A group of Anytime Fitness clubs in London is taking a different approach to personal training services, one that forgoes the traditional in-house model and payroll in favor of a self-employed structure run by Your Personal Training, a U.K. platform known as YPT.
The arrangement covers six clubs operated by Zest Leisure, Anytime’s franchise partner in South West, West and North West London.
Under the partnership, YPT will recruit and support the self-employed trainers working inside the clubs — an area YTP is well-versed in with its existing 420 U.K. gym partnerships.
Trainers keep 100% of their earnings and have access to YPT’s development program and PT Hub software for client management. Those new to training and building their client base receive an initial rent-free period. Full-time trainers on the platform typically earn more than £50,000 (about $66,000) a year, the company said.
To prevent competition and increase earnings, YPT limits the number of licenses issued at each site.
“Partnering with Your Personal Training enables us to invest even further in our personal trainers, helping them grow their businesses, develop their skills and ultimately enhance the experience we offer in our clubs,” Zest Leisure founder David O’Donnell said.
The deal lands at a time when fitness has become the U.K.’s fastest-growing side-hustle category. A 2025 report from specialist insurer Hiscox found that searches for personal training and coaching increased 108% year over year, with nearly half of employed Brits considering a side gig and roughly half of those hoping to turn it into a full-time business.
There’s also a bigger picture coming into focus that is likely to favor YPT and Anytime’s move. As AI-driven coaching apps multiply, in-person training is beginning to feel like a premium service. Les Mills’ 2026 Global Fitness Report found just 10% of consumers globally prefer AI workout guidance over a human coach.
Applications are now open to both newly qualified and experienced trainers with a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, with openings at all six sites.
