Nik And Ant - Ptma Podcast

In the final PTMA episode of 2025, Ant, Nik and Sky wrap up the year with a very coach-specific reality check:Should you actually run a front-end offer in January – or is it just another 6-week shred you’ll regret?Why the classic SMART goals approach is “shit” for coaches and clients… and how PTMA rebuilt their entire goal-setting system using bridge models, GROW and wildly important goals.How to get the most out of January 2026 as a self-employed coach (instead of landing back on the gym floor on 2nd January with no plan and a head full of pressure).Personal + business highlights from 2025, what changed inside PTMA, and what the team are excited for in Q1 2026 – including Connected Coach and the new January programme.00:00 – 03:40 – Intro & Christmas Film IcebreakerEnd-of-year chaos, dodgy Wi-Fi, Christmas film choices, Lapland prices, and Ant’s Home Alone obsession.03:40 – 04:15 – From Banter to BusinessQuick pivot from festive chat into the real question coaches are asking about January.04:15 – 05:55 –

This week we’re unpacking the biggest lessons from our Coaches Conference weekend – the stuff that shifted our coaches’ perspective on goals, content, confidence, coaching skills and running events that actually land.If you didn’t make it, this is your snapshot: what worked, what didn’t, and the questions you should be asking yourself going into 2026.Timestamps:00:00 – Why this episode is differentAnt hijacks the podcast, explains why there are no Q&A check-ins this week and sets the scene for the Coaches Conference recap.02:00 – The real win from the weekend (hint: not more information)Nik breaks down why the biggest shift wasn’t “more tactics” – it was perspective, belief and starting with you as the coach.05:25 – “Your business is a mirror of you”Sky pulls out Chris’ core line that kept echoing through the weekend: your business reflects you – your limits, your habits, your standards.08:45 – Events that don’t go perfectly (and why we’re sharing that)Ant talks honestly about what he’d change from Saturd

TimestampsFeel free to tighten these when you see the final audio.00:00 – 03:20Intro, weekend chat, Blue’s puppy scan, banter.03:20 – 07:15Sky’s conference recap: GLP-1 “obesity management meds”, microplastics, waste, Tim Spector/Zoe rant, plug for PTMA conference.07:15 – 13:40“Most annoying trait in academy members”Time management & energy management strugglesAccountability vs handing over responsibilityWanting results without sacrificeBeing hypocritical with their own adherenceRunning the business from assumptions not data.13:40 – 16:05Planning your first in-person educational client event: outcome, group dynamics, experience vs information dump.16:05 – 20:11Balancing being busy vs feeling burnt out; prioritising non-negotiables, sleep, shutdown times, and why most coaches overuse the word “burnout”.20:11 – 26:472025/2026 for PTMA & advice for coaches next yearOne-word summary: developmentHardest year so far, but a springboardFour business pillars“Go into next year knowing what you’re doing and aimi

In this episode we answer real questions from coaches on low revenue, lead gen when your niche isn’t in the gym, knowing when you’re at capacity, and how to balance seasons of graft with the freedom you actually want from your business.We also get into why 2026 will reward truly skilled coaches (not just marketers), how many platforms you should really be on, and what to do when life hits – like getting ill the week a new client starts.If you’ve ever wondered “am I doing enough?” or “am I getting in my own way?”, this one will hit.Timestamps00:00–02:30 – Boxing, UFC and warm-up chat02:31–06:10 – Low revenue even though you’re “doing everything right”06:21–07:49 – Creating a client accountability challenge that actually lands07:50–13:35 – Weekends, the Lakes and social media: love, hate and reality checks13:54–19:01 – Gym floor lead gen when your niche “isn’t there”19:02–22:15 – Knowing when you’re at capacity (time, energy, money)22:34–26:00 – What changes in 2026: skills, AI and events26:10–29:03 – If your b

In this episode I sit down with Ant and Sky to talk directly to newly qualified personal trainers and coaches in their first six to twelve months. We go right into the reality of qualifying, why so many coaches feel like imposters, what actually causes most PTs to leave the industry early, and the practical foundations you need to get from 0–5 clients. We also break down the thinking behind our new PT Foundations programme and why we’ve brought it back now as a bridge between “just passed my course” and “ready for full mentorship”.Message us FOUNDATION to be 1 of 10 coachesTimestamps00:00 – 02:10 — Why we recorded this episodeA surge of new PTs, lots of uncertainty, and why we wanted to speak directly to coaches in their first year.02:10 – 04:38 — The shock of qualifyingSky explains how it feels to pass your PT course but have no idea how to run a business.04:38 – 08:30 — What new PTs think they need vs what they actually needSocial media following, being in shape, collecting courses, and the truth about what

This week we tackle five coach-maker topics: how often to re-confirm Ts&Cs (and why retention cycles matter), the shift from “instructor” to “coach” to build truly self-sufficient clients, choosing the right paid-ad objective (awareness vs lead gen vs offer), the one move to get ahead of January (stacking high-volume lead magnets + nurturing), and what actually belongs on a simple, high-converting landing page. Expect straight talk, practical scripts, and a nudge to stop chasing vanity and start building pipeline.Timestamps00:00 Cold open, chaos & intros01:04 Q1 — How often to re-iterate Ts&Cs? (tie it to average retention)03:14 Q2 — Coaching for self-sufficiency (questions > instructions)07:39 Q3 — Paid ads: awareness, lead magnet, or straight offer? (it depends on objective)10:35 Q4 — One thing to get ahead of New Year (lead magnets + nurture + positioning)13:38 Q5 — Client won’t train hard: bias, priorities & intensity coaching17:27 Q6 — Do landing pages need loads of info? (the 5-block

Key topics & takeawaysFront-end offer pricing: Price by touch-points (hands-off vs semi-personalised vs personalised) and anchor near your core offer to reduce conversion friction.Cost control near VAT threshold: Audit fixed vs non-fixed costs; weigh each item’s ROI and time saved. Decide whether to absorb, pass on, or phase VAT via planned price lifts.Measuring social media: Prioritise conversations and intent signals (DMs, replies, saves, shares, profile taps) over vanity likes. Enjoyment matters for consistency.Lead magnet success: Two lenses—(1) metrics versus target (downloads, list growth, conversions) and (2) did it energise you? Usually it’s the positioning and volume of promo, not the asset, that needs work.What to make next: Don’t reinvent; productise what you already coach. Turn your last 5–7 client fixes into a checklist, 5-min video, or mini accountability plan.Posting twice a week: Favour reels for reach and connection; use Stories for context and personality. Add clear CTAs to longer-form v

Nik, Ant and Sky dig into what to actually do in Q4: the small-group PT model Sky would run today (and realistic earnings), whether to end a front-end offer right before Christmas (yes), how to handle a management environment you’re starting to dislike, when “tough love” backfires and what to do instead, what to expect from your first paid ad (spoiler: creatives make or break it), how to start online from zero by building in public, practical retention plays heading into the holidays, plus a candid riff on the Enhanced Games and a PTMA Conference update ⁠Coaches Conference tickets here⁠Timestamps; 00:00 – Cold open + chaos as usual01:00 – Where PTMA’s headed (more coaching depth > agency model)03:25 – If we went back to PT: Sky’s small-group model & £5–6k/month06:00 – Disliking your environment? How to handle management like an adult08:48 – Should a front-end offer finish right before Christmas? (Yes, and why)11:00 – “Tough love” vs. communication breakdown: objective signs & boundaries17:32 – Your

Ant and Sky are back (minus Nick… who still refuses to take a holiday).This week, they tackle the questions every coach should be asking right now — from building a new audience to planning launches, avoiding complacency, and creating offers that actually convert.They cover:

Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:43 Building a Structured Content Plan08:09 Engaging Your Audience on Social Media14:18 Compartmentalizing Client Issues16:56 Learning from Mistakes21:21 Marketing Multiple Services24:56 The Role of AI in Coaching31:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSecond wave of early bird tickets for the Coaches Conference2025 tickets here!

Come spend two days with us learning, connecting, networking and upskilling yourself as a coach and business owner ... click here for more infoTimestamps; 00:00 Introduction and Morning Banter01:21 Increasing Engagement on Social Media Stories05:37 The Hustle: Does It Ever Stop?06:43 Being Aggressive in Content Creation09:12 Restarting Your Career: What Would You Change?11:45 Anticipating New Speakers at Events13:56 Life After Death: A Lighthearted Discussion15:11 Best Online Purchase Hooks for Cold Leads16:50 Underrated Benefits of Being a Coach18:53 Rebranding Your Business: Key Focus Areas20:33 Doubts About Niche and Market Fit

Early Bird tickets available now ... and only 10 available. Link here to grab yours We discuss the upcoming Coaches Conference, emphasizing its importance for fitness professionals. They explore the significance of understanding client needs, the value of face-to-face interactions, and the structure of the conference, which is designed to enhance both business and coaching skills. The conversation highlights the necessity of breaking through personal belief barriers and the collaborative environment fostered at the event.TakeawaysThe Coaches Conference is a cornerstone for professional development.Understanding client needs is crucial for effective coaching.Face-to-face interactions enhance learning and networking opportunities.The conference is structured to provide both business and coaching insights.Participants will leave motivated and with actionable strategies.The event is designed to be accessible for coaches in their early careers.Breaking through belief barriers is essential for personal and professi

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:54 Understanding Client Questions on Fat Loss05:29 Effective Communication and Client Engagement09:09 Managing Guilt and Client Expectations11:59 Exploring Client Goals and Coaching Techniques15:32 Implementing Educational Initiatives for Clients17:25 Client Commitment Strategies19:45 Planning Community Challenges22:58 Addressing Questions and Conference Promotion

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap03:26 Effective Follow-Up Strategies After a Giveaway06:54 Re-engaging Old Clients: Best Practices10:28 Working with a Business Partner vs. Self-Employment14:24 Maximizing Impact from a Rebrand18:54 Launching a New Product: Key StepsTakeawaysFollow up after a giveaway with nurturing and value.Reaching out to old clients should be a regular practice.Working with a partner can share the workload but requires alignment.Be genuinely curious about your clients' needs.Expectations from a rebrand should be clearly defined.Involve your audience in the rebranding process.Communicate your values clearly during a rebrand.Understand the gap your new product fills in the market.Be excited about your offerings to engage others.Clear objectives are crucial for successful product launches.

Some takeaways from todays episode ... TakeawaysThe importance of effective communication with clients.Recognizing when to end a coaching relationship.Strengths and weaknesses play a crucial role in coaching.Setbacks are part of the business journey; resilience is key.Follow-up processes can enhance client engagement.Engagement on social media requires a mix of content.Testimonials should be marketed creatively and effectively.Public speaking comfort can improve with practice and belief in content.Building relationships through relatable content is essential.Understanding client needs is vital for successful coaching.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Event Recap06:02 Client Relationships and Communication11:56 Finding Clarity in Life Goals18:18 Engagement Strategies for Social Media24:54 Marketing and Rebranding Strategies32:48 Public Speaking and Comfort Levels

No one really tells you how to deal with set backs in a coaching business. Chapters01:32 Overcoming Setbacks and Building Confidence07:20 The Importance of Client Communication11:07 Managing Illness as a Self-Employed Coach16:56 Integrating Clients into Group Settings21:54 Rebranding for Niche Focus24:35 Networking and Building ConnectionsSeptember PTBT is now live click here to apply

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weekend Highlights02:33 Marketing Strategies for Online Coaching05:12 Building Social Media Following07:57 Engaging Audiences for Launches10:49 Understanding Pain Points in Marketing13:43 Gym Pet Peeves and Lighthearted Banter16:39 Balancing Business and Personal Life21:22 Navigating Remote Work and Personal Values23:12 Managing Expectations and Time Efficiency27:58 Defining Success in Business33:05 Effective Email Marketing Strategies37:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Most business mentors and coaches are trying to scale and systemise everything. blueprints for how to wipe your own ass, on zoom calls with 100's of other trainers, no being heard, handed to "success coaches" ... Why we are sticking with what we believe, and behind the scene of the PT Business Transformation Mentorship Timestamps; 00:00 Introduction to PT Business Transformation02:54 Understanding the Target Audience05:28 What the Program Is Not08:44 Identifying Common Struggles11:21 The Importance of Personalization14:15 Implementation Phases of the Program17:20 Group Mentoring Dynamics20:12 Addressing Time Management Concerns23:08 Community and Support in Mentorship25:57 Final Thoughts and Next StepsLearn more about us, see th results we provide and book a call with us to fin out more. PS ... we are closing the doors to the mentorship at the end of August for a period of time, so get in quick if you're on the fence. https://www.ptmentoracademy.com/pt-business-transformation-mentorship

TakeawaysUnderstanding client objections is crucial for effective communication.Identifying as part of the health industry can enhance client relationships.Automation can streamline client onboarding processes.Honest conversations can lead to positive outcomes when ending client relationships.Assessing business phases is essential for new mentorship participants.Having systems in place can help maintain control over your business.A program name can aid in client understanding but isn't strictly necessary.Social media content should be tailored to the target audience.Frustrations in work often stem from communication and technology issues.Adapting nutrition advice requires understanding the client's cultural background.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview01:09 Navigating Client Objections on Pricing05:22 Unpopular Opinions in the Fitness Industry07:11 Automating Landing Pages and Client Onboarding08:04 Deciding to Stop Working with Clients11:07 Prioritizing Tasks in Mentorship12:46 Feeling in Contro

TakeawaysInstagram is a valuable resource for programming knowledge.Fitness challenges can enhance client engagement and community.A consistent marketing plan is crucial for personal trainers.Clients often take time to engage, so patience is key.Investing in marketing efforts can yield long-term benefits.Habit-based challenges can help clients improve their routines.Social media should showcase both personal and professional aspects.Regular content output is necessary for online visibility.Engaging clients in decision-making can increase participation.Personal trainers should not compare themselves to established influencers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context01:29 Instagram Accounts for Programming Knowledge04:38 Client Challenge Ideas06:45 Marketing Strategies for Personal Trainers