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The Side Hustle That Pays: How PT Training Can Boost Your Income
When Peter qualified as a personal trainer through Storm Fitness Academy, he didn’t know it would lead to a rewarding side hustle that not only paid off financially but also changed the course of his career. In this interview, Peter shares his journey from training clients in a local park to running a premium coaching service from his home studio.
From Resistance Bands to Results
“When I first qualified, I started with 1-to-1 sessions in the park,” Peter explains. “Just a couple of kettlebells and some resistance bands—pay-as-you-go sessions to get cash in and build experience.”
This grassroots approach worked. Within a year, Peter had paid off his course fees and proved that getting started doesn’t require a fancy gym or studio. It requires commitment, creativity, and the willingness to learn through experience.
Going Online… Then Coming Back
Like many fitness professionals during the pandemic, Peter pivoted to online coaching. “I had between 5 and 10 clients while working a 9-to-5. But honestly, it wasn’t for me,” he says. “I love working with people in person. Behind a screen, it just didn’t give me the same buzz.”
After moving back to Sussex, Peter refined his model—offering face-to-face sessions from his home gym with online support via an app. “Now I coach just five clients. It’s manageable, profitable, and I’ve got a small waiting list.”
Why PT Training Makes a Brilliant Side Hustle
Peter’s story challenges the idea that personal training only works as a full-time career. “You can absolutely do it part-time and still make a great income,” he says. “I enjoy it, and it fits around my day job.”
He sees coaching as more than a job—it’s a life skill. “Being a PT teaches you how to set goals, motivate people, and break things down into achievable steps. That’s useful in any career. I even mentioned it in my interview for my corporate role.”
Low Start-Up, High Return
Peter emphasises how low the barrier to entry really is. “You don’t need to rent a studio or work in a gym straight away. I started with a couple of bits of kit and reinvested profits into improving the equipment.”
Eventually, he converted his garage into a fully equipped private studio, allowing him to charge a premium rate and deliver a better experience.
Knowing Your Niche
Today, Peter specialises in coaching busy professionals aged 45 to 60 who enjoy running or hiking but often suffer from niggling pains due to a lack of mobility and strength. “They usually sit at desks all day, go for a run to get some fresh air, and then get injured. That’s where I come in.”
By focusing on his ideal client, Peter provides a high-touch, personalised experience. “It’s not just about the gym sessions—it’s the accountability, mobility work, and lifestyle support outside the sessions that make the difference.”
The Real ROI: Quality of Life
While Peter’s side hustle is profitable, the benefits go beyond the bank balance. “It’s fulfilling,” he says. “I help people move better, feel stronger, and enjoy life more. One of my clients now kayaks with his kids instead of watching from the side.”
And even though Peter doesn’t rule out expanding in the future, he’s happy for now. “In a world obsessed with scaling and hustle culture, I’ve found a model that works for my lifestyle. It fits around work, family, and my own training.”
Lessons From the Journey
Peter’s advice for anyone considering personal training?
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Try everything. “1-to-1, small groups, online—you’ll figure out what you enjoy.”
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Start small. “You don’t need loads of equipment or money.”
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Ask questions. “When a client drops off, I ask why—so I can learn and improve.”
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Keep it simple. “My first CRM system was a notebook.”
Final Thoughts
Becoming a personal trainer doesn’t have to mean changing careers. It can be a smart, meaningful side hustle that pays off financially and personally.
Peter’s story is a reminder that fitness isn’t just something you do—it can be something you share. And in doing so, it can open up new opportunities, income, and purpose.
Watch The Episode on Youtube
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