From qualification to career: choosing the right path as a new personal trainer

14-04-2026

Qualifying as a personal trainer opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in a fitness-forward city like Amsterdam. One of the biggest decisions a newly qualified trainer must make is how they choose to work. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The main work models include employed roles, self-employment, mobile personal training, and hybrid options. Before choosing your path, make sure you understand each option—what works best can vary at different stages of your career.

At TrainMore, we work on a self employed model, offering trainers the opportunity for uncapped earning potential in top class facilities . We want trainers to be part of our Fitness community. if you want to have call to talk through your options or decide that self-employed is the route you want to take, click on the QR code below and let us know and you will be contacted.

Employed Personal Trainer

An employed personal trainer works for a gym, health club, or fitness company on a contract basis, typically earning a saary or hourly wage. The trainer will be expected to deliver a mixture  of floor hours, cleaning and tidying the gym, delivering inductions, classes, reception possibly membership sales. Outside of these hours, client generation and PT sessions can be delivered.

Pros

• You receive an income from gym floor hours.
• access to members as potential client
• Learning environment - an opportunity to discover if you enjoy the role and learn the ropes.

Cons

• Earnings are capped –  salary or hourly pay is low and limits income potential.
• The gym will take 70-80% of the PT session fee and you get the rest. Example - the gym will charge your client approximately €65 per session and the trainer will receive around €17-25 of the fee.
• Less flexibility – Fixed shifts and schedules reduce freedom.
• Limited autonomy – You may need to follow gym programming, sales targets, or additional duties.
• Restricted client base – You’ Generally cannot train clients on gym shifts so less opportunities for PT client.

Hybrid Model

In this model, you complete a set number of hours for the gym (e.g. shifts, inductions or classes) in exchange for reduced rent. You then run your own personal training business alongside this.

Pros

• Lower rent
• access to gym members

Cons

• gym shifts will take up hours you could be doing PT sessions
• Cleaning the gym including bathrooms etc.
• This model is often in budget gyms, where the member pays a low membership meaning the affordability for personal training may be limited.

Self-Employed Personal Trainer (Freelance / Rent-a-Space Model)

This is where trainers operate as independent businesses—often renting space in a gym or studio.

Pros

• Unlimited earning potential – You set your own prices and keep all of your income.
• access to gym members as potential clients.
• Full flexibility – Choose your working hours, clients, and services.
• Build your own brand – Create a niche and reputation in the market.
• Multiple income streams – PT sessions, online coaching, group training, etc.

Cons

• Self-employed roles require forward thinking and budgeting as most business’s are seasonal. and can fluctuate.
• Business responsibility – You need to step up and do all things related to running a business.