Become a Certified, High-Paid Personal Trainer in under 12 Months—Even If You Have No Experience or Industry Connections
Get the exact step-by-step blueprint to becoming a qualified PT, landing your first 5 paying clients, and building a career you love—without spending years struggling to figure it all out.
INTRODUCING
The MTN Coaches Academy
The Most Practical, No-Fluff Personal Training Certification & Business Launch System
MTN Coach Academy is not just another qualification. It’s a full roadmap to:
✅ Get certified as a Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer with the right qualification so you can coach legally.
✅ Master Real Coaching Skills that actually get results for clients.
✅ Learn How to Get Clients & Earn Money (even before you qualify).
✅ Build a Career on Your Terms—whether you want to work in a gym, online, or both.
We don’t just teach theory.
We give you the exact blueprint, strategies, and support to actually build a successful fitness business from Day 1.
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR TRAINING INTO A REWARDING CAREER
Start your fitness career with confidence by earning your MTN Coaches Academy Certified Personal Trainer qualification. Fully online, flexible, and internationally recognised, this course equips you with the skills and certification to succeed.
Starting Your Fitness Career Can Feel Overwhelming
Without the right education, qualifications, and support, you might face:
❌ Struggling to build credibility, attract clients, and grow your reputation
❌ Wasting time and money on courses packed with theory but no real-world application
❌ Doubting whether you'll actually succeed after qualifying
❌ Lacking the confidence to take the leap into the industry
❌ Feeling lost in a sea of courses, unsure which one truly prepares you for success
❌ Staying stuck in an unfulfilling job, unable to transition into the fitness career you want
This leads to frustration, self-doubt, and feeling like you're going in circles.
And even when you do make the switch, the stats are worrying—over 80% of new personal trainers don’t last beyond their first year.
Why Do Most Personal Trainers Not Make it Past Year One?
Because most fitness courses exist just to tick a box.
Designed to meet the bare minimum government requirements, these cheap, one-size-fits-all certifications are like building a house on quicksand.
Outdated, generic, and uninspiring, they don’t prepare you for the realities of coaching, client success, or actually making a sustainable income.
We refuse to let that happen to you.
DELIVERED BY COACHES, FOR ASPIRING COACHES.
What Most Fitness Courses Get Wrong
❌ Disorganised online learning with no live interaction, leaving you feeling disconnected
❌ Outdated, theory-heavy curriculum designed just to meet minimum standards
❌ Little to no support after signing up—getting help feels impossible
❌ No guidance on how to actually grow a successful fitness business
❌ Limited recognition, making it harder to land jobs
❌ No clear timelines, leading to low motivation and high dropout rates
❌ Confusing pricing with hidden fees that keep adding up
You deserve better than a course that just hands you a certificate and leaves you to figure out the rest.
The MTN Coaches Academy
✅ 20+ hours of mentor-led education in a supportive group setting with like-minded peers
✅Hands-on, real-world curriculum designed from 30+ years of industry expertise
✅ Expert support & thriving community —get answers when you need them
✅Business training to help you land your first clients and grow your career
✅ Fully accredited & internationally recognised, opening doors to global job opportunities
✅ Structured start & end dates to keep you on track and ensure you complete your qualification fast
✅Clear, upfront pricing with flexible payment options—no hidden fees
A course built for real success, not just a certificate.
How Does it all Work?
When you sign up to the MTN Coaches Academy you'll be enrolled into the Level 2 Gym Instructor course.
This course is essential to complete before progressing to both the Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification and the MTN Coaches Academy Course. Here's what it includes;
Level 2 Gym Instructor (Foundation for PT)
‣Principles of anatomy, physiology & fitness.
‣Health & safety in a gym environment.
‣Client consultations & fitness assessments.
‣Planning & delivering gym-based exercise sessions.
‣Effective coaching & communication skills.
‣Understanding professional responsibilities.
The Level 2 course should take between 4 and 10 weeks to complete.
After completing your Level 2 you'll gain access to the Level 3 Personal Training Course. You'll also be granted access to the MTN Coaches Academy Bespoke Program.
Level 3 Personal Trainer (Advanced Coaching & Programming)
‣Advanced anatomy & physiology for exercise.
‣Principles of nutrition & its role in fitness.
‣Conducting in-depth client consultations & goal setting.
‣Designing & delivering effective 1-to-1 training programs.
‣Periodisation & progressive program design.
‣Functional training techniques & resistance programming.
‣High-intensity training (HIT) & advanced cardiovascular methods.
‣Adapting programs for different client needs (e.g., weight loss, muscle gain, rehabilitation).
‣Business, marketing & sales skills for personal trainers.
‣Understanding behaviour change & motivational techniques.
‣Legal, professional & ethical responsibilities as a personal trainer.
The Level 3 course should take between 6 and 24 weeks to complete. This will depend on your time commitments.
Both the Level 2 and Level 3 curriculum are the standard curriculum that must be delivered across all of these qualifications, regardless of where you get qualified.
These are the foundations for building your Personal Trainer career and it's essential you have both of these before you start coaching clients.
The Level 2 and Level 3 course content is set in stone and it's essential all aspects of the course are delivered and that all tests are passed before becoming a fully fledged trainer.
However, what will set us apart is both the delivery and the accountability we're able to provide in order for you to pass this aspect of the course as quickly and efficiently as possible which will allow you to graduate to the key business and brand building aspect of the MTN Coaches Academy course.
In our opinion, this is the content that's missing from the standard Level 2 and Level 3 courses and it's the content that will allow you to actually build a business and a brand that you love!
After completing your Level 2 and moving to the Level 3 course you'll also gain access to the MTN Coaches Academy Program.
MTN Coaches Academy Program.
‣Finding Your Gym & Fitness Business Model
‣Crafting Your Offer & Pricing for Personal Training
‣Building a Roadmap to full time Personal Training
‣Building a Personal Brand & Social Media
‣Effective Coaching & Communication for Personal Training
‣ Service Delivery & Client Retention
‣Marketing Your Business & Finding Your First 5 Clients
‣Program Design for Body Composition Results
MTN Coaches Academy Bonus Resources
‣Reading & Content Consumption List
‣Health & Lifestyle Template
‣Client Check In Template
‣Technology & Tools Breakdown
‣Onboarding Checklist & Script
‣Scaling your Personal Training Business to £5,000 p/m
In addition to all of this you'll gain lifetime access to the Coaches Academy so any new content that we add for future launches and participants - you'll gain access to right away!
Why Choose the MTN Coaches Academy?
Delivered By Coaches, For Aspiring Coaches
Most online personal training courses are delivered by failed personal trainers trying to make a quick buck. Our course is delivered by 2 experts in the fields that have built multiple 6-figure businesses and worked with 100's of coaches and professionals to do the same.
Lifetime Access to the MTN Coaches Academy Content
You'll not only gain access to all MTN Coaches Academy content for this intake of the launch, but you'll also gain access to all future content on all MTN Coaches Academy launches. This means a continuous stream of personal development.
Live Workshops with World class Athletes and Coaches
Ali Crawford crowned "Fittest Woman on Earth" will be involved in delivering real, hands on coaching sessions throughout the program. In addition, David and Derek will offer in person events throughout the process. (Glasgow based, dates TBC)
Your First 5 Paying Clients - Guaranteed by David Hatt
We'll work with you until you reach your first 5 paying clients. We're so confident in our ability to help you succeed that if we don't manage to get you 5 clients within 6 months - we'll refund your course fee.
I'm Already Qualified, Can I still join the Academy?
Yes, but you won't need to complete your level 2 and level 3 qualifications again. If you've already completed your Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Training Course through another provider you can still join the MTN Coaches Academy to complete the business and brand building modules.
We won't be launching the enrolment for this until May 2025. If you're interested in enrolling in this aspect of the course in isolation just click the link below and fill in the short form so we know to email you in May 2025.
MEET YOUR MENTORS!
MEET THE Co-FOUNDER & educator
Hey, I'm David Hatt
I've been a coach for the last 11 years. I spent the first 5 years of my career building a successful in person coaching business, thereafter I launched a group coaching program which had over 100 members on a recurring membership. In 2018 I moved to Dubai for a year which is when I launched my Online Coaching business.
I know run MTN Coaching which is widely recognised as one of the most successful coaching companies in Scotland. We have 10 coaches working under the umbrella and we work with between 1,000 and 1,500 clients every year.
11 Years Experience.
Built Multiple 6 Figure Businesses.
Helped 20+ Coaches Build their business & brand.
MEET THE Co-FOUNDER & educator
Hey, I'm Derek Crawford
With 25 years in the fitness industry, Derek Crawford knows what it takes to get real results. As a former professional athlete, he’s lived and breathed high performance—and he’s spent his career helping others do the same.
Derek built and ran the largest personal training business in the UK, so he understands exactly what works in the fitness world. On top of that, he’s an NLP Master Trainer and Emotional Intelligence Coach, which means he doesn’t just focus on physical training—he helps people master their mindset too.
What really sets Derek apart is his ability to turn big ideas into practical, no-nonsense strategies that actually work. And he does it all with a fun, down-to-earth approach that keeps people engaged and motivated.
Whether he’s coaching athletes, trainers, or businesses, Derek brings a mix of expertise, energy, and humor that makes learning from him both effective and enjoyable
25+ Years Experience
NLP Practitioner
Business Consultant
TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying
"I Couldn't Be Happier with my experience."
I couldn’t be happier with my experience at the MTN Academy. Everything was so well organised, from the meet-ups to the course itself. The online platform was seamless, and if I ever had questions, David & Derek were incredibly responsive and supportive.
The community aspect was a game-changer—meeting like-minded people, supporting each other in group chats, and bonding before in-person meet-ups made the journey even more enjoyable.
Since qualifying, I took the leap from running my decorating business for 10 years to becoming a full-time coach, and within my first month, I had nearly 30 clients. I owe that success to the knowledge, techniques, and ongoing support from MTN Academy. If you’re considering getting qualified,
this is the course that can genuinely change your life.
- Alan Davidson
"Best Decision You'll Make."
I was stuck in a dead-end job when I saw the opportunity to become a personal trainer with MTN Academy. From the start, David and Derek were fantastic mentors, easing my worries and guiding me through every step.
The combination of online learning and in-person meet-ups made a huge difference—not only in my education but in building a community of like-minded people going through the same journey. The business modules from David were next-level, teaching me everything I needed about marketing, sales, and building a successful PT career.
Since qualifying, I’ve landed a job at PureGym Silverburn and now have 10 1-2-1 clients. Even after finishing the course, David continues to support me and my business whenever I need it
—his guidance has been invaluable. If you’re serious about making fitness your career, this is the best decision you’ll make.
- Craig Young
"It’s a life-changing experience with
unmatched support"
I was hesitant about doing this course while working 12+ hour days, but it turned out to be
the best decision of 2024! The online structure allowed me to go at my own pace, and the constant support from David & Derek made the process stress-free.
What sets MTN Academy apart is the
business training —David’s modules on marketing, social media, and finance were a complete blueprint for success, something you won’t get with any other PT course. On top of that, the community aspect was unreal. We all pushed each other forward, making it feel like a team effort rather than just another course.
If you’re even thinking about becoming a PT,get on board!
This isn’t just a qualification—it’s a life-changing experience with
unmatched support
from start to finish.
- Dawn Hinds
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get qualified with this course?
The time it takes to qualify depends on whether you complete the course full-time or part-time.
On average:
Full-time: Most people complete the necessary qualifications within 8-12 weeks.
Part-time: If you are working alongside your studies, expect it to take 4-6 months.
Our course is designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete it at a pace that suits your lifestyle.
Do I need prior experience or a certain fitness level to start?
No prior experience or minimum fitness level is required to begin the course. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful coach, regardless of your starting point.
A passion for fitness and a willingness to learn are the most important factors.
While having a background in training can help, the course covers everything from the fundamentals to advanced coaching strategies. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience throughout the program to build confidence in your abilities.
Is the course full-time or part-time, and can I complete it whilst working full time?
Our course is flexible and can be completed full-time or part-time.
Full-time learners can qualify in as little as 8-12 weeks. Part-time learners can fit the course around their current job, completing it over 4-6 months.
If you are currently employed, our structure allows you to study at your own pace, with online modules and practical workshops scheduled around your availability.
How will I know when I'm able to leave my full-time employment to make this my sole career?
Transitioning to full-time coaching is a big step, and it's important to ensure financial and professional stability first.
A good benchmark is: Client Base: Have at least 10-15 paying clients consistently.
Income Stability: Earn at least 75% of your current salary from coaching for 3+ months.
Financial Backup: Have a 3-6 month emergency fund saved.
Business Structure: Have a plan for lead generation, client retention, and marketing. We recommend gradually reducing hours in your current job as your coaching business grows, rather than making an immediate switch.
How long does it take to build a sustainable income?
The time to build a sustainable income varies based on effort, marketing, and business strategy.
On average:
3-6 months to gain your first 5-10 regular clients.
6-12 months to reach a consistent income that could replace a full-time salary.
12-24 months to build a stable, self-sufficient coaching business.
Success depends on client retention, pricing, niche selection, and marketing strategy. Many new coaches start with in-person clients before expanding to online coaching for increased income potential.
Are there many business expenses when you're a personal trainer?
Yes, there are some key expenses to be aware of when starting as a personal trainer:
Gym Rent/Space Hire: £300-£800 per month if working in a commercial gym.
Insurance: £10-£20 per month for liability coverage.
Software & Marketing: £30-£100 per month (apps, softwares, client management).
CPD & Certifications: £100-£500 per year for ongoing education.
Online coaching has lower overhead costs, as you won’t need to pay gym rent, but you may invest more in software, marketing, and content creation.
Is it a stable career?
Yes, personal training can be a stable and highly rewarding career if approached correctly.
The key to long-term stability is: Building a strong client base and maintaining retention.
Having multiple revenue streams (in-person coaching, online coaching, digital products, group coaching, etc.).
Ongoing education and skill development to remain in demand.
Adapting to industry trends, such as online coaching and hybrid coaching models. Like any self-employed role, success comes down to consistent effort, smart business strategy, and providing real value to clients.