Choosing the Best Personal Training Course in South Africa
Jan 24, 2025

Choosing the Best Personal Training Course in South Africa: A Guide to Making an Informed Decision

There are a lot of personal training courses available in South Africa, which is not surprising given our country’s increasing need for certified personal trainers. But selecting the perfect course might be difficult because they are not all equal in curriculum, the quality of education or the expertise of lecturers responsible for imparting the knowledge.

The breadth and depth of the curriculum are important factors to take into account when selecting a personal training course. The foundations of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics as well as programming, nutrition, and assessment should all be covered in a comprehensive course. In order to provide you with the abilities and self-assurance you need to be successful as a personal trainer, the course should also include real-world experience and hands-on instruction.

Furthermore, the quality of education and expertise of lecturers are crucial factors to consider. Look for courses taught by experienced professionals with a strong track record in the fitness industry. Also, consider the course's accreditation and registration status with statutory bodies such as the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as well as the recognition by reputable professional bodies, such as the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA).

By doing your research and choosing a course that meets these criteria, you'll be well on your way to becoming a qualified and reputable personal trainer and making sound business decisions for the future.

Where do I start?

Study the Course Curriculum: A comprehensive course curriculum is essential for providing you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as a personal trainer. Look for a course that covers topics such as:

  • exercise science,
  • nutrition,
  • programme design, and
  • business skills.

Additionally, ensure that the course includes practical training and assessment to help you develop your skills and practically apply your theoretical knowledge (HFPA, 2022).

Ask the questions about continuing professional development to meet certain requirements in industry - is this course a full qualification or a CPD endorsed course that carries CPD points? Do I need to obtain regular CPD points to keep my knowledge up to date to retain my registration status?

Look for REPSSA Endorsement: The Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA) is the recognised registry for exercise professionals in South Africa. When choosing a personal training course, ensure that it's endorsed by REPSSA. This guarantees that the course meets the industry standards and provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a qualified personal trainer (REPSSA, 2022).

Ensuring that CPD courses are REPSSA endorsed will assist you in meeting the requirements on an annual basis to retain your personal trainer status.

Consider the Qualifications and Experience of the Instructors: The qualifications and experience of the instructors teaching the course are crucial. Ensure that they have the necessary qualifications, such as a degree in exercise science or a related field and relevant industry experience. This guarantees that you'll receive high-quality instruction and guidance throughout the course (ACE, 2022).

Ask for Referrals: Ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have completed the course. Ask them when they have done their courses? The date is vitally important, as course content and registration requirements evolve with the advancement of new techniques and information over the years. This will provide you with valuable insights into the course's quality, instructors, and overall student experience and assist you in your decision making process.

Career Opportunities for Personal Trainers in South Africa

There are many different job options available to you as a certified personal trainer in South Africa, such as:

  • Working as a personal trainer in a fitness centre or gym;
  • Launching your own personal training business;
  • Instructing group fitness classes;
  • Specialising in a particular field, such yoga, Pilates, or strength and conditioning;
  • Working with athletes or sports teams; or
  • Pursuing a profession in education or fitness management

The demand for personal trainers in South Africa is predicted to increase dramatically over the next several years, making it an exciting and fulfilling career choice, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association (IHRSA). The South African fitness industry was valued at R6.5 billion in 2020, with over 1.5 million gym members (IHRSA, 2020). If you're passionate about fitness and want to become a personal trainer in South Africa, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Elevate Your Expertise: Certification with the Health and Fitness Professionals Academy (HFPA)

Take your fitness career to the next level with a qualification from the UXi Sport Health and Fitness Professionals Academy (HFPA), the oldest and most trusted fitness academy in South Africa. With over 45 years in providing academic excellence in the sport and fitness industry in our country, HFPA will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Once you have completed one of our qualifications such as the Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science or the National Certificate in Coaching Science we will assist you in gaining practical experience at a gym or working with an experienced personal trainer in your area. This is where the real learning happens!

We will also guide you into registering with REPSSA. Our programmes are specifically designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of exercise science, nutrition, and program design. Our graduates have a 95% pass rate on the REPSSA certification exam, demonstrating the high standard of education provided by the academy.

Meet the Basic Requirements to Enrolling for a Personal Trainer Qualification

To become a personal trainer in South Africa, you'll need to meet the basic requirements set by REPSSA. These are the basic requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

2. Have a Matric certificate or equivalent.

3. Hold a valid First Aid certificate.

4. Hold an accredited qualification with a training provider registered with REPSSA to ensure you are covered with the correct insurance.

5. Ensure that the qualification you have obtained (or would like to obtain) is in fact registered on a REPSSA Personal Trainer Level.

Many training providers do not necessarily comply with all the regulations to ensure that the personal trainer qualification meets the industry standards 100% - they offer a quick and easy pathway without the necessary accreditations and many students fall into this trap, as they are then not able to actively pursue a career as a personal trainer in the fitness industry.

Conclusion

Becoming a personal trainer in South Africa requires a combination of education, training and practical experience. By following these steps and choosing a reputable institution like HFPA for your certification, you can become a qualified personal trainer and start a rewarding career in the fitness industry. According to a report by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment of personal trainers is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations (BLS, 2020).

So, if you're passionate about fitness and want to make a difference in people's lives, becoming a personal trainer in South Africa could be the perfect career for you.

References:

American Council on Exercise. (2022). ACE's Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals. Become a Personal Trainer. [Online] Available from: https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/personal-trainer-certification/default.aspx (Accessed 20 January 2025)

Health and Fitness Professionals Academy. HFPA. (2022). Personal Training Certification. [Online] Available from: https://hfpa.co.za/courses/personal-trainer (Accessed 21 January 2025)

Health & Fitness Association. IHRSA. (2020). 2020 IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report. Retrieved from: https://www.healthandfitness.org/new-chapter/

REPSSA. (2022). Become a Registered Exercise Professional. [Online] Available from: https://www.repssa.com/benefits-services/ (Accessed 25 January 2025)

Laricia Smit

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