In this episode I sit down with Ant and Sky to talk directly to newly qualified personal trainers and coaches in their first six to twelve months. We go right into the reality of qualifying, why so many coaches feel like imposters, what actually causes most PTs to leave the industry early, and the practical foundations you need to get from 0–5 clients. We also break down the thinking behind our new PT Foundations programme and why we’ve brought it back now as a bridge between “just passed my course” and “ready for full mentorship”.

Message us FOUNDATION to be 1 of 10 coaches

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:10 — Why we recorded this episode
A surge of new PTs, lots of uncertainty, and why we wanted to speak directly to coaches in their first year.

02:10 – 04:38 — The shock of qualifying
Sky explains how it feels to pass your PT course but have no idea how to run a business.

04:38 – 08:30 — What new PTs think they need vs what they actually need
Social media following, being in shape, collecting courses, and the truth about what actually moves the needle.

08:30 – 11:13 — Why most PTs leave within 6–12 months
Commercial gym pressure, no lead-gen method, inconsistent marketing, low confidence.

11:13 – 16:00 — Two starting scenarios and why speed matters
Whether you are full-time or in a commercial gym, speed to early wins is essential.

16:00 – 20:24 — Front-end offers, graft and getting experience quickly
How to get in front of people, generate leads early, and build confidence.

20:24 – 28:25 — Niche and offer clarity
Why defining who you help and what you do changes your confidence and your marketing.

28:25 – 34:25 — Guessing vs having a plan
Warning signs you’re guessing your way through business: random offers, reactive marketing, no system.

34:25 – 40:49 — Case study: Stuart in JD Gym
A simple example of how structure, campaigns and consistency changed his income and confidence.

40:49 – 45:50 — Working on your business vs reacting to everything
How early knock-backs derail new coaches and why consistency matters.

45:50 – 51:40 — Introducing PT Foundations
Why we built an 8-week “bridge” programme for new PTs and how it works:

• Weeks 1–2: Clarity, niche, offer

• Weeks 3–6: Awareness, content, lead-gen

• Weeks 7–8: Conversion to first 5 clients

51:40 – End — The mission behind it
Why helping brand new PTs was the original reason PTMA existed and why we’re bringing this back now.

⁠Message us FOUNDATION to be 1 of 10 coaches⁠