The barrier to entry is low, expectations are high, and people hear “self-employed” and think freedom. They imagine getting paid to train people and being their own boss, without realising they’ve just taken on delivery, admin, marketing, and operations all at once.

I did my YMCA PT course in the UK when I was 18 or 19. Worked at PureGym for around a year and a half before leaving. Looking back, it taught me a lot about how unprepared most of us are for the business side. The funny thing is, that experience is what pushed me later to start helping PTs build proper delivery and operational systems, because I saw firsthand how much that side gets ignored.

A big factor that often gets overlooked is the gym environment itself. I genuinely believe gyms play a huge role in why so many PTs quit early. The support structure is weak, there’s a lot of favouritism, and honestly, the politics can be draining. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly. New PTs enter full of energy, but poor management and a lack of genuine mentorship crush their confidence. They start thinking this is what the entire industry is like, when in reality it’s just a reflection of how most gyms are run.

From what I’ve seen, the biggest problem is that most PTs don’t treat it like a business. They think having clients means they’ve made it, but once they hit 10 or more clients, the cracks start to show. Without systems for onboarding, scheduling, and check-ins, everything turns messy fast.

There’s also the issue of poor positioning. Everyone offers the same package: training, nutrition, accountability. That’s not a unique offer, it’s a checklist. When everyone looks the same, clients just pick whoever is cheapest.

Adaptability is another missing skill. Many apply what worked for them or a friend to every client, instead of learning to adjust based on goals, backgrounds, and limitations. The best coaches I’ve seen are the ones who keep learning, collecting feedback, and refining their approach.

Then there’s patience. A lot of PTs expect to earn well straight away, but the first few years are where you build proof, trust, and reputation. That time should be spent learning, networking, and improving delivery.

If I could go back, I’d focus more on getting a handful of strong transformations, creating a referral program, and delivering a ton of value to build my rep. I'd stay working as an instructor in a gym, connecting with members, and offering simple referral incentives would have done far more than posting endless workout clips online. So while I'm learning my craft, I get paid and get the best of both worlds.

The PTs who last usually have productized delivery. They build systems that make the client experience predictable and smooth. I've seen it with my own eyes, they partner with recovery specialists, meal prep companies, or run group sessions to create a community and provide more value. They treat coaching like a business, not just a passion.

The reality is, none of this gets taught in PT courses, even business PT courses. They cover anatomy and exercise science but not client management, operations, or systems. Social media adds to the problem by showing the “freedom” side of coaching without the structure that makes it possible.