In recent years, one of the most noticeable shifts in the fitness industry isn’t about trends or technology. It’s about people. More adults are choosing to enter the world of personal training, massage, and Pilates – not straight out of school, but after years working in entirely different careers.
This shift isn’t just a passing trend. It reflects a deeper desire for work that feels meaningful, flexible, and connected to personal growth. And while starting over can feel daunting, many people are discovering that the fitness industry is exactly where they were meant to be all along.
At The Fitness Group, we’ve seen this firsthand. Some of our most dedicated learners have swapped careers in the military, trades, hospitality, healthcare, and education. What unites them is the drive to help others, and the courage to back themselves.
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When Work No Longer Works
Many people change careers because they’re simply not happy in their current profession. For Gary Owens, that moment came after ten years as a joiner.
“I began to lose interest and started to build resentment towards the trade. I no longer got any satisfaction from the role and knew it wasn’t where I wanted to be.”
What followed was a personal transformation. Over the course of two years, Gary lost 20kg by focusing on his training and lifestyle. But what really changed was his outlook.
“It genuinely improved my life across the board. My habits improved, my relationships got better, and I became a happier person. It gave me the confidence to pursue a new career.”
Gary studied for his Level 3 Personal Trainer course with The Fitness Group while still working full-time. He now works full-time in a private gym, supports online clients, and runs a free, inclusive running club from Pro-Life in Paisley.
Turning Recovery Into Purpose
For others, the move into fitness comes after a major life event. James Walters had always been passionate about sport. As a teenager, he played semi-professional football, county-level basketball and rugby. But everything changed at 17.
“I was practising free diving after hours at the hotel where I worked. I pushed myself too hard and drowned. An on-site personal trainer pulled me out and performed CPR.”
James spent a week in a coma and had to learn to walk again. He couldn’t return to sport for a long time. Instead, he moved into events, then education and rehabilitation work across prisons in London. He later reconnected with sport through martial arts, eventually earning a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black sash in Kung Fu. He competed internationally, despite breaking his fibula during a national tournament win.
“Because of all these experiences, I decided to change my whole life. I’ve always loved fitness, and passing on the knowledge and enjoyment I’ve found in movement is something I care deeply about.”
James trained as a personal trainer through The Fitness Group and credits his tutor, Remus, with helping him stay motivated through setbacks.
“Although I’ve always been capable physically, studying gave me a scientific perspective I hadn’t had before. The course helped me bring a new dimension to my training.”
Now living in New Zealand, James is building a career that blends fitness, travel and martial arts. He’s also working towards a future in stunt performance for TV and film.
Rediscovering Strength After Service
Alistair “Ally” Welshman served in the British Army for over 20 years. With deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. But before joining the military, Ally had dreamed of becoming a fitness instructor. He never lost that ambition. When long-term health issues took a toll on both his body and mind, Ally found himself struggling.
“I was off work, physically ill and mentally drained. I had never taken a day off in 22 years. I found it impossible to deal with.”
During his recovery, he decided to revisit the career path he had put on hold over two decades ago. He used his Army resettlement grant to enrol on The Fitness Group’s Level 3 Personal Training course.
“From my very first contact, the experience stood out. Scott, Daisy, Mel and Pam made the transition feel manageable. They were encouraging, honest and incredibly supportive.”
Although he was anxious about starting something completely new, Ally now credits the course with helping him reclaim his wellbeing and prepare for a new chapter.
“It has played a huge part in getting my mental and physical health back on track.”
Why Career Changers Thrive in Fitness
Career changers aren’t just welcome in the fitness industry; as we’ve seen time and again, they’re often the ones who make the biggest impact. People who’ve had real-world life experience bring empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to face challenges. They often make better listeners, stronger communicators, and more relatable coaches.
They also tend to be highly motivated. Many have experienced personal transformation, physically or mentally, and want to help others feel the same benefits. And their previous careers, whether in trades, teaching, or the military, leave them with transferable skills such as leadership, discipline, and emotional intelligence.
Thinking About Making a Change?
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start again, stories like Gary’s, James’s and Ally’s show just how powerful change can be. You don’t need to have been the sportiest person in school or have a background in science. What you do need is the willingness to learn, the drive to support others, and the courage to take the first step.
Our courses at The Fitness Group are designed to support learners at all stages of life, whether you’re changing careers, returning to work, or following a passion that’s waited patiently in the background. You can explore our online and face-to-face courses here, or read more about the journeys of other inspiring learners on our blog.
You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience.