How Old is Too Old to Become a Personal Trainer?

Hint: the answer is, “YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD!”

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: 40% of NFPT-certified trainers are between the ages of 42 and 60. Those numbers speak clearly, and they’re saying personal training is not something exclusive to people in their early twenties.

I can’t say that I fell into that “surprised” category when I heard the numbers. At the gyms where I’ve taught, it was commonplace to have fellow instructors chat about their grandchildren or an upcoming retirement. One instructor in particular was over the moon about retirement from his full-time gig…and equally excited about continuing to teach indoor cycle at the gym. His classes were always packed, and always with a few hopefuls hanging around the door in the off chance someone would leave and relinquish a bike.

Another is a grandmother of two who teaches a group fitness abs-plus-weights class that you’d better prepare yourself for! And bring water and a towel!

While age isn’t an issue for them, it crosses the minds of others and stops some in their tracks, leaving a dream unfulfilled. If you fall in that category, or know someone who does, read on.

The reasons this 40s-to-60s demographic is getting, and staying, involved in the fitness industry are diverse. As they approach retirement, some people are looking for a way to pull in extra income. Their love for fitness and keeping active make personal training a good choice, and the new venture simply segues into a new career.

Others aren’t looking or a second income; they’re looking for a new first income. Burned out with their full-time job, they find renewed purpose in helping others achieve or maintain fitness goals.

In addition, there are benefits to being a personal trainer in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, that many people don’t think about. In some situations, there is a kind of reverse age discrimination, because:

1. Not every client wants a bombshell or a buff 21-year-old training them at the gym. Some prefer a trainer that they find more like themselves and, thus, relatable.


2. Trainers with more life experience can sometimes right off the bat be given more credibility based on their age. There is the feeling that they actually have something worthwhile to teach.


3. Older personal trainers come with a maturity that clients translate as professionalism, experience, and know-how…even though that personal trainer may be just starting out. How’s that for a welcome!

If you’re ready to get started on your own journey to becoming a fitness professional, you can look here for information on getting certified. Don’t worry about age. Do it because it’s what you love and what you want!

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