Come learn with us. Start your coaching journey.
Accredited personal training and coaching qualifications, with the mentoring to build your own business. Not just a certificate: a coach in your corner.
Plenty of courses sell you a login and leave you to it. At Accelerate you learn from Dave Cooke, who has run Accelerate since 2013 and spent the last 12 years educating fitness professionals across the UK, USA, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa. A real tutor marks every piece of your work, you get live sessions with Dave, and the mentoring carries on long after you qualify.
Pick your qualification
Assistant Gym Instructor
Gym Instructor
Personal Training Certificate
Personal Training Diploma
Talk to Dave first
12 years building coaches, not selling courses
Dave is a former military leader who founded Accelerate Coaching and Fitness, Doncaster’s award-winning personal training and sports performance centre, in 2013. For the last 12 years he has taken what he learned leading people and applied it to the fitness industry, educating fitness professionals in a bespoke way across the UK, USA, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa, helping hundreds of coaches build sustainable businesses and mentoring them through their careers.
His philosophy is simple: Train Like an Athlete. Elite-level coaching principles, backed by up-to-date research, applied to everyone from professional athletes to everyday clients. It is how he coaches, and it is what he will teach you.
That is the difference. You are not buying a random online course. You are getting Dave’s experience, his eye on your work and his support while you build your career.
- 12 years educating coaches in the UK, USA, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa
- Former military leader who founded an award-winning PT and sports performance centre in Doncaster in 2013
- His coaches now run gyms, build businesses and work in elite sport
- Personal mentoring before, during and after your qualification
Why this isn’t just another online course
- Click-through slides and an automated quiz
- Questions answered by support ticket, if at all
- Nobody watches you coach a real person
- Pay again if you need a resit
- Certificate emailed, then you’re on your own
- Taught and mentored by Dave and the Accelerate team
- Every piece of work marked by a real tutor, with feedback you can act on
- Live and practical sessions, so you’re coached, not just assessed
- Learn alongside a working strength and conditioning facility
- No resit fees
- Business mentoring from the day you qualify, and free return access to your course for life
With you before, during and long after you qualify
Before you start
While you study
The day you qualify
For the rest of your career
The coaches Dave has built
14 coaches, in their own words. From a first qualification to running gyms, building businesses and coaching elite sport.
As a Biology graduate with over 20 years of secondary science teaching I was pleased to find that the course materials were high quality and research driven. I felt fully supported throughout my study and received timely, constructive feedback on each of my assignments. The diploma enabled me to pursue an exciting career change and I have now established myself as a successful fitness instructor and personal trainer.
KNKathryn NaylorKN Coaching · Level 3 Diploma
- General Manager, Functional Hub Gym
- Cluster Clubs General Manager
- Coaching elite rugby league players
- Founder, Revolution Training
- 6 years at Nuffield Health
- Head coach, Etincelles, Rwanda
- Trainer Assessor, Sheffield University
- Leisure centre and gym manager
- Masters in S&C, elite rugby
- Group fitness, METROFITT
- Own health and fitness business
- Director roles in the fitness industry
“The gold standard in practical learning”
Throughout both my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training courses, having expert, hands-on guidance available at every step made all the difference… He gave me the skills and self-belief to successfully launch my own health and fitness business.
Studying with Dave provided the absolute gold standard in practical learning. Throughout both my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training courses, having expert, hands-on guidance available at every step made all the difference.
The emphasis on real-world practice combined with sharp, constructive feedback gave me the space to refine my technique and truly hone my craft as a trainer. Dave’s depth of knowledge and mentorship didn’t just teach me the curriculum, it transformed my confidence.
I can’t thank Dave enough for the quality of education he delivers. He gave me the skills and self-belief to successfully launch my own health and fitness business, and I continue to pass on the high standard of knowledge I gained under his instruction. If you’re looking to start or elevate your fitness career, I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Now General Manager of Functional Hub Gym
I completed my Level 3 Personal Training course with Dave and found it informative, well structured and easy to follow… I’m now the General Manager of Functional Hub Gym, where I also coach clients in strength and conditioning, functional fitness and hybrid race preparation.
I completed my Level 3 Personal Training course with Dave and found it informative, well structured and easy to follow. His teaching made the information clear and practical, helping me develop my knowledge and confidence and apply what I learned.
I’m now the General Manager of Functional Hub Gym, where I also coach clients in strength and conditioning, functional fitness and hybrid race preparation. The course has helped me build effective training programmes for people with different abilities, from those improving their general fitness to those preparing for competition.
The principles I learned are relevant across the growing hybrid fitness scene, including events such as HYROX, DEKA FIT and ATHX, where strength, endurance and good movement all play a part. The course has also benefited my own training and HYROX racing, giving me a better understanding of how to structure my preparation and improve my performance.
I would happily recommend Dave to anyone looking to gain their personal training qualification and develop practical coaching skills.
From a bad experience elsewhere to elite rugby league
After experiencing difficulties with a previous training provider… Dave Cooke’s mentorship was invaluable in helping me turn theoretical knowledge into practical coaching skills. Since qualifying, I have worked with a wide range of individuals, from 1-to-1 hypertrophy and fat-loss clients to elite-level rugby league players.
After experiencing difficulties with a previous training provider, FASTER provided me with excellent support and guidance, enabling me to successfully achieve my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications. Dave Cooke’s mentorship was invaluable in helping me turn theoretical knowledge into practical coaching skills.
Since qualifying, I have worked with a wide range of individuals, from 1-to-1 hypertrophy and fat-loss clients to elite-level rugby league players. The knowledge and skills gained have also enhanced my PE teaching, allowing me to deliver more informed, engaging and effective lessons. I would highly recommend FASTER to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and career in the fitness industry.
From professional squash player to gym manager
Coming from a background as a professional squash player, I already understood training from an athlete’s side, but the course taught me how to coach other people properly. It was practical, well delivered and grounded in real experience… I now work as a manager at a leisure centre and gym.
I completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification with Accelerate Education Academy in 2023. Coming from a background as a professional squash player, I already understood training from an athlete’s side, but the course taught me how to coach other people properly. It was practical, well delivered and grounded in real experience.
That foundation has stayed with me throughout my career, and I now work as a manager at a leisure centre and gym. I’d recommend Accelerate’s education academy’s programmes and courses to anyone serious about a career in fitness.
Opened one of the East Midlands’ most successful facilities
David helped me professionally to complete my Level 2 & 3 fitness qualifications. His knowledge and professionalism gave me the starting point I needed to open up one of the most successful fitness facilities in the East Midlands.
From Level 2 to a director role
I completed my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications under the guidance and instruction of David… Since completing my training, I have continued to develop my knowledge and experience across personal training, strength and conditioning, HYROX coaching, and athletic performance. I have also progressed into a director role.
I completed my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications under the guidance and instruction of David Phillip Cooke, where I gained the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to begin my journey in the fitness industry.
Since completing my training, I have continued to develop my knowledge and experience across personal training, strength and conditioning, HYROX coaching, and athletic performance. I have also progressed into a director role, expanding my experience in leadership and the wider fitness industry.
My journey has allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained during my qualifications to coaching, helping others achieve their fitness goals, and developing my expertise in performance training. I am proud of how far I have progressed since my initial training and remain committed to continuous professional development, delivering high-quality coaching, and contributing to the development of future fitness professionals through education and practical experience.
“He genuinely invests in people”
Dave was the person who trained and developed me as a Personal Trainer… What sets Dave apart is that he doesn’t just teach you the basics. He genuinely invests in people, pushes them to become better and gives them the confidence, knowledge and skills to succeed in the fitness industry.
I can’t recommend Dave Cooke highly enough. Dave was the person who trained and developed me as a Personal Trainer, and the knowledge, guidance and support he gave me have been invaluable.
What sets Dave apart is that he doesn’t just teach you the basics. He genuinely invests in people, pushes them to become better and gives them the confidence, knowledge and skills to succeed in the fitness industry. His passion for what he does, his experience and his ability to bring the best out of people really stand out. He’s someone who leads by example and genuinely wants to see others succeed.
I wouldn’t be where I am today in my PT journey without the foundations Dave helped me build. Dave has also given me the confidence to go on and compete at HYROX, CrossFit and other fitness races. Dave’s training gave me the information I needed to put my own fitness at the forefront.
If you’re looking for someone who genuinely knows his stuff, cares about people’s development and can make a real difference, Dave Cooke is your man.
“I have been able to set up my own PT business”
I have known him for 10 years and studied for my Level 3 PT under him. I found his style of teaching enabled me and the other students to understand the course easily, by his use of both demonstrations and written instructions. Following the training David provided, I have been able to set up my own PT business.
I am pleased to provide this recommendation for David Cooke. I have known him for 10 years and studied for my Level 3 PT under him. I found his style of teaching enabled me and the other students to understand the course easily, by his use of both demonstrations and written instructions.
Following the training David provided, I have been able to set up my own PT business. If I need any help or advice, I know I can rely on David’s wealth of knowledge. He has always been willing to help.
“More than a manager. A mentor.”
He played a huge part in helping me become the personal trainer I am today… He was more than just a manager to me. He was a mentor who genuinely wanted to see me succeed and reach my potential. His support made a lasting impact on both my professional development and my life.
I am extremely grateful for the support, guidance and encouragement that Dave gave me during the time I worked with him. He played a huge part in helping me become the personal trainer I am today. Without his support, belief in me and willingness to help me develop, I honestly don’t think I would be where I am now.
He supported me throughout my Level 3 Personal Training course and a lot of other courses. I have now been doing rehabilitation for 3 years and have been at Nuffield Health for 6 years, and he helped me build the knowledge, confidence and skills to take the next step in my career. He always took the time to guide me, encourage me and help me believe in myself, even when things were challenging.
He was more than just a manager to me. He was a mentor who genuinely wanted to see me succeed and reach my potential. His support made a lasting impact on both my professional development and my life, and I will always appreciate the time and effort he put into helping me achieve my goals.
I would highly recommend him as a manager and mentor to anyone, as he genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives and careers.
From sport science degree to elite rugby
The course materials and practical work helped me apply the learning from my Sport Science degree into the everyday world… Since then I’ve gone on to complete a Masters in Strength and Conditioning and work within elite rugby, whilst still applying principles I learned back then.
I first started working as a Personal Trainer after completing my Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications with Dave. The course materials and practical work helped me apply the learning from my Sport Science degree into the everyday world. Dave’s understanding of the industry through his years of experience was invaluable in the learning journey.
Since then I’ve gone on to complete a Masters in Strength and Conditioning and work within elite rugby, whilst still applying principles I learned back then. I am also now a director of Accelerate Fitness Coaching alongside Dave and continue to support the education of others.
From Barnsley FC Academy to head coach in Rwanda
My coaching CV includes working within Barnsley FC Academy, coaching the St Andrews Under-21 and Under-17 teams in Malta, serving as director of football at SC Villa in Uganda, and working as head coach of Etincelles in Rwanda… I have incorporated David’s teaching into my teams’ training during the working week.
My background includes a playing and coaching career, with experience in academy football and senior football internationally. My coaching CV includes working within Barnsley FC Academy, coaching the St Andrews Under-21 and Under-17 teams in Malta, serving as director of football at SC Villa in Uganda, and working as head coach of Etincelles in Rwanda.
Across these different environments, I have recognised the importance of understanding football from both a technical and a physical perspective. The knowledge I gained from David has been valuable in developing that understanding and applying it to my work with players.
I have incorporated David’s teaching into my teams’ training during the working week. It has helped me consider the physical demands of football when preparing sessions and understand how the work we do in training relates to the demands players face in matches.
For me, the value of David’s course extends beyond completing the learning itself. I have been able to take that knowledge into football environments and use it to inform my everyday coaching practice. It has contributed to my development as a coach and given me a broader understanding of how to prepare and support players.
“Almost everyone on my course now holds a prominent position”
At the time, many of us were still finding our feet in the fitness industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. David’s course and workshops helped us build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to develop professionally… I’m currently a cluster manager running two big fitness clubs.
Around nine years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a course and learning from David and his team, and it remains an experience I look back on with great appreciation.
At the time, many of us were still finding our feet in the fitness industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. David’s course and workshops helped us build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to develop professionally and stand out in our field. Today, almost everyone who attended alongside me has gone on to hold prominent positions across different organisations. I’m currently a cluster manager running two big fitness clubs.
I will never forget David’s teaching style, his patience with us as we were learning, and the care he took to help us understand. His encouragement was one of the early influences that inspired me to pursue CrossFit and later earn my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer credential.
I would also seriously recommend him to fellow fitness professionals, clubs, and academies looking for a knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring educator. Wishing David and his team every success with their new academy in the UK.
“It taught me how to educate, motivate and inspire”
Before taking the course, I believed fitness was mainly about lifting weights, building muscle, and staying in shape. However, throughout the program, Coach David completely changed my perspective… Today, I’m proud to be teaching some of the best group fitness classes at METROFITT.
My journey as a fitness professional truly began when I enrolled in the Active IQ Personal Training course in Dubai under the guidance of Coach David. Before taking the course, I believed fitness was mainly about lifting weights, building muscle, and staying in shape. However, throughout the program, Coach David completely changed my perspective and helped me understand that fitness is so much more than just physical appearance.
What made the experience truly special was Coach David’s ability to simplify complex concepts, challenge us to think beyond traditional training methods, and inspire us to become better fitness professionals. His mentorship not only gave me the confidence and skills to become a personal trainer but also helped me develop my passion and abilities in group exercise instruction.
Today, I’m proud to be teaching some of the best group fitness classes at METROFITT. Looking back, the course didn’t just teach me how to train people. It taught me how to educate, motivate, and inspire them.
Ask Sophie
Sophie is our AI course adviser. Tell her where you are now and what you want to do, and she will point you to the right qualification, with the price and payment options.
- Finds the right course for your experience and goals
- Explains prices, payment plans and how the course works
- Passes you to Dave for a free 10 minute call whenever you want a person
Sophie is an AI assistant. She will never ask for card details in the chat.
Questions
When does the course start?
Whenever you enrol. There are no fixed intake dates. The online material is available straight away and live elements are arranged around you.
Who will actually be teaching me?
Dave Cooke and the Accelerate team. Dave is a former military leader who founded Accelerate in 2013 and has spent the last 12 years educating fitness professionals across the UK, USA, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa. Every piece of your work is marked by a real tutor, never an automated checker, with feedback you can act on.
What support do I get after I qualify?
This is where Accelerate is different. Business mentoring starts the day you qualify, you keep free return access to your course for life, including every update, and you get PT Manager business software and a free listing on the FASTER Trainer Register so clients can find you.
Do I need to be in Doncaster?
No. Accelerate is based in Doncaster, but the online course material can be studied from anywhere. For where and when the live and practical sessions take place, book a quick call and Dave’s team will talk you through it.
Is the qualification recognised?
Yes. The Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses are Focus Awards regulated qualifications (RQF), recognised by employers and insurers across the UK fitness industry, and Level 2 and Level 3 are also recognised by CIMSPA. Your work is marked by a real tutor and evidenced to the awarding body.
What if I fail an assessment?
There are no resit fees. Your tutor gives you feedback and you resubmit.
How do I pay?
Securely online by card when you enrol, either in full or with a payment plan. Level 2 is £100 deposit then 7 monthly payments of £86; Level 3 is £150 deposit then 10 payments of £90; the Diploma is £200 deposit then 16 payments of £94. Level 1 is paid in full.