PERSONAL TRAINING COURSES IN LEE VALLEY ATHLETICS CENTRE
APEC's Personal Training Courses in Lee Valley Athletics Centre
APEC is a human performance and fitness education company that delivers educational diplomas to Personal Trainers, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Health Coaches and Nutritionists.
Enhancing practical and theoretical understanding of the Health Fitness & Sports Performance industry, we incorporate a blended learning model with traditional classroom education to ensure efficient training and productive student engagement.
Expertise, experience and enrichment – these make APEC Dublin’s favourite fitness training company.

Efficient Learning with APEC in Lee Valley Athletics Centre
The health fitness industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ireland with Dublin containing the highest number of fitness centres and gym chains in Europe. The history of excellence plus accessibility makes Dublin’s APEC exceptional.
APEC offers multiple fitness courses in Dublin, ranging from the intensive Personal Training course to Performance Nutrition. While tutors impart practical and theoretical know-how, the blended learning model lets you finish the course at your convenience.
APEC covers the code of ethics and conduct that defines good practice for you as a trainer in the fitness industry by reflecting the core values of rights, relationships, responsibilities, standards and safety. Furthermore, we will assist you with your career and progression, helping you establish your signature in the fitness industry.

Meet Shane, your Lee Valley Athletics Centre Education Manager
Shane O’Rourke is the Irish Education Manager and Head of Nutrition at APEC. Effective delivery of Nutrition courses and management of APEC’s Ireland facilities fall under his supervision.
- Head S&C Coach at Wicklow RFC
- Performance Nutritionist at Blackrock RFC
- M.Sc in Exercise & Nutrition Science from University of Chester
- B.Sc in Business & Management from DIT

Request More Information.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Course Information
With a Personal Training diploma from APEC, you’ll be well-equipped to put your passion for health and fitness to work. Our certification lets you advance both your career and that of your clients’.
Our blended learning model incorporates both online and classroom-based instruction. This model adapts around your daily schedule so that you don’t have to put your life on hold to complete the course.
The course combines both the level 3 certificate in Fitness Instruction and the level 4 Personal Training certificate into one integrated course. This gives you the opportunity to start working as a personal trainer right away, whether it be starting your very own personal training business or working in a local or national gym chain.
Always be well-equipped for the job. Whether it be working in a 1-2-1 setting, tailoring a bespoke program for a client or even providing government guideline support around nutrition; with a Personal Training diploma from APEC, you make sure you always have the right tools in hand to succeed.
This course is also a stepping stone for those who are looking to further specialize in level 5 courses for Performance Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning and Health Coaching.
APEC prides itself on providing a highly interactive Personal Training education to its students. From day one of your enrolment, we are invested in your career. Our elite-level education guarantees a Personal Training internship with our local and corporate gym partners in addition to unlimited career support and guaranteed interviews.
The APEC diploma in Personal Training has been designed by industry-leading coaches providing the essential skills knowledge and behaviours needed to work as a qualified personal trainer or set up your very own business.
APEC’s Personal Training Diploma is accredited by several professional organizations like Focus Awards and CIMSPA and is regulated by OFQUAL. A winner of Focus Awards and having PD approval, this qualification has one of the highest regulatory and awarding processes in the industry which sets it apart from any others.
Course Length: The course is designed with flexibility in mind so that you can complete it at your own pace. While it takes an average of 2-6 months, students can learn in a full-time capacity to complete it in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Entry Requirements: Anyone who is 16 years or older can enroll.
Accreditations: Accredited by Focus Awards & CIMSPA.
Cost: €1199. No extra fee for certification or exams.
Offer & Payment Options: APEC offers flexible payment plans from as low as €51 a month to make payments manageable.
What You’ll Qualify With: On successful completion of the PT Diploma, you will qualify with:
- 17 CIMSPA points
- Level 4 Diploma in Personal Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
- Level 3 Certificate in Nutrition
- Level 3 Certificate in Wellbeing
- CPD in Business Skill
- CPD in Professional Practice
- CPD Nutrition
- Free online programming software
Completion of your Personal Training qualification will require you to complete both theory and practical assessments for both the Gym Instructing Level 3 and Personal Training Level 4 course.
Level 3 Fitness Instructor Assessments
- At least a 70% score required on the multiple-choice paper on anatomy and physiology
- At least a 70% score required on the multiple-choice paper on the principles of exercise and health
- 100% completion of the online interactive quizzes and assignments after each module
- Practical Assessment on delivering a gym-based induction
- Practical assessment on delivering a customised personal training programme
- Completion of the coursework on health and safety, programme writing, and client overview
Level 4 Personal Trainer Assessments
- At least a 70% score required on the multiple-choice paper on anatomy and physiology
- At least a 70% score required on the multiple-choice paper on the application of nutrition
- Practical assessment on delivering a customised personal training programme
- Completion of the coursework on programming with clients, smart goals, client screening and progressive overview
APEC offers an engaging and interactive Personal Training diploma. It provides the learner with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of how to engage with clients on a 1-2-1 basis both in-person and online. Learn how to support the delivery of a safe and effective workout programme for Personal Training sessions with a proper understanding of the human anatomy and the application of nutrition.
The 5 main components make up the qualification which are.
Competency Development
Core competency development such as communication, behaviour change and reflective practice serves as the foundation and bedrock of your career as a Personal Trainer. The communication sets you up to communicate effectively and efficiently with your clients. Focusing on everything from pitch and tone of your voice right through to different communication methods such as para verbal, none venerable, body language and listening skill.
The behaviour change module is designed to help you break down and understand the different behaviours people exhibit around exercise and diet. The module focuses on soft skill development for coaches to help people break personal habits and attitudes and improve motivation. Finally, reflective practice allows you as the coach to accurately reflect on your work as a fitness professional.
Training Science
The exercise snd training science section of the course focuses on the training principles that make up sound practice while also exploring applied anatomy and physiology. Human Biomechanics is also explored in detail with a special focus on the main gym-based lift and all the technical modules that support each lift.
Coaching Science
The coaching science section of the course provides insight into the scientific foundation that underpins the work of all coaching practice. The module translates the science of coaching into real-life practice application and shows coaches the link between theory and practice.
In essence, this section improves your ability as a coach to work in a group setting or one on one with someone.
Programing & Periodasation
Exercise programming and periodisation takes the training systems that were learned in the training science modules and shows coaches how to systematically program for the most effective outcomes with their clients. Principles for programming covers fat loss, hypertrophy, strength mobility and general fitness.
Nutrition
With nutrition being the cornerstone of a healthy life the nutrition module takes a deep dive into the fundamentals of nutrition for health. It breaks down everything from micro and macros nutrition right through to hydration. The model shows coaches how to track calories and put them into a system that is easy to understand and effective when applied to a clients training regime.
APEC offers a blended learning approach to education allowing you to complete your qualifications at your own time and pace depending on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. You can now complete 80% of your Personal Training diploma online with our award-winning online e-learning platform.
Once you have compleated your online theory work we will arrange your practical assessment at one of our many performance centres throughout the country.
Online Learning
APEC provides 80% of the theory-based learning associated with the course online. This enables you to start learning the same day you enrol and begin working through the course modules at a pace suitable to you. APEC’s team of dedicated tutors provide you with support and guidance, all 7 days a week via phone or email.
Our award-winning e-learning platform is completely custom built and is tailored to your learning needs. The platform provides learning in the form of digitalised and animated video-led content. Online training tools such as online programming software, excel files and client assessment sheets are also provided to help you with your learning. Finally, APEC has one of the most extensive digital exercise libraries to help you with your understanding of movement skill.
You are not obliged to complete your course in any time frame, giving you the privilege to complete the course at your own pace, whether it be taking as little time as possible, or as long as you want.
Upon completion of your Personal Training diploma, you will be eligible to register as a qualified Personal Trainer with IREPs or CIMSPA and start advertising your services straight away.
APEC also provides post-course support to help direct you toward employment with a large gym chain or with one of our many successful students who now run and operate smaller bespoke gyms after finishing their education with APEC.
Career Support
At APEC, we go the further mile in helping our students. We are not just focused on providing you with great service during the course, but we also want to help you give your personal training career the best start possible.
Once you have finished the course you can arrange a consultation with our post-course career support team who will guide you through different career options.
The career support team will assist you with CV analysis, and will also help you get your CV into the hands of corporate and bespoke gym owners. Guaranteed interviews and upcoming health, fitness and wellness jobs will be posted on our internal message forum available to all students studying APEC diplomas.
Progression Route
We at APEC take pride in our further education approach. After the completion of your Personal Training diploma, further education diplomas in Strength and Condition, Nutrition and Health Coaching at level 5 and 6 will become available to you.
Pricing & Payment
Achieving Meaningful Results.
APEC has pioneered the field of human performance and fitness education to help people achieve optimal performance in whatever they do. Today, APEC is the trusted provider for students looking to work in fitness, sports or health performance related industries.
-
Just finished an exciting 2-day week of workshops for the Personal Training course. Great group of people and very knowledgeable trainers. Well organised workshops and highly effective. Thanks APEC
Jochem Schrijvers
January 28, 2025I eally enjoyed studying with APEC courses. Found the information really easy to comprehend, allowing me to fully understand everything that Personal Training involves! The course goes over and above... read more to provide you with the necessary resources to help grow your knowledge! I loved how flexible the course was with regards to time, allowing me to pursue my sporting career, living in Australia while also studying online from Ireland! I would highly recommend APEC courses to anyone looking to enter or upskill in the field of fitness!
Julie O Sullivan
January 28, 2025 -
Recently completed the APEC PT workshop, the tutors were very knowledgeable, explained and demonstrated all aspects of the course thoroughly and were really easy to follow. Both tutors were approachable... read more and helpful and put all us new coaches at ease over the duration of the workshop. Would highly recommend this path for a diploma in PT.
Sharon McNamara
December 8, 2024 -
-
I embarked on APEC’s Personal Training Diploma program, drawn to the flexibility it offered, perfect for a busy mom like me. The in-person portion truly shone as a highlight. Shane... read more masterfully connected the online concepts to the practical experience, bringing everything to life. I appreciated learning how to assess clients effectively, empowering me to tailor the best workouts for them and guide their progress on their journey. I highly recommend this program!
Rachel Evans
December 8, 2024I just had to share how amazing the APEC course is! The coaches are fantastic and super supportive. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to succeed in their personal... read more training journey. It really has all the tips and keys you need to thrive. Thank you, everyone!
Francisco Estrada
December 8, 2024 -
Very comprehensive content online and great experience to meet other people in person who had also completed the course. On top of that, the tutors were readily available to answer... read more any queries throughout. I am very happy to have chosen this course and would recommend it 😊
Laetitia Contassot
June 8, 2024 -
-
I’m enjoying the PT course. All the videos are well-produced and give me all the knowledge that I need for my development.
Nelson Bianchim
January 8, 2024 -
Combination of online and in person learning has been amazing. Workshop was so helpful, the lads are so well spoken and knowledgeable. Would absolutely recommend
Shelly O'Riordan
August 18, 2023