"You lifting, lifts me" – What makes your PT tick?

Your PT might be the person you speak to most in the gym. They can be your guide and motivation, the voice that tells you to keep going or to hold back. Most of all a good PT will care about you. Because your journey is part of their journey.

We caught up with some of our personal trainers to find out where it started.

Kirsten, PT at Virgin Active Mayfair

Why did you decide to become a PT?

I spent a few years living in New York and while there I got into boxing and pole fitness which almost became my day job. When I moved back to the UK and went back to my previous job, I missed the vibe of the gym and being active all the time – so I decided to train to be a PT.

What job did you do before?

I did my degree in nutrition and then spent 13 years working in the food industry, mainly in product development.

How important is exercise to you?

Exercise is very important to me. I want to stay mobile my whole life and be able to do whatever I want no matter my age. It’s also great to be able to go out for dinner and not worry about the calories because you know you’ve been on the go all day.

What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a PT?

PT is very rewarding. I love to see my clients mastering new skills and reaching their goals, whether it be losing weight, being able to do 10 pull-ups or simply feeling comfortable enough in the gym to come on their own.

It is hard work building a client base and you need to put in the hours and keep a smile on your face even when you’ve been on the gym floor for 12 hours straight and not managed to pick up any clients. But if you put the effort in it will all come together and then you will have a job that you love getting up for – a sociable work environment and helping people improve themselves.

Mark, PT at Virgin Active Mayfair

Why did you decide to become a PT?

I decided to become a PT because I love training and wanted to share my passion with others.

Being a PT is definitely rewarding. It’s rewarding because you watch people get the results they have been looking for and create lasting relationships with them. 

What job did you do before?

I was a concreter back before I started out as a PT. 

What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a PT?

If this is what you want to do then you should go for it. But be prepared to go above and beyond if you want to be successful.