Theory through self-study (100% online)
Build the foundations in anatomy, physiology, training theory and self-employment via our platform. (Duration: usually 4–6 months).
Your leading Swiss fitness academy
Personal Trainer course
Your path to self-employment: Turn your passion for fitness into your business! Learn 100% flexibly from home how to coach premium clients 1-on-1, create tailored training plans and successfully build your own business.
- Your learning pace: perfectly manageable alongside your job (blended learning)
- Recognised across the Swiss fitness industry
- Business module included: learn how to land your first clients
4.7/5 from 15 reviews
Recognised throughout Switzerland
Qualitop, Qualicert, SFGV, SBFI, SVBO and Swiss Active stand behind our trainings – your diploma is valid across the entire Swiss fitness industry.
Start the course now
Training
Personal Trainer
- Qualicert-recognised: the highest industry standard for your professional market presence.
- Without exam stress: your qualification is achieved via a practice-oriented, stress-free final assignment.
- Business module included: learn not only training theory, but also how to find clients. Flexible financing: from 305 CHF / month (in 10 instalments).
- Lifetime access to the learning platform
from CHF 305.–/mo.CHF 2'950.– one-timeincl. VAT
Purchase on invoice available · TWINT · Mastercard · VISA · PayPal
Optional: book together & save
Athletic Coach + Personal Trainer (bundle) – CHF 3'990.– instead of CHF 5'900.– · you save CHF 1'910.–View bundle →
A LOOK INSIDE THE LEARNING PLATFORM
A direct excerpt from our learning platform – you unlock this content when you sign up.
01Personal training: industry knowledge and communication
Client communication and industry knowledge for personal training: from the first consultation to long-term client retention. You learn with: course script, interactive online seminars, learning videos, flashcards, audio files for on the go and online knowledge checks.
02Biomedical basics: anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
Orientation in the human body, musculoskeletal system, organ systems, functional anatomy and pathophysiology with clinical pictures. You learn with: course script, interactive online seminars, learning videos, flashcards, audio files for on the go, interactive 3D anatomy tools and online knowledge checks.
03Training theory basics: principles, strength and endurance
Training principles, strength and endurance, biomechanics, programming – and the concrete application as a personal trainer. You learn with: course script, interactive online seminars, learning videos, flashcards, audio files for on the go and online knowledge checks.
04Motor skills and energetics
Training mobility and coordination plus nutrition basics for supporting your clients. You learn with: course script, interactive online seminars, learning videos, flashcards, audio files for on the go and online knowledge checks.
05Personal training: training quality and marketing
Your business module: developing your USP, first steps into self-employment, website and social media. You learn with: course script and interactive online seminars.
06Practice days
On site you put the theory into practice together with our experts.
07Final paper
Your qualification via a practice-oriented final paper – no exam stress.
Lifetime access
Your learning platform stays yours after you graduate – including all later updates. To look things up, refresh and prepare your classes.
YOUR PATH TO THE DIPLOMA
Apply practical knowledge (2 days on site)
You come to our studio! Over two intensive practical days, you practise perfect machine execution, correction with free weights and empathetic 1-on-1 client coaching directly on the training floor.
Practice-oriented final project
Forget exam anxiety and multiple-choice tests under time pressure! You complete your course with a practice-oriented final project that you create completely stress-free and under your own responsibility – supported by our experienced mentors. Passed? Congratulations on becoming a certified personal trainer!
ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS
Learn whenever and wherever you want
Whether deep at night or in the morning on the train: our interactive e-learning portal (incl. scripts, videos and audio) fits around your busy schedule, not the other way around.
The toolkit for your business
We don't leave you alone after the diploma. You not only learn everything about (bio)mechanics and training planning, but also discover how to build your own personal training business and win clients.
You're never alone
In regular online consultations and on 2 intensive practical days on site, you deepen your knowledge directly in 1-on-1 exchange with our experienced industry experts.
Recognised throughout Switzerland
The most common question first: yes – with your diploma you can work in any fitness centre in Switzerland. These recognitions and partnerships stand behind it:
Qualitop & Qualicert
Health-insurance recognised – fitness centres across Switzerland can employ you.
SVBO
The Swiss industry association – your path to the industry certificate.
SFGV seal
SFGV-recognised module exams – your admission to the final exam “Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion with Swiss federal diploma”.
SBFI
Federally recognised for subsidies – federal contributions on the way to the federal exam.
TÜV ISO 9001:2015
Externally certified training and process quality.
Swiss Active
Member of the leading association of the Swiss fitness industry.
Schedule & time commitment
How your study time is distributed – flexibly plannable alongside work and everyday life.
200 hoursDigital learningflexible scheduling
16 hoursPractical transferselectable dates
4 hoursOnline consultation hoursflexible, optional
12 hoursExam preparationflexible scheduling
60 hoursFinal paperflexible scheduling
5 hoursAssessments & examsfixed date
Total effort: 297 hoursTotal duration (average): 4 – 6 months
YOUR INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE
Complete price with no hidden costs – including the business module for your path to self-employment, all learning materials and the exam fee.
10 instalments
CHF 305.– per instalment
Total CHF 3'050.– – includes CHF 100.– instalment surcharge
- Incl. all learning materials
- incl. 2 practical days and practical assignment
- incl. personal online support
- incl. exam fees
- no hidden costs!
2 instalments
CHF 1'500.– per instalment
Total CHF 3'000.– – includes CHF 50.– instalment surcharge
- Incl. all learning materials
- incl. 2 practical days and practical assignment
- incl. personal online support
- incl. exam fees
- no hidden costs!
One-time payment
CHF 2'950.–
- Incl. all learning materials
- incl. 2 practical days and practical assignment
- incl. personal online support
- incl. exam fees
- no hidden costs!
Where you stand in the industry
On the left your courses with us – each a recognised qualification in its own right. On the right the industry certificates and the federal diploma they qualify you for.
update AkademieYour courses with the update certificate
- SpecialistFitness and Movement Trainer ProLeadership and studio management – includes preparation for elective module 3
- AdvancedFitness and Movement Trainer AdvancedIn-depth training theory – for demanding clients
- Entry levelPersonal TrainerQualitop and Qualicert recognised – enough to work in a fitness centreYou are here
Industry certificates and federal diplomaThrough the SVBO module exams
- Specialist in Movement and Health Promotion with Federal DiplomaEBQ level 5Basic module 1Basic module 2Basic module 3Basic module 5Main module 3Main module 2Elective module 35,000 hours of professional practice
- Health Trainer with SVBO industry certificateEBQ level 4Basic module 1Basic module 2Basic module 3Basic module 5Main module 32,500 hours of professional practice
- Trainer with SVBO industry certificateEBQ level 3Basic module 1Basic module 2Basic module 3Basic module 51,000 hours of professional practice
The industry certificates and the federal diploma are not awarded by us but earned through the SVBO module exams – we prepare you for them.
What the graduates say
Good presentation of the learning content. Good self-assessment thanks to the progress checks in the individual modules. The videos also explain the content in an easy-to-understand way. The practical days were very exciting. A course well worth recommending
I recently passed my course and I am really pleasantly surprised. At the beginning I was sceptical about whether an online course could be sound and practical. My expectations were definitely exceeded.
The Personaltrainer course at the Update Akademie was very professional. I was able to deepen and expand my existing knowledge. I can recommend it to anyone looking for something serious.
The course was exciting and I learnt a lot, even though I already knew quite a bit about training and nutrition. As I work full time, it was brilliant that I could organise everything myself.
I was able to complete the course despite having a full-time job. As I could learn all the theory online, I was flexible and could organise my own time. The content is really interesting.
Despite a lot of prior knowledge I still learnt a great deal. Even though I am at university, I was able to complete the course alongside my studies. It is structured from start to finish and very flexible.
Why update Akademie?
Competence & knowledge at the level of research
Our courses meet all the criteria of the Qualicert OK status and prepare you optimally for working in the fitness industry across Switzerland. Our training concept is based on the latest scientific findings in sport and movement research and is professionally evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Flexible training and self-determined learning
Do you want to reorient your career and take a new path step by step – without neglecting family, finances or your social life? Our courses adapt to your life – not the other way round. For an optimal learning experience, our e-learning portal gives you all the tools to acquire the necessary knowledge through self-study. You also take the exam stress-free from your home computer.
The starting shot for your trainer career
The fitness industry is a growth market – and a recognised qualification is your ticket to a new career path! Our courses build on each other logically, so every hour you invest gives you maximum learning value.
Do you want to start right away?
Click the button and register now for the personal trainer online course.
Good to know
Effective training concepts at the latest state of science
Successful training is based on scientific principles. Only when you understand the human body and its complex mechanisms can you offer your clients sustainably effective training. In the personal trainer course, you acquire the latest insights from physiology, anatomy and training theory and learn how to put together the best possible training plan based on your clients' physiological conditions.
A personal trainer course tailored to your needs
Do you have a family to take care of or are you still in your old job? Thanks to the flexible personal trainer course, you learn at your own pace from your desk at home. Work your way step by step through the various modules – as soon as you're done, you register for the practical days. For a short journey, you simply choose a date at one of our many locations in German-speaking Switzerland.
The starting signal for self-employment
Personal training is a market of the future: in modern society, sufficient exercise and physical fitness often fall short. More and more people are looking for ways to use their little free time effectively for fitness training. That is precisely your task as a personal trainer. With our course, you lay the foundation for a self-employed activity as a personal trainer – professionally, methodically and organisationally. Register today for your personal trainer course and make your passion your profession!
Your career as a personal trainer starts today!
Advantage of the Personal Trainer course
Our personal trainer course offers you numerous advantages:
- Flexible learning: Set your own learning pace and integrate the course effortlessly into your everyday life. Our modern e-learning portal gives you access to the learning content around the clock and from anywhere.
- Recognised certification: The course is ISO 9001:2015 certified and meets the criteria of the Qualicert-OK status. Your qualification is recognised industry-wide and paves the way to a successful career.
- Practice-oriented modules: In addition to solid theory courses, the course includes two practical days on which you can apply your knowledge practically under the guidance of experienced trainers. Regular online consultations and personal mentoring ensure optimal support.
- Most up-to-date teaching content: Our training concept is based on the latest scientific findings in sports and exercise research. You learn everything about anatomy, physiology, modern training methods and their implementation.
With this comprehensive and flexible course, you are perfectly prepared to get started as a successful personal trainer and advance your career in the fitness industry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the training recognised throughout Switzerland?
Yes – our trainings are recognised across the entire Swiss fitness industry. The diplomas meet the Qualitop and Qualicert quality labels (health-insurance recognition), update Akademie is a member of Swiss Active and the industry association SVBO, and our module exams are SFGV-recognised for admission to the final exam “Specialist in Physical Activity and Health Promotion with Swiss federal diploma”. With your diploma you can work in any fitness centre in Switzerland.
When can I start the training?
Anytime. After registering you get immediate access to the online learning platform and can start right away – there are no fixed start dates and no waiting times.
How long does the training take?
That's up to you – you learn at your own pace. Expect around 297 learning hours; most participants complete the training in 4 – 6 months. Thanks to the flexible schedule, it fits easily alongside your job.
How does the course work?
The personal trainer course takes place in 2 phases. You tackle the first phase independently from your desk. Via our e-learning platform, you independently explore the course content in 5 different modules. You take the time you need for this. As a rule, our participants complete the theoretical training in around 200 hours. The second phase consists of two practical days, during which you are guided by experienced instructors at one of our branches and systematically deepen your new skills. Your personal trainer course ends with a practice-oriented final project. You accompany a person over 2 months and write the final project according to our criteria. After passing successfully, you receive your diploma, with which you can prove the success of your training to your future clients.
What requirements do I need to meet for the course?
In addition to good German skills for the theoretical training, you should have solid physical fitness. You must also be at least 16 years old for the personal trainer course.
How long do I have access to the learning platform?
Lifetime. Your access remains active even after you complete the training – you can revisit videos, scripts and all learning content at any time, for example to refresh before your first sessions.
How much does the training cost?
The training costs CHF 2'950.– – including all learning materials, practical days, online consultations and exam fees. There are no hidden costs.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. For orders of CHF 1'000 or more, simply choose invoice as the payment method at checkout and pay in either 2 or 10 instalments.
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→Questions about this course?
We advise you free of charge and without obligation – in a 1:1 conversation or at the online info evening.