develop flexibility and improve range of motion to promote recovery and maximise performance

      Introduction to Core Stability and Core Strength Conditioning

      Role of core in sports and everyday function.  Advanced training methods to train this area to enhance performance and reduce injury risk

      Integrating Motor Skill Development

      Basic instruction to develop balance, awareness and coordination

  • Nutrition and Weight Management

    A distance learning module where candidates are required to work through two manuals. Assessment is an invigilated multiple choice exam at a training venue and submission of a case study. This is a ma...

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    • A distance learning module where candidates are required to work through two manuals. Assessment is an invigilated multiple choice exam at a training venue and submission of a case study. This is a mandatory module for all personal training courses and comprises of the following units:

      Nutritional Components of Diet

      Identify the different macro and micro nutrients, what they do and what foods to obtain them from in the diet.

       Food Science

      An introduction to the biochemistry of different nutrients and food sources and how this impacts the body.

      Metabolism and Energy Balance

       Discover the only effective way to help clients lose weight and keep it off for good.  We evaluate the energy balance equation and learn how to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

       Nutrition and Health

      Learn the optimal balance of nutrients for good health and how this translates to real foods.

       Psychology of Eating

      Knowing nutrition theory is next to useless if you can’t work with clients to help them change their eating behaviours and lifestyle.  An introduction to behaviour change psychology gives you the tools you need to help clients make the changes needed to achieve their goals.

       Sports Nutrition

      An introduction to the fascinating world of performance enhancing nutrition.

       Using Food Diaries

      Learn how to implement food diaries effectively to get the most accurate reflection of your client’s eating habits and allow you to work with them to make the changes that will give the best results without depriving them of their favourite foods.

       Dietary Analysis

      Learn how to analyse food diaries efficiently and effectively.

       Calculating Energy Values of Food

      Find out how to get the most from reading food labels and teach your clients how to know which foods to choose when out shopping.

       Planning Balanced Diets

      Look at why diet plans don’t work and how to advise your client how to gradually introduce changes in their diet towards a healthy varied and balanced one.

       Weight Management Programmes

      Learn how to implement nutrition advice into your personal training sessions, and also consider offering additional services such as group weight management programs.

  • Business Skills

    This mandatory module in all personal training courses is delivered by distance learning in approximately 40 hours. You will find a business skills manual in your pack and additional support informati...

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    • This mandatory module in all personal training courses is delivered by distance learning in approximately 40 hours. You will find a business skills manual in your pack and additional support information can be found in our secure student area. To complete the module you must attend an invigilated case study exam at one of our training venues. The module will take you through the essential elements of setting up your business and making it a success.

      Starting your Business

      The ultimate success of your personal training business depends on some of the first decisions you make. The module will show you how to research your ideas, survey prospective customers, set up your business to exploit potential markets and plan for profitability.

      Marketing & Promotion

      You may study until you have qualifications “coming out of your ears”, and offer the best training in town, but if nobody knows you are there, your business will still go bust! Learning how to talk to your potential customers is the lifeblood of any successful business.

      Customer Relations

      Personal training companies normally divide into two categories: those that are truly personalised, and those that look like all the others! Which one do you think will get all the business, all the recommendations, and the working diary full? If you fail to give the service people actually want, how they want it, then you business undoubtedly fail.

      Business & Financial Planning

      Organise your finances to suit your business, establish good habits to make tax simple and secure the financial future of your very own personal training business.

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  • Health Screening and Fitness Testing

    The Health Screening and Fitness Testing module is taught through a combination of distance learning and a two day intensive workshop. The distance learning materials explain the benefits of performing health and fitness measurements with clients and contain protocols for a wide range of fitness assessments.

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    • During the two day intensive workshop instructors will learn how to construct and deliver a client consultation including blood pressure monitoring, body composition analysis and heart disease risk stratification.  Discuss when and how to gain consent for exercise from medical professionals and obtaining informed consent from clients.  Develop the skills required to conduct a comprehensive fitness assessment with clients.

       All assessments for this course will be completed on this workshop so you are not required to attend any additional assessment days.

       Screening Clients for Medical Conditions

      Clarification as to who needs to gain medical consent before beginning an exercise programme.

         Gaining Medical Consent for Exercise

      A review of the processes, and tips to avoid the trials and tribulations of gaining consent for clients who need it.

       Monitoring Clients' Health and Body Composition

      Learn to take anthropological measurements and analyse these to give meaningful results that can be used to monitor client’s progress towards goals.

       Evaluating Clients' Posture

      Important skills for informing programme design to improve client’s posture and wellbeing.

       Measuring Clients' Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance

      Fitness testing to track muscular performance.

       Measuring Clients' Cardiovascular Fitness and Flexibility

      How do you know whether your clients are getting fitter by doing the programs you write them? By testing their fitness of course!

  • Alternative Personal Training Environments

    This is a one day practical outdoor workshop and is mandatory for any Diploma course. The practical skills learnt on the course will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation. Students will ...

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    • This is a one day practical outdoor workshop and is mandatory for any Diploma course. The practical skills learnt on the course will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation. Students will also complete an invigilated case study at the end of the day. This module must be completed after the Advanced Gym Programming module.

      • Providing Challenging Workouts in a Variety of Locations

       Addresses the desire of many clients to exercise outdoors or in the convenience of their home or workplace.

      •  Outdoor Session Design and Delivery

       Take the skills developed in the gym and adapt them to situations where there is limited amount of equipment and support. Outdoor training can be safe, effective and great fun.

       Effective Training with Minimal Equipment

       Develop a toolkit of exercises to use anywhere that teaches instructors to make the most of the natural environment and portable, inexpensive equipment

       Health and Safety Considerations of Training in Different Environments

       Investigate the health and safety obligations of training clients away from gyms and health clubs

       Building on Advanced Training Techniques

       Build on advanced techniques by learning how to adapt them to a different environment. Skills will be put into practice by leading a supervised outdoor training session.

  • Ante Post Natal

    Designed for instructors wishing to work with low risk ante and post natal clients, this two day intensive workshop is taught by one of our qualified tutors and includes an invigilated case study exam...

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    • Designed for instructors wishing to work with low risk ante and post natal clients, this two day intensive workshop is taught by one of our qualified tutors and includes an invigilated case study exam at the end of the second day. Your tutor will cover everything you need to know so passing should be a breeze. Students should complete this module after completing the advanced gym programming course.

      Anatomical Change During Pregnancy

      Understand the structural changes and adaptations that occur within the female body during pregnancy

      Physiological Adaptations During Pregnancy

      The effect pregnancy has on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

      Psychological Considerations of Pregnancy

      Understanding the psychological implications of being pregnant

      Exercise Adaptations within Gym and Studio Environments

      How to change workouts safely and effectively during pregnancy

      Current Physical Activity

      How to adapt the client’s training regime in line with their current level of exercise

       Abdominal Training Recommendations

      Adapt this essential component of training for the APN client through the trimesters and post natal

  • Active Ageing

    As more and more 'older' clients embark on a fitness programme it is important to fully understand the needs, wants and specialist requirements of this age group. Taught as a two day intensive worksho...

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    • As more and more 'older' clients embark on a fitness programme it is important to fully understand the needs, wants and specialist requirements of this age group. Taught as a two day intensive workshop, you will sit an invigilated case study exam at the end of the second day and once completed will be able to create exercise plans for all ages with more confidence. We recommend that you complete this module after completing the advanced gym programming module.

      Age-related Changes to the Body

      A look at what happens to the body as it ages, the impact that ageing has on muscle strength and power, the skeletal system, cardiovascular and senses

      Degenerative Diseases

      A look at some of the common diseases that affect older adults and the implications of these for exercise

      Psychological Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

      A look at the social and psychological impact of ageing, understanding the role exercise can play in positively impacting mood, well being and overcome depression and anxiety

      Sociological Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

      An active lifestyle provides a social outlet, encourages interaction and can maintain independence

      Guidelines for Adapting Exercise for Older Adults

      Be able to design safe & effective resistance and cardiovascular training programmes for older adults

      Exercise Programming for Older Adults

      Practical sessions on designing and implementing studio and gym based exercise sessions for older adults

  • Group Studio Cycling

    Group cycling classes are some of the most popular classes in gyms today. This course will enable you to plan and deliver effective group cycling classes, as well as increased your earning potential! ...

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    • Group cycling classes are some of the most popular classes in gyms today. This course will enable you to plan and deliver effective group cycling classes, as well as increased your earning potential! The one day practical workshop is the ideal starting point for those wishing to teach indoor group cycling. The practical skills learnt on the module will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation. Prior to attending this module we require you to have completed a REPS level 2 award.

      Role of Group Studio Cycling in Group Exercise

       Studio cycling is the most popular class in health clubs today and is growing in popularity all the time and has a number of benefits

      Biomechanics, Riding Positions, Safety and Set Up

       Look at bike set up, correct riding position for different scenarios (flat/hill/sprint) and the pedal stroke 

      Planning the Class

       Plan a safe and effective group studio cycling class, understand the different intensity options available, and ensure suitability for all participants

      Practical Teaching

       Take a look at teaching points, how to make a class more enjoyable through visualisation 

      Music Selection

       Understand how to use music effectively for planning and choreography

  • Circuit Solutions

    Circuit training continues to be a popular exercise class found in all health clubs. This one day practical workshop will enable you to hold circuits classes in a number of situations; indoor circuits...

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    • Circuit training continues to be a popular exercise class found in all health clubs. This one day practical workshop will enable you to hold circuits classes in a number of situations; indoor circuits classes, outdoor circuits sessions and one-to-one training situations. A great workshop for anyone who wants to teach fun and varied classes and it's an excellent way for personal trainers to pick up clients. The practical skills learnt on the module will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation. Prior to attending this module candidates must have completed a REPS level 2 award.

       Role of Circuits in Group Exercise

      A popular class that can be used to improve specific components of fitness, energy systems and performance in sport

      Circuit Class Structure and Design

      Develop the skills to deliver a versatile discipline in a number of settings; indoor circuits classes, outdoor circuits sessions and one-to-one training situations

      Group Circuit Planning

      How to set out the room, utilise equipment and how long a circuits class should last

      Group Circuit Instruction

      Look at the importance of voice, teaching position and communication skills

  • Core Stability

    This is a one day practical workshop. It includes all the skills to deliver exercise variables utilising the stability ball either in a group or one-to-one environment.The practical skills learnt on t...

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    • This is a one day practical workshop. It includes all the skills to deliver exercise variables utilising the stability ball either in a group or one-to-one environment.The practical skills learnt on the module will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation. Prior to attending this module candidates must have completed a REPS level 2 award.

      The Importance of Functional Core Stability

      Role and importance of the core in sports and everyday function

      Mobilising and Stabilising Muscles and their Roles

      A look at the posterior and anterior core muscles

      Stability Balls and Tools used for Core Stability Development

      Provide instructors with the knowledge and practical skills to deliver a range of core stability training methods

      Delivery of Fun and Practical Group and Individual Stability Ball Sessions

      Look at how functional exercises can bring variety and provide instructors with library of exercises

       Develop a Toolkit of Core Stability Exercises

      Deliver exercise variables utilising the stability ball either in a group or one-to-one environment

  • Sports and Performance Nutrition

    We can all benefit from a healthy balanced diet, that's a given. But most of us could do with some guidance when it comes to combining nutrition with a training programme. Many clients can find sports...

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    • We can all benefit from a healthy balanced diet, that's a given. But most of us could do with some guidance when it comes to combining nutrition with a training programme. Many clients can find sports nutrition, supplements and eating to fuel their workouts confusing. This one day CPD workshop will provide you with all the knowledge you need to create nutrition programmes to complement their work out programmes. You will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observationand at the end of the day will do a short question and answer paper. Prior to attending this course you will need to have completed a REPS recognised nutrition award.

      Eating Strategies for Improving Endurance Performance

      Consider the requirements of endurance training and sports, review healthy eating guidelines and how these can be adapted to improve recovery from training and prepare for competition

      Supplements for Endurance Sports

      Discuss the common supplements used for improving endurance performance, dispel the myths, highlight the risks and let you know what really works

      Eating for Size, Strength and Power

      Follow on from the morning’s session and consider the nutrition demands for increasing lean body mass and maximizing performance without compromising health

      Supplements for Enhancing Size, Strength and Power

      Look at the claims made by supplement manufacturers and identify the good, the bad and the ugly so you can recommend what works, what’s a waste of money and what could be dangerous for your clients

  • Functional Sports Specific Training

    This one day practical workshop shows you how to add variety and personalisation to your personal training sessions. You and your client will be able to see marked improvements in their training progr...

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    • This one day practical workshop shows you how to add variety and personalisation to your personal training sessions. You and your client will be able to see marked improvements in their training programme by using functional training and sports specific exercises. The practical skills learnt on the module will be assessed throughout the day by tutor observation and at the end of the day you'll do a short question and answer paper. Prior to attending this course you must have completed a REPS level 3 award.

      Theory of Functional Training and Movement Patterns

      Define the meaning of functional training; learn how to train movement patterns and not individual muscles.  Take a look at planes of movements and muscles responsible for strong function

      Functional Training and Motor Skills

      Provides instructors with exercises relevant for everyday movements using a variety of kit and be able to deliver a practical circuit to develop motor skills 

      Functional Sports Training

      Take a look at exercises to develop speed, quickness, agility and explosive power.  Design programmes for sports athletes such as distance runners and golfers

      Role of Functional Training for the Personal Trainer

      Specific training to help clients achieve their goals and maximise performance, whilst also adding variety to training sessions

• Entry requirements

  There are no entry requirements for this course as it takes you from the very beginning. We recommend that you complete the modules in the order detailed, but contact our course advisors to discuss your registration in more detail.

  Assessment and certification

  The award is assessed against the National Standards for Exercise and Fitness. You will be required to sit a combination of theory papers, case studies and practical assessments. Upon successful completion you will achieve the Lifetime Diploma in Personal Training and entry to REPs at Level 3 as a Personal Trainer.