This is a big decision and very much depends on a number of factors, timing, experience, personality and more.

I firmly believe it is good to start off employed, by working in a team of personal trainers you will gain a lot of experience and confidence. It is also good fun and you can make some great contacts in the industry.

Being employed can also have the opportunity for training, some employers put you through a number of useful courses, but it’s important to always push to go on these. There is also the added bonus of a regular wage (it can however be frustratingly small).

Self employed however, is a very different industry the financial rewards can be much greater, whether working in a gym or as a mobile personal trainer.

However you do need to be confident and driven, the industry at the moment is still suffering a little from the recession, so you‘ll need to work hard and stay motivated to get busy. But once you’re busy and you have a name for yourself there is a lot of security and satisfaction in being your own boss.

Despite the recession, there are still loads of people out there trying to get fit, and as a self employed personal trainer your whole city/area full of people are your potential customers.

So in conclusion:

I recommend gaining some experience employed in a team of personal trainers. Enjoy yourself and learn as much as you can. If you find you want to go self employed after, then go for it.

If you’d like to read more on this specific subject check out the article Employed Vs self employed.

Duncan Boltt – Ptgear