What Are The Different Types of Personal Trainer?
Written by Lizzie Bell. Uploaded on Tuesday 16th June 2026
The different types of personal trainer in the UK include gym based trainers, self employed coaches, online trainers, specialists and those working with groups or businesses. The UK fitness market is now worth over £5 billion, reflecting how diverse and expansive the role of a personal trainer has become.
TheOnePercentClub is a premium fitness suite with 1 to 1 personal trainers near Soho.
For more information, email: info@onepercentclub.info
Types of personal trainers include:
What is it like to work as a gym based personal trainer?
For many, this is where it begins. Working inside a gym places you in front of a steady stream of potential clients, which can make those early months feel less daunting.
You might spend part of the day chatting to members, offering pointers and gradually building trust. Over time, those small interactions often turn into regular sessions, especially if people feel comfortable approaching you.
How do self employed personal trainers shape their work?
Some trainers decide fairly quickly that they want more control over how they operate. Going self employed allows you to choose your hours, your setting and the kind of clients you take on.
It does come with added responsibility though, as you are effectively running your own business.
Around 62% of UK personal trainers now work independently in some form, which shows just how common this route has become.
What makes online personal training different?
Online coaching has shifted from being a side option to something far more central for many trainers. Instead of meeting clients face to face, you are guiding them through programmes, check ins and feedback remotely.
This suits people who prefer flexibility, both as a trainer and as a client. It also opens the door to working with people well beyond your local area, which was not always possible before.
Why do some personal trainers choose to specialise?
Rather than offering a bit of everything, some trainers focus on a specific area such as strength development, injury recovery or supporting new mothers returning to exercise. This often comes from personal interest as much as career planning.
Clients tend to seek out specialists when they have a clear goal in mind. It can also make your work feel more purposeful, as you are dealing with a more defined set of challenges.
How does group personal training work in practice?
Group sessions bring several clients together in one setting, which creates a different kind of energy compared to one to one training. People often push themselves a little more when others are working alongside them.
From a trainer’s perspective, it can be a more efficient way to run sessions. In fact, group training participation in the UK has increased by around 18% in recent years, showing a clear appetite for this format.
What is involved in corporate or workplace personal training?
Some personal trainers work with companies rather than individuals, delivering sessions or wellbeing initiatives for employees. This could mean running classes, offering short consultations or helping staff build healthier routines.
It is a slightly different environment, often more structured and tied to business hours. For those who prefer consistency over unpredictability, it can be an appealing option. See personal trainers for corporates.
Can personal trainers combine different approaches?
Many do not stick to just one style of training. It is quite common to see someone offering in person sessions alongside online coaching or small group classes.
This mix allows trainers to spread their income and reach different types of clients. It also keeps the work varied, which can help maintain long term interest in the role.
How do you decide which type suits you best?
Choosing a direction usually comes down to how you like to work and what kind of lifestyle you want. Some people enjoy the buzz of a busy gym, while others prefer quieter and more personal settings.
There is room to move between different approaches as your experience grows. Trying a few options early on often gives you a better sense of what feels sustainable over time.