What does it really take to become a personal trainer and turn it into a thriving online coaching business?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Mark to explore how he transitioned from corporate sales into fitness and built a career training clients in London and across the world.

From qualifying as a tennis coach at 16, to becoming a scuba dive master in Australia, to grinding through early morning gym classes before heading into the office, this episode is a masterclass in taking the leap strategically.

We cover:

• How to become a qualified personal trainer
• Making the shift from corporate to fitness
• Building clients through word of mouth
• Growing from gym classes to freelance PT
• The difference between in-person and online coaching
• Pricing your services and scaling sustainably
• Managing burnout and long hours
• The mindset required to coach others
• Why coaching is about people, not just fitness

This is an honest look at what it takes to build a career in fitness and why it’s about empathy, discipline, and consistency far more than six-packs.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love of training into a career, this episode will show you what it really involves.

Mark Thomson

@markwthomson

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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