In this episode of the Freedom Kickstarter Podcast, we sit down with Paul Standell, an experienced personal trainer turned online fitness coach and educator.

Paul shares his journey from working on gym floors to coaching PTs on how to build sustainable fitness
businesses.
With over 15 years in the industry, he dives into the misconceptions of online coaching, the importance of developing real skills, and why personal trainers need more than just a certification to thrive.
Expect candid insights, industry rants, and practical advice for fitness professionals looking to scale their business and impact.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Paul’s Background & Elevator Pitch – How he transitioned from drama school to fitness coaching.

Early Days in PT – The reality of building a client base and why personal training qualifications fall short.

How to Stand Out as a PT – The importance of building trust, marketing yourself, and approaching clients with confidence.

The Transition to Online Coaching – The myths, struggles, and realities of shifting from in-person PT to online coaching.

Content Creation & Business Growth – How Paul found his voice through engaging ‘fitness rant’ videos and why storytelling matters in marketing.

Biomechanics & PT Education – Why Paul got deep into biomechanics and how it transformed his coaching.

Common Mistakes PTs Make – The dangers of blindly following fitness trends and business mentors.

Marketing & Content Strategy – How Paul balances different business offers and effectively markets his services.

The Power of Mentorship – Why hiring mentors and learning from experts can accelerate your success.
Final Five – Quickfire Questions:

Book Recommendation: Alchemy by Rory Sutherland – Great marketing insights, even if it’s tricky to apply directly to fitness.

Go-To Coffee Order: White Americano (or a cold brew if the mood is right).

Social Media Platform to Eliminate: TikTok – No personal use, so wouldn’t miss it.

Three Dream Dinner Guests: Julius Caesar, Historian Will Durant, and Stephen Fry.

Best Advice for Aspiring Coaches: Get a mentor sooner rather than later and learn from people who are where you want to be.
Resources & Links:
📌 Follow Paul on Instagram: @PaulStandell
📌 Check Out The PT Project
Connect with Us:
📩 Join the Newsletter
📱 Follow Mike on Socials: Coffee Shopy Copywriter
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See you in the next episode! 🎧