About HFI Training

HFI is a unique health and fitness training provider. We have our roots firmly in the fitness industry but have always had strong links within the academic world as well. This results in a different level of service. We inform trainees about how the industry works; its pit-falls and opportunities. We will assist trainees to strive to gain a more science-based knowledge and be different from other new trainers in the industry. We will help new learners and advanced trainers alike to gain the competitive edge in terms of knowledge and skills. The results being trainers who are effective in what they do, have confidence in their own knowledge and stand out from the crowd. We are proud of our tutors and assessors who are uniquely qualified both academically and vocationally qualified and have relevant workplace experienced in their appropriate fields.

We understand that industry vocational recognition is required initially and so offer all the basic industry qualifications: Level 1 (healthy living award), Level 2 (gym instructor and add-ons), Level 3 (personal trainer and add-ons) and Level 4 specialist modules.

We understand that individuals are in various situation and there is a need for flexible learning formats. People are starting from different points and there are often opportunities to fast-track qualification and to gain accreditation for prior learning and other experience. We offer work placement programmes and mentoring schemes for less experienced trainees at level 2 gym instructor and level 3 personal trainer.

We are also aware that there is a depth of scientific knowledge that the fitness industry does not provide. The result is that the industry produces professionals who are all doing the same thing at any one time. This can apply at all levels of professional, from newly qualified trainers to very experienced trainers, who are finding it difficult to distinguish themselves from each other. HFI know the academic side of health and fitness and are the official sole-provider of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) qualifications in the UK. ACSM is the international organisation that sets the global industry guidelines. With HFI, trainers can be sure that they have he academic edge by ensuring they are always studying the most up-to-date and credible information.

HFI also firmly believe that one of the main distinguishing factors is being an effective behaviour motivator and certainly not just depending on the trainers “personality” or “natural ability” in this area.

ACSM provide credible qualifications for health and sport-related graduates wanting to enhance their degree when applying for work in professions such as elite sport, private medical, physical activity advisor or clinical cardiac rehabilitation.

Trust HFI to take you to where you want to go whether you are just looking to enter the fitness industry or are graduating from an MSc in clinical exercise.
A successful personal trainers need the following ingredients:

Fitness industry skill-based qualifications (ie level 2 and level 3 so you have industry recognition from the outset)
Effective motivational skills in behaviour change communication – HFI Exercise and Eating Behaviour Motivator (Motivational Interviewing)
Personal Training Business acumen including legal, sales and marketing skills (to start and develop a highly profitable business) – HFI No Sweat Academy Manual and other PT Business resources
An academic understanding of exercise science (to provide an ethical level of service to clients) - an international perspective in the form of ACSM to keep abreast of the global industry and not just from the UK industry standpoint.

To ensure success in business as a personal trainer, professionals need to be able to guarantee their clients’ success. Trusting HFI with the initial preparation for industry basics and then further success-focused development will give trainers the edge they need to make it in this highly competitive industry.

Flexible learning

Our courses structures reflect today’s requirements for flexible learning formats. Learner can attend full face-to-face workshops and also opt to do the maximum amount of online learning if preferred.

Industry Recognition

We offer all the industry basics to provide the professional recognition that new instructors and trainers require. Our most popular qualifications are the level 2 Gym Instructor, level 3 Personal Trainer, Personal Training Diplomas (level 3): The “PT” Diploma (level 2 and 3 combined), the “Elite” PT Diploma ) level 2 and 3 + advanced PT skills), the “International” PT Diploma (level 4 and ACSM), and the “Degree Level” PT Diploma (Level 4 and ACSM).

We also offer more advanced academic personal training qualifications in the form of the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Qualification for those already level 3 qualified and ACSM Health Fitness Specialist for sport or health degree graduates.

HFIs specialist area is the psychology of behaviour change in the form of our totally unique HFI Motivational Trainer Workshops for already qualified and experienced personal trainers. These essential skills courses are included in our Elite Personal Training Diplomas and the Degree Level PT Diploma.

What also makes HFI unique is our tutors and our students come from both academic and non-academic backgrounds, giving our participants in insight into both worlds and so gaining the best of both.

Fast-tracking for university undergraduates and credit for work-experience for non-university learners.

HFI is the UK sole-provider of the American College of Sports Medicine qualifications and we work in partnership with many UK universities to with their sport, exercise and health science-related students to become gym instructor and personal trainer qualified while they study. Degree graduates can fast-track their qualifications taking level 3 PT by assessment only thereby cutting costs tremendously. Non-university learners who have experience in the fitness industry can also fast-track their qualifications. If you want to find out if you qualify for “assessment only” or fast-track complete our HFI Skills and Knowledge Analysis form.

Whether candidates start out in university or not, in order to become both qualified and successful personal trainer, our participants need to understand the industry from both perspectives.

i look forward to helping you on your journey within this wonderful industry.

Alison Hall
MD - HFI Training