Why I started coaching gym-obsessed young adults

Why I started coaching: from skinny teen to bodybuilder with confidence.

Starting out in the gym as a teenage boy isn’t easy. I know, because I was that 17-year-old—skinny, low on confidence, completely lost. I’d walk into the gym, surrounded by adults who seemed to know exactly what they were doing, and I’d feel totally out of place. There’s so much pressure to look a certain way these days, but not much real help or guidance for young guys just starting out. That’s why I launched my online coaching business, aimed especially at teens and young adults.

When I first started, my only “coach” was YouTube and TikTok—hours spent watching fitness influencers, trying to copy their routines. I made a ton of mistakes: bad form, the wrong exercises, even hurting myself a few times. Nobody ever took the time to show me the basics, or explain why nutrition matters just as much as lifting. I struggled to gain weight and build muscle, and progress felt painfully slow.

But I stuck at it. I learned about the right foods to eat for muscle gain, how to structure a workout, and most importantly, how to train safely. Over time, I built momentum. Now I train 5-6 days a week, I’ve got 17.5 inch biceps, and the gym is my safe space—a place where I feel truly myself.

That’s the experience I want to share: real, practical advice for teenage boys and young men who want to start their fitness journey with confidence. If you’re looking for a UK online personal trainer for teens, or just a guide for teens in gyms, you’re in the right place. I want to help you avoid the mistakes I made and achieve your goals—faster, smarter, and safely.

Follow me on TikTok @benfrancispt for more tips and inspiration.