The Best Self Employed Jobs in the UK
How to Become a Move it or Lose it Fitness Instructor
If you’ve been searching for self employed jobs or typing “self employed jobs near me” into Google, you’re not alone. Many people are looking for flexible ways to earn a living doing something meaningful. Becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor could be the perfect self employed job for you.
At Move it or Lose it, we help people from all backgrounds start their own small businesses. Our exercise classes support older people to stay active, independent and socially connected. You don’t need previous experience in fitness – just enthusiasm, empathy and a willingness to learn. It truly is one of the best self employed jobs to make a real difference in your community.
Why becoming a fitness instructor is one of the best self employed jobs UK
We’re proud that Move it or Lose it has helped hundreds of people find rewarding self employed jobs UK-wide. You’ll start your own business and be your own boss. Choose your own hours and decide where you want to teach – in community halls, care homes, or even online.
This flexibility makes it one of the best self employed jobs UK residents can find. And with classes typically delivered between 10am and 3pm, you can strike the perfect work-life balance.
Our instructors tell us they love being their own boss. They decide when and how to run their classes, which means you can start small and grow at your own pace. It’s perfect if you want part time self employed jobs or if you’d like to combine being self employed and part time job elsewhere.
A great 2nd job self employed option
Many of our instructors started with a 2nd job self employed while still working in another role. You can fit classes around your existing schedule, which makes it ideal for anyone looking for a self employed and second job that’s enjoyable and purposeful.
If you are looking for self–employed job ideas that connect people and keep you active, this might be what you need. You will receive complete training through our FABS training programme. This stands for Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance, and Strength. And, as a licensee you will also get ongoing support, marketing materials, and resources to help you grow your business.
No experience? No problem!
You don’t need a background in fitness to start. If you’ve been searching for self employed jobs no experience, this is a fantastic opportunity to retrain. Many of our instructors were teachers, caregivers, nurses, or stay-at-home parents. They wanted a career with purpose.
Our online learning and practical training days give you everything you need to feel confident leading classes safely and effectively.
Some peolpe even come from creative backgrounds such as graphic designers, or from health and fitness roles like personal trainers who want to expand their services. Whatever your background, we provide a clear route to set up a business that works for you.
The best of both worlds: independence with support
Becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor gives you the best of both worlds – the independence of being self-employed and your own boss, combined with the strength of a national brand and a team behind you.
As a licensee, you’ll join a friendly and supportive network of instructors across the UK. It’s not like going it alone. You’ll have training, mentorship, marketing templates, a dedicated support team, and access to resources that make running your sole trader business easier.
Unlike many self employed jobs, you don’t have to build your reputation from scratch. You’ll be part of a trusted brand that’s ranked in the top 3 on Google for older adult fitness classes.
We write a monthly article in The People’s Friend magazine. We’ve partnered with the Royal Voluntary Service and are backed by scientific experts in active ageing. That gives you instant credibility and a strong platform to grow from.
From unemployed single mum to successful business owner
Take Kimberley, for example. She was unemployed and looking for self employed job ideas that would fit around her family life.
As a single mum, she needed something flexible that worked around the school run but also gave her financial independence and a sense of purpose. After completing our Move it or Lose it instructor training, she built her own thriving business — now running 13 classes a week and earning over £4,000 a month.
Kimberley says it’s been life-changing: she’s her own boss, works during school hours, and still has time for her family. It shows what’s possible when you choose one of the best self employed jobs UK has to offer — one that helps others while transforming your own life too.
Setting up as self-employed
If you’re new to self-employment, it’s easy to get started. You’ll need to register as self employed with HMRC and decide whether you’ll work as a sole trader or set up a limited company. Most instructors choose to be a sole trader because it’s simple to manage and ideal for short term or part-time work.
As a sole trader, you’ll be responsible for paying taxes on your earnings. Each tax year, you’ll complete a Self Assessment tax return to report your income and expenses. You’ll also pay tax and National Insurance on your profits, which go towards your National Insurance contributions for your pension and benefits.
If you’re employed and self employed at the same time, for example if you have full time employment elsewhere, you’ll simply declare your extra employed income on your tax return. Many people find this combination gives them stability while building their new business.
Don’t worry if this all sounds complicated – there’s plenty of guidance available online, and we provide helpful resources for instructors on how to manage finances and stay organised.
A wide range of opportunities
Once qualified, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities to grow your business. Some instructors teach in community centres, while others deliver classes in sheltered housing, care homes, or online. You can even combine your role with other business ideas – such as one-to-one sessions, massage, chiropody or fitness classes.
You’ll have no fixed employment contract, so you decide how and where to work. Some instructors choose to go full time, while others prefer to teach a few classes a week alongside another role. It’s your business, your way.
One of the top self employed jobs UK for people who care
If you enjoy helping others and being part of a positive community, becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor is one of the top self employed jobs UK has to offer. You’ll join a growing network, gain access to regular new routines, and be part of something that truly changes lives.
It’s more than a job – it’s a movement. You’ll empower others to stay active, independent and connected, all while building a fulfilling career that fits around your life.
Whether you’re after flexibility, extra income, or a brand-new career, Move it or Lose it is one of the good self employed jobs UK where you can be your own boss, make a difference, and love what you do every day.
👉 Learn more and start your journey today: https://www.moveitorloseit.co.uk/become-a-fitness-instructor/