If I Were a New PT, This Is What I'd Start Doing Right Now

So you’ve just qualified as a Personal Trainer. Certificate in hand, energy through the roof, and ready to change lives.

But here’s the truth: passing your course is just the beginning. The real test starts now.

If I was starting again as a new PT, here’s exactly what I’d do. Real, honest, career-building actions that would set me up to thrive in this industry long term.

1. Social Proof First Or You’ll Be Invisible

If you want people to trust you, you need results. Fast. But don’t wait for clients to fall into your lap. Go out and earn the right to showcase what you can do.

I would offer discounted training to 4–5 different individuals, making sure they came from diverse backgrounds: different age groups, different training goals, and different starting points. I’d be clear with them from the start:"I’ll give you a major discount if you allow me to document your journey photos, videos, testimonials, the lot."

Why? Because when people see transformations, not just in physiques, but in confidence, energy, and mindset, they’ll start believing you can help them too.

You’re not selling workouts. You’re selling hope. Belief. A solution. Showcase that, and people will come to you.

2. Be Honest: You’re Learning, But You’re Leading

Clients don’t expect you to know everything. But they do expect you to communicate clearly, confidently, and with intent.

I’d tell every client up front:"I’m learning your body as fast as I can, but every decision I make, every adjustment, is done for a reason, and I’ll explain it to you in simple terms so you know why we’re doing it."

Your clients will respect your honesty, but they’ll also feel reassured that you’re the expert in the room.

They don’t want a PT who tries to be their mate.They want a leader who listens, explains clearly, and backs it up with results.

3. Experiment Relentlessly

If I see a new coach with a one-size-fits-all plan… I know it’s game over.

Every client is unique. Different biomechanics, stress levels, sleep patterns, lifestyles, mindsets.

You need to test, tweak, and fine-tune.

Try full-body splits.Trial high-protein vs. moderate-carb nutrition.Experiment with rest periods, cueing styles, training times.

Track what works, scrap what doesn’t. Keep evolving. The more tools in your toolbox, the more problems you can solve.

4. Master Yourself First

This isn’t about walking around at 5% body fat all year, it’s about living the journey your clients are on.

You need to know what it feels like to diet, to train hard, to struggle with discipline and to push through anyway.

But get this clear:

Get in the shape of your life… but not at the expense of your personality or coaching style.

No one wants to train with a robot. If all you can talk about is your macros and steps, you become the client and not the coach.

Build a strong, athletic physique, not to show off, but to prove you understand what it takes. Be a walking advert of your principles, not an egotistical billboard for your own self-obsession.

Clients don’t pay to hear about YOU. They pay to become the best version of themselves and you’re the one guiding them there.

5. Business + Coaching = Long-Term Success

Being a great coach is only half the game. You also need to run a business.

That means marketing, communication, organisation, and building systems that make you look and feel professional.

At Fitness Fraternity, we give our PTs an advantage that most coaches can only dream of:

• A flexible, affordable rent model that gives you breathing space while you grow.

• Two mentorship sessions per week, covering everything from client management to content strategy and business systems.

It’s more than just gym space it’s a launchpad for serious coaches who want to build a career, not just a side hustle.

6. Final Word: Become the Person You’d Want to Hire

If I was a brand-new PT, I’d focus less on trying to "look like a coach" and more on acting like one.

• Prove yourself through results.

• Communicate with honesty and clarity.

• Train hard, live the journey.

• Stay humble, but never passive.

• Grow your business, not just your biceps.

  
  

At Fitness Fraternity, we don’t produce average coaches we help build industry leaders.

If that’s the kind of PT you want to become, we’ve got the tools, the mentorship, and the space to help you get there.