In a fast-evolving fitness industry, continuing professional development (CPD) has never been more important for personal trainers. Whether you’re looking to specialise in a new area, improve client results, or future-proof your business, CPD courses offer an excellent way to gain new skills and stay competitive. In 2025, the best CPD courses combine flexibility, practical application, and high demand from real clients.
If you’re a qualified personal trainer aiming to expand your services and grow your business, here are some of the best CPD courses for personal trainers to consider this year.
- Pre and Postnatal Training
Demand for pre and postnatal fitness is on the rise, and offering specialised support to new and expectant mothers is a smart way to diversify your client base. A CPD course in this area teaches you how to tailor exercise safely during each trimester and support recovery post-birth, while also covering key nutritional considerations.
Why it’s a great choice: It helps you work with a dedicated client group and opens doors to referrals from antenatal services and mum-and-baby networks.
- Menopause and Midlife Fitness
As more women seek support through perimenopause and menopause, trainers with knowledge of hormonal health and exercise adaptation are in high demand. A menopause-specific CPD course, with modules on strength training, stress, sleep, and metabolism, can help you provide safe, effective training to this growing market.
Why it’s a great choice: It’s one of the most underserved yet growing fitness markets – ideal for PTs working with clients aged 40+.
- Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Principles
Even if you’re not coaching athletes, a CPD course in S&C can enhance your programming for all clients. Learn how to apply progressive overload, periodisation, and functional movement training in a way that benefits beginners through to advanced lifters.
Why it’s a great choice: Elevates the quality of your training, boosts client results, and builds a reputation for delivering serious outcomes.
- Nutrition Coaching for Personal Trainers
Nutrition plays a huge role in client success. Taking a CPD course in nutrition (even at a basic coaching level) allows you to support your clients with food choices, portion control, habit building, and weight management—without straying into the territory of a registered dietitian.
Why it’s a great choice: Clients increasingly expect nutrition guidance alongside fitness, and this knowledge adds serious value to your packages.
- Online Coaching & Hybrid Training
With more clients demanding flexibility, learning how to deliver results remotely is key. Online coaching CPD courses teach you how to structure remote programmes, use digital platforms, manage communication, and retain accountability—whether you’re working 100% online or combining in-person and digital sessions.
Why it’s a great choice: Expands your reach, increases income potential, and makes your business more resilient.
- Business & Marketing for Personal Trainers
A great PT needs more than just fitness knowledge—they need to know how to run a business. A CPD course in marketing, sales, and business development can help you attract more leads, onboard clients effectively, set up systems, and turn followers into paying customers.
Why it’s a great choice: Helps you grow your personal training business with confidence and turn your skills into profit.
- Exercise Referral & GP Referral
These courses qualify you to work with clients who a healthcare professional has referred due to a medical condition. This includes individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses.
Why it’s a great choice: Adds credibility, opens up specialist work, and enables you to support clients who genuinely need long-term lifestyle change.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right CPD course in 2025 depends on where you want to take your personal training business. Whether you’re aiming to specialise, work with new populations, or improve your marketing and operations, CPD is the key to standing out and staying relevant.
Look for CPD courses that are accredited by CIMSPA or REPs, offer hands-on learning, and include practical tools you can implement immediately. Investing in your development improves your client outcomes and boosts your income, credibility, and job satisfaction.
