How Miles Holstead Built a Gym Empire and Why Most Personal Trainers Burn Out
Veteran gym owner Miles Holstead joins the PT Launch Lab Podcast to share his 30-year journey in the fitness industry — from starting out as a gym floor walker to building a multi-site gym brand. He shares what new PTs get wrong, how to future-proof your business, and why mentorship still matters. If you're serious about building a career in fitness, this is a must-listen.
From Gym Floor to Fitness Empire: Miles Holstead on Mastery, Mistakes & Mentorship
In Episode 16 of the PT Launch Lab Podcast, Callum and Ryan sit down with Miles Holstead – a true veteran in the UK fitness industry. With nearly 30 years of experience under his belt, Miles has done it all: from sweeping gym floors to managing JJB clubs across Scotland, and eventually building his own fitness empire with the 6FitGyms brand.
But this episode goes far beyond a highlight reel.
Miles opens up about the real story behind his success – including the early mistakes, sacrifices (like selling his house to fund his first gym), and the mindset shifts that separate sustainable businesses from short-term hype. He shares the importance of being coachable, the power of community-based fitness, and why most personal trainers stall when they stop doing the basics.
“What got you to 20 clients won’t get you to 50. What got you to 200 members won’t take you to 2,000. You need to evolve — or you’ll stagnate.”
Miles also shares his thoughts on the rise of online coaching, how the industry is losing the human element, and why he believes there will be a big swing back to in-person PT over the next few years.
If you're a personal trainer, gym owner, or coach in the UK wondering how to build a fitness business that actually lasts – this episode is packed with insights you won’t find in your standard PT course.
🔥 Key Talking Points:
Miles’ journey from floor walker to gym chain owner
What most PTs do wrong after they get qualified
Why you need to build community not just a client list
The difference between helping people and just selling a program
How to avoid burnout by staying connected to your "why"
Why gym branding matters more than you think
The danger of relying on Instagram for validation
Miles’ advice for new PTs: avoid these common early mistakes
The power of mentorship, and why even veterans need one
How to future-proof your business in a saturated market
🧠 Quotes to Remember:
“If you haven’t done the hard yards on the gym floor, you won’t be a good online coach. It’s like being a virgin sex therapist.”
“Most PTs fall off because they stop doing the work that got them clients in the first place.”
“Be coachable. Be a sponge. But most importantly — apply what you learn.”
💬 Want to break into the fitness industry or level up your PT business? Message us on Instagram or check out PT Launch Lab for full mentoring, qualifications and business support. All links are in the description of our YouTube videos.