What I’m about to say is in no way meant as an insult to the Tim Ferriss/4 hour work week/laptop lifestyle crowd…”you, do you”, as they say. Also, if money or possessions are your priority…again, go for it. Best of luck.

But when I trained to gain my PT certification, it was so I could help a handful of people at a time, in-person, to get fitter, stronger, leaner or to achieve certain bucket list items they had set for themselves e.g. run a marathon, enter their first BJJ competition or hike the three peaks in 24 hours. There are definitely easier ways to make a few quid.

Since I’ve qualified and set up my website etc, I’ve been bombarded with “upscale your business” and “get off the gym floor” ads…so they’ve definitely missed their target audience! Maybe that’s where the profession is heading…but I can’t help thinking that not only the clients’ results, but the whole process of achieving them, is going to pale in comparison to having had the real thing. The real experience.

Having someone cheer you on, encourage you through your last few reps. Having someone check your form, or check in on how you’re progressing, and there to brainstorm with about any obstacles. Having a human being, who is invested in your success – even if that’s because you will eventually be yet another happy customer who will spread the good word, and attract more potential clients. It’s a mutually beneficial, human, relationship.

I can see the benefits of having an app (I’m working on it), and it makes logistical sense for some people to work with the app wherever they are, rather than having to get to my gym. It will certainly enable me to help more clients…so I get the advantages. But it must lose that “personal” (clue’s in the name? No?) touch, to be a totally “online” PT or coach?

I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the businessman who tries to convince the simple village fisherman to upscale, buy a fleet, manage all of the other fisherman. He tells the fisherman that he would be able to retire in a few decades, and able to go back to doing exactly what he is already able to do right now e.g. spend time with his family, help his kids with their school work, go on holidays together, play together – but with lots of money. The fisherman wisely declines, not willing to pay the price of decades of missing out on what he truly wants to be doing, just to eventually be able to do that as a materialistically richer version of himself.

I reckon the fisherman had the right idea. Teaching and coaching are my fishing. I’ll do enough to make sure I can keep doing the things I enjoy…but the fishing fleet is surplus to requirements.

Anyway, I’m grateful to my handful of in-person clients, and my growing waiting list. I’m learning a lot as I go about the business side of this PT’ing lark, and I’m hoping to have some testimonials and results photos to show before Christmas.

If you’re looking for a personalised training plan to help you achieve your goals, just complete the “contact me” page and join the waiting list for your free consultation.

All the best,

Coach Deano