I joined Virgin Active as a new PT in London, fresh to the city and industry. Just after my settling-in period, almost the entire club management team left or were fired. For months, there was no leadership, no structure, and no support to help trainers build their client base. When new managers eventually arrived, I was questioned about my performance despite being left to figure everything out on my own.
The pay structure is weak. You’re on a zero-hour contract, and Virgin Active takes over 70% of what clients pay. Even when I was delivering 15–20 sessions a week, I only earned around £900–£1200 a month before tax. There’s no guaranteed income, and holiday pay is based on previous earnings and accrued hours, so it often ends up being minimal.
Work-life balance is tough. You’re encouraged to set your own rota, but to actually secure and retain clients, most PTs end up in the gym for 10 to 12 hours a day, unpaid unless delivering sessions. If you live far away, going home between sessions isn’t realistic, so you’re stuck at the gym all day, often earning very little.
You’re also expected to do unpaid work on the floor to stay visible and attract clients. For example: hosting classes, greeting members, tidying weights, handing out towels, and generally representing the brand. This benefits the company but adds to your unpaid hours.
The pressure to perform, lack of real support, and low pay all make it feel like you’re being set up to fail. While I did gain confidence and experience, it came at a big personal cost. The system works for the gym, not the trainer. Enter with caution, and only as a short-term stepping stone.