Why Being a Personal Trainer Beats the 9–5 (ft. GT4 Champion Zach Meakin)
Most people spend 90,000 hours of their life working, but few spend them doing something that energises them. In this episode, Callum, Ryan, and GT4 Champion Zach Meakin reveal why becoming a personal trainer gives you freedom, fulfilment, and control over your career. They also share how to safely transition from your 9–5 into fitness with confidence and support.
Most people spend 90,000 hours of their life working
So the real question is: do you want to spend those hours in a job that drains you, or one that energises you?
In this episode of PT Launch Lab
Callum and Ryan break down the pros of being a personal trainer, how to make the transition from your 9–5, and why a career in fitness gives you freedom, purpose, and growth.
They’re also joined by Zach Meakin, GT4 British Champion, who shares how fitness transformed his performance in motorsport and why he’s now completing his Level 3 Personal Training qualification with PT Launch Lab.
The Real Benefits of Being a Personal Trainer
Let’s get straight to it. Here’s what makes being a PT different from a typical job:
1. Freedom and Flexibility
You set your hours, choose your clients, and decide how you work.
Whether it’s 6 AM sessions or online coaching from home, you build your week around your life, not someone else’s schedule.
2. Unlimited Earning Potential
Unlike a salary cap in 9–5 jobs, personal trainers can earn more by:
- Taking on more clients
- Launching online programs
- Running group sessions
- Building a personal brand
You decide how much you’re worth, and your effort directly drives your income.
3. Personal Fulfilment
When you help someone lose weight, gain confidence, or feel strong again, that’s a feeling most office jobs can’t match.
"Once you take that first step and start helping people, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner." — Luke
Why People Are Switching from 9–5 Jobs to Fitness Careers
Callum shared how he once worked in a factory between gym jobs and it confirmed what he already knew — the 9–5 life wasn’t for him.
“I wanted control over my hours, my income, and my time. I’d rather work hard on my own terms than feel stuck in a routine I don’t care about.” — Callum
Ryan added:
“Most people watching this already love fitness. The only thing missing is confidence and a plan. That’s what PT Launch Lab gives you — the blueprint.”
How to Make the Leap Safely
Switching careers can feel risky, but it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s their step-by-step advice:
- Create your safety net. Start studying or training while still working your current job.
- Get qualified online. Complete your NCFE Level 3 PT course from home with real tutors.
- Launch with support. Use PT Launch Lab’s mentorship to build your client base before you quit.
- Transition with confidence. Once you’ve built early momentum, go all in.
👉 Learn how to become a personal trainer
Meet GT4 British Champion Zach Meakin
At just 18, Zach Meakin has already achieved what most racers dream of — winning the GT4 British Championship with McLaren and competing at the world level in GT3.
He shared how his journey started at age 7, racing go-karts in Pontefract (the same building that’s now a gym where Luke once worked), and how discipline, training, and resilience shaped his career.
“Fitness gave me the structure to perform. It’s not just driving, it’s mindset, endurance, and recovery.” — Zach Meakin
Now Zach’s adding another skill. He’s qualifying as a Personal Trainer with PT Launch Lab to combine racing and coaching.
“It’s another string to my bow. I can train clients, including drivers, to perform better in the gym and on the track.”
Follow Zach’s journey on Instagram @zachmeakinracing
How PT Launch Lab Helps You Start Your Fitness Career
Whether you’re leaving a 9–5 job or starting from college, PT Launch Lab gives you the full pathway:
✅ Online NCFE Level 3 Qualification — study from anywhere
✅ 1-1 Mentorship — learn directly from experienced PTs
✅ Business Launch Blueprint — lead generation, scripts, and client systems
✅ Guaranteed Job Opportunities — with PureGym and independent gyms across the UK
It’s not just a course, it’s a launchpad for your new career.
👉 Book a free career call to find out if it’s the right fit for you.
Your Turn: Make the Change
If you’re reading this, chances are you already love fitness. You don’t need to wait until you’re “ready”, you just need to take the first step.
Start studying part-time, build your confidence, and create a future that gives you flexibility, purpose, and control.