Premier Training: Diploma in Personal Training

Premier Training International’s most popular course is the coveted Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy. This qualification is regarded by many fitness professionals as the gold standard for entry into the fitness industry.

Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy

The Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy is made up of 3 distinct modules that integrate the new National Occupational Standards. This qualification can be achieved either by attending a fulltime intensive course held over 12 weeks or a part-time course held over approximately 12 months, though this is only available at selected venues. Each module may be attended separately either on a full-time or part-time basis.

The Diploma is designed to challenge, inspire and to develop the personal qualities and practical skills required for successful personal training and sports massage therapy. The 3 modules that make up the Diploma in Personal Training are accredited by Active IQ, a Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) approved Awarding Body.

On successful completion the Diploma Graduate is eligible for Level 3 status on to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Personal training course modules

The Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy course modules are:

• Certification in Gym Instruction
• Certification in Personal Training (Cert PT)
• Nutrition Advace for Physical Activity
• Certification in Sports Massage Therapy (SCMT)

Personal training course content

The scope of the Premier Training course is vast. The course is 60 days long and allows the personal trainer student to learn key aspects of personal fitness training, including:

• Anatomy and physiology of the major body systems
• Concepts and components of fitness
• How to design an exercise programme through the use of free weights, resistance machines, warm     up/cool down, flexibility, abdominal and lower back exercises
• Professionalism including ethics, customer service and health and safety
• Exercise considerations for the older population and pregnancy
• Introduction to Personal Training
• Advanced anatomy and physiology
• Effective communication, developing motivational strategies and working with other professionals
• Nutritional advice for physical activity
• Health and fitness appraisal, lifestyle analysis and stress management
• Special populations including obesity, diabetes, asthma and orthopedic conditions
• Fitness testing for power, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility
• Core training, periodisation and programme design for strength, power, hypertrophy and aerobic fitness
• Consultation and business skills
• Personal training outside the gym
• Weight management
• Goal setting
• Food ethics
• Digestion

Certificate in Personal Training

As an alternative to the Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy, you may chose to qualify as a personal trainer through the Certificate in Personal Training course. Units in this course include:

• Introduction to Personal Training
• Advanced anatomy and physiology
• Effective communication, developing motivational strategies and working with other professionals
• Nutritional advice for physical activity
• Health and fitness appraisal, lifestyle analysis and stress management
• Special populations including obesity, diabetes, asthma and orthopedic conditions
• Fitness testing for power, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility
• Core training, periodisation and programme design for strength, power, hypertrophy and aerobic fitness
• Consultation and business skills
• Personal training outside the gym

Entry requirements

Whilst the Diploma in Personal Training doesn't require prior knowledge, the Certificate in Personal Training does.

The applicant should at least carry a certificate in Gym Instruction or a suitable Level 2 qualification in gym instructing. A reasonable level of fitness is required as physical participation is essential. Reading, writing and numeracy skills are also required as students will be expected to actively contribute and present work to the group.