Become a Confident Personal Trainer in 10 Weeks

Career changers in Edinburgh: Learn to train real clients, build a real business, and get real results.

Unlock the 10 Week Roadmap

What Makes Us Different?

Most personal training courses give you a certificate. We gave you 40 hours off hands on practice, real clients and business skills.

1

Beyond, the Textbook

Forgot dry theory.You'll get 40 hours of hands-on floor time in our studio, backed by a digital playbook that you can reference for the rest of your career.

2

The Inner Circle

It's not just what you know. but who you know. We bridge the gap between you and the local gym brands, giving you a direct line to employment the moment you qualify.

3

The Business of Coaching

Passion gets you started, a solid plan keeps you going. We'll show you how to structure your business, manage your schedule, and find the right clients without the usual trial and error.

4

Industry Connections

We've got the inside scoop with local gym brands, ready to connect you with potential employers or help you launch your own fitness venture – the options are endless!

5

Real Work Experience

You'll score work experience during the 10-week course right here at our studio, getting hands-on with various classes and PT services we offer!

6

Resources For Life

Build your foundation with a digital PT playbook you’ll keep for life. Access a wealth of resources designed to support your growth from student to industry expert.

7

Professional Network Access

Tap into our established network of chiropractors, sports massage therapists, and healthcare professionals to support your business and build credibility!

Start Your Career Quickly

Our 10-week course is jam-packed with practical lessons that let you flex those PT muscles, with 40 hours of real-life practice in our studio!

The Curriculum

A comprehensive roadmap designed to take you from a fitness enthusiast to a high-level professional coach.

Foundation & Integration

  • Muscle fiber mechanics (micro level)
  • Nervous system control
  • Skeletal structure & joint function
  • How systems integrate in training
  • Cardiovascular & respiratory systems
  • Endocrine responses to training

Assessment & Analysis

  • Advanced movement analysis
  • Postural assessment protocols
  • Identifying & correcting deviations
  • Core stability vs core strength
  • Energy system training matching
  • Exercise anatomy breakdowns

The Big 5 Movement Patterns

  • SQUAT - Lower body push (knee dominant)
  • HINGE - Lower body pull (hip dominant)
  • PUSH - Upper body press variations
  • PULL - Upper body pull variations
  • SINGLE LEG - Unilateral stability & strength

Advanced Coaching Skills

  • Exercise prescription for special populations
  • Injury prevention strategies
  • Corrective exercise programming
  • Setup & execution cues
  • Common faults and fixes
  • Regressions and progressions

Nutrition & Client Mastery

  • Nutrition fundamentals & digestive system
  • Macronutrients & micronutrients
  • Energy balance & BMR calculations
  • Food label reading & balanced plates
  • Client consultation role plays
  • Real-world case study analysis

Business Planning & Growth

  • Multiple roles as an independent PT
  • Planning for business growth
  • Overcoming business barriers
  • What makes a fitness business successful

Marketing & Market Analysis

  • SWOT analysis for competitive advantages
  • Market research techniques
  • Understanding your target clients
  • Building detailed customer profiles

Legal & Financial Foundations

  • Fair Trading Act & Companies Act
  • Health & Safety regulations
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Accounting & tax obligations

Technology & Efficiency

  • Client management & scheduling systems
  • Technology for client motivation
  • Wearables, apps, and gamification
  • Automation tools to scale your business

Meet Your Lead Tutor

Lead Tutor

James McKeen

"With 22 years of experience in the fitness industry, I've seen what works and what doesn't. I started this Academy to train PTs who deliver real, lasting results for their clients."

60
Fitness Professionals Trained & Assessed

The Backstory: Fueled by a Personal Promise

I didn't get into fitness to look good in a mirror. I entered this industry because I saw the cost of poor health firsthand. My father was sick for most of my life, and watching his struggle made me make a silent promise to myself: I would be strong, capable, and healthy for the long haul.

That promise fueled a lifetime love of sport, but it also shaped my professional philosophy. Fitness isn't just a hobby; it's a survival strategy.

The Mission: Raising the Standard

I established the Edinburgh Personal Training Academy because I looked around the industry and saw a gap. There were too many trainers focused on "shreds" and "quick fixes," and not enough focused on longevity and real health.

My goal is to raise the standard of coaching in the UK by producing trainers who understand the human body—and the human mind—better than anyone else.

I don't just talk about raising standards; I enforce them. I have personally trained and assessed over 50 coaches in the industry. These aren't just certificate holders; they are professionals I have signed off on to go out and impact thousands of lives.

The Methodology: Smart Training, Not Just Hard Training

My approach is built on the belief that as we age, we don't need to stop training hard—we just need to train smarter.

I hold the 8 Weeks Out Conditioning Certification because very few coaches truly understand energy systems. Most think conditioning is just about making a client sweat. I teach my students the science of "effective intensity"—how to build a work capacity that serves your life without burning you out.

The Credentials

Industry Impact Personally trained and assessed 60+ Fitness Professionals
Mentored By The Best Trained under Charles Poliquin, one of the world's leading strength coaches
Conditioning & Physiology 8 Weeks Out Conditioning Specialist, Qualified Sports Massage Therapist
Nutrition Precision Nutrition (PN) Master Coach
Psychology Specialist in Behaviour Change, Stress & Recovery, and Habit Formation
Special Populations Menopause Coaching Specialist

Testimonials

Real stories from coaches who transformed their passion into a professional career.

"The Academy helped me understand the importance of a proper assessment. What stood out most was that every client isn't the same, to meet the client where they are and set a realistic approach for the client to achieve. Since finishing, I've been able to advance my skills and support a wide range of clients from 15 years old to 70 with different goals & ideas of fitness. James taught me to show up as my true authentic self & lead with the want to help others."

— Amy, Previous Graduate

"The Academy helped me gain much more in depth and specialised knowledge than what I have seen elsewhere alongside developing the confidence and skills to apply that. What stood out most was the support and understanding I received as someone who is autistic and went through long term illness that required surgery. The needs and adjustments to my learning, the patience, motivation and level of care helped support me throughout the whole course. Since finishing I've been able to take the focus on developing my business plan and take the necessary steps to fulfill my dream."

— Cameron, Previous Graduate

"What stood out most was James' attention to detail and how he was always ready to provide strong advice whenever needed. I would absolutely recommend the Edinburgh PT academy for anyone looking to build a career in the industry."

— Ben, Previous Graduate

"Since finishing my confidence has increased so much. I'm teaching more classes at the gym and I have taken my own personal training clients. The Academy helped me realise the importance of individualised training plans and I have loved working with my clients to put these together to help them achieve their goals."

— Jill, Academy Student

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining the Academy

📍 Where is the course based?

F45 West Edinburgh House
Pentland Gait Business Park, 597 Calder Road
Currie, Edinburgh EH11 4HJ, United Kingdom

✅ Free parking available
✅ Easy access via local buses
✅ Train station nearby

🗓️ What happens if I miss a week due to holidays, work, childcare, or illness?

Life happens, and we get it! The course is designed to be flexible. If you miss a session, we'll help you catch up on what you missed so you stay on track. We understand that work commitments, holidays, childcare, and unexpected situations come up.

💰 How much does the course cost and what payment options are available?

The investment is £1,850, which includes:
✅ 10-week intensive training with 40 hours of studio practice
✅ Monthly mentorship calls with 22 years of industry experience
✅ Direct shadowing opportunities with experienced trainers
✅ Proven transformation, mobility, and performance programs you can use immediately
✅ Complete business school curriculum (marketing, legal, financial systems)
✅ Lifetime access to online resources and portal
✅ Professional network access (chiropractors, sports massage therapists)

You're not just getting a course—you're getting battle-tested systems from someone who's built successful PT businesses, so you hit the ground running from day one.

Payment options: Pay in 3 monthly instalments via Klarna to make it more manageable.

⏰ When does the course run?

The course runs for 10 weeks, every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This schedule is designed to accommodate those working during the week.

🤕 What happens if I'm injured? Can I still do the course?

Absolutely! If you're injured and can't participate in the practical sessions, you can still become a personal trainer. You don't have to physically participate—by observing and coaching others, you'll learn a tremendous amount. The key is understanding the principles and being able to guide clients effectively.

🧠 I'm neurodivergent and it takes me longer to learn, read, and process information. Can you support this?

Yes! We offer specialised 1-to-1 support and have extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients. The 10-week practical course focuses on teaching you hands-on skills during the 40 studio hours. For the workbooks and online portal, you can take as long as you need. Our goal at the end of 10 weeks is to get you confident on the gym floor and ready to pass your practical assessment—the written coursework can be completed at your own pace.

📚 What happens if I haven't finished my coursework at the end of the 10 weeks? Do I fail?

No, you don't fail! The 10-week practical course is designed to build your gym-floor confidence and practical skills. The written coursework and online portal can be completed at your own pace. We understand everyone learns differently, and we're here to support you until you're fully qualified and confident.

💼 Will I get a job at the end of the course?

We actively help place students when they're qualified. Throughout the course, you'll have direct opportunities to shadow experienced trainers. Once you're qualified and ready, we can guarantee you a job interview. Our graduates are already delivering real results for their clients across Edinburgh and beyond.

⏱️ I'm a very busy person—how much time do I need to invest per week?

The course requires 4 hours of practical training (Saturdays 12-4 PM) plus approximately 4 hours of self-study during the week. However, this can be more or less based on how quickly you want to be certified. The self-study is flexible and fits around your schedule.

🎓 How does the course work?

You'll attend 10 workshops covering essential topics including Assessment, Mobility, Fat Loss, Hypertrophy, Muscle Gain, Athletic Performance, Client Consultations, Program Design, and much more. Each workshop is designed to get you ready for your career in personal training. Outside the workshops, you have access to our online portal filled with everything you need to pass your certification—workbooks, resources, and weekly materials that build your confidence to deliver real client results.

⚡ Only 10 Spots Available

Ready to Change the Way You Coach?

We keep our intakes small to ensure every student gets direct mentorship.

Course Length

10 Weeks

Studio Practice

40 Hours

Investment

£1,850

Payment Options

3 Monthly Payments via Klarna

Important Information

Trading Name: Edinburgh Personal Training Academy

Registered Company: McKeen Performance & Education Ltd

Company Number: SC875112

Registered Address: Third Floor, 3 Hill Street, New Town, Edinburgh, EH2 3JP, United Kingdom

Course Location: F45 West Edinburgh House, Pentland Gait Business Park, 597 Calder Road, Currie, Edinburgh EH11 4HJ

Accreditation:

CIMSPA Approved (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)

Ofqual Regulated Qualification

Refund Policy:

You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase. If you have not accessed any course materials during this period, you are entitled to a full refund, no questions asked.

Once you have accessed course materials (online portal, workbooks, or attended any sessions), refunds will only be considered for exceptional circumstances including:

  • Serious illness or medical conditions preventing participation
  • Family emergencies or bereavement
  • Unforeseen financial hardship
  • Relocation outside the Edinburgh area

All exceptional circumstance refund requests must be submitted in writing to edinburghptacademy@gmail.co.uk and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis within 5 working days.

Payment Terms & Credit Agreement:

Total Course Fee: £1,850 (payable in full or 3 monthly payments of £616.67 via Klarna)

Credit Broker Disclosure: McKeen Performance & Education Ltd acts as a credit broker and not a lender. We introduce you to Klarna Bank AB (publ), which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Klarna is the lender and provides the credit facility.

Representative Example: 0% APR Representative. Total amount of credit: £1,850. Total amount payable: £1,850 (3 monthly payments of £616.67). Interest-free credit.

Eligibility: You must be 18 years or over and a UK resident to use Klarna. Credit is subject to status and approval by Klarna. Late or missed payments may affect your credit score and ability to use Klarna in the future.

Payment Terms:

When you choose to pay via Klarna, you're entering into a credit agreement with Klarna. The total course fee of £1,850 will be split into 3 equal monthly payments. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident to use Klarna.

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Your card details are never stored on our servers. By enrolling, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Questions? Email: edinburghptacademy@gmail.co.uk

Phone consultations available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM