Adam Kiani, Founder and Chief Executive of Academy Investment Group (AIG), has had the courage to challenge the status quo for as long as he can remember.
“I always had an entrepreneurial background,” Kiani reflects. After obtaining a university diploma in freelance journalism, he quickly realised that his passion lay not in writing but in the business world. His early venture into business ownership was a prelude to a pivotal role at LA Fitness, where he began as a gym manager before ascending to regional management overseeing the recruitment of personal trainers.
It was during his tenure at Fitness Agents that Kiani identified a significant gap in the market: the education of personal trainers. “And that’s when I started PT Academy back in 2009,” he says. Kiani observed that the traditional method of training, delivered by retired lecturers, was not producing the quality of personal trainers the industry demanded. Determined to elevate the standard, he pioneered a novel approach. “Let’s change how courses are delivered,” he proposed, opting to employ successful personal trainers to impart their knowledge and expertise to new recruits.
Kiani’s innovative method faced scepticism, but he remained undeterred. “I trusted my gut instinct, and it worked,” he asserts. And work it did, setting a new industry standard that is now widely adopted. “There won’t be a training provider you come across within our sector that doesn’t use active personal trainers to teach its courses,” Kiani proudly states, marking a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.
The impact of Kiani’s vision extended beyond training methodologies. When faced with rejection from his employers regarding his business plan, he embraced the challenge and forged his own path. “That was the best rejection I’ve ever received,” Kiani muses, reflecting on the moment that spurred him to establish PT Academy. His resolve to succeed has not only reshaped the fitness industry but also solidified his role as a trailblazer and a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Innovation Amidst Crisis: PT Academy’s Strategic Pivot
When the fitness industry was brought to its knees by the COVID lockdowns, PT Academy faced a dire crossroads. “We were given guidance from regulator that fitness qualifications have to stop until gyms reopen,” Kiani explains. The prospect of halting operations was daunting, but Kiani’s innovative spirit spurred a groundbreaking solution. “I wrote six pathways which would allow learners to continue without the use of a gym,” he says, showcasing his proactive approach to crisis management.
The inspiration for this pivot came from an unlikely source: “What triggered it for me was watching Joe Wicks on the first day of lockdown do a home gym session with a million people,” Kiani recalls. This observation led to a swift adaptation, allowing PT Academy to set a precedent for the entire industry. “Just by writing those pathways, it allowed not only us but every other fitness training provider to continue without having to use gyms,” Kiani proudly states.
This strategic shift kept PT Academy’s business model afloat and simultaneously revolutionised the fitness training landscape. “Some great things came from tackling those challenges,” Kiani reflects. “Prior to COVID, very few people knew how to do online PT, whereas it almost became a prerequisite.” The company’s agility in adapting to online platforms has since fostered a robust online client base and established new norms within the industry.
Kiani’s foresight and adaptability have not only navigated PT Academy through turbulent times but have also positioned it at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. As Kiani observes, ‘challenges aren’t necessarily burdens; they can be great to develop from.” This ethos has been integral to PT Academy’s continued success and expansion, both within the UK and internationally.
Envisioning a Lasting Impact
As the final curtain draws near on the conversation, Adam draws attention to the scale of his company. “It’s under £4 billion,” Kiani states, reflecting on the staggering economic contribution PT Academy has made to the UK economy. But beyond the numbers, Kiani sees a legacy that is “not just quantifiable,” but also rooted in the life-changing impact on individuals’ health and well-being.
Kiani’s pride is palpable when he speaks of the hospital built in East Sudan with the money donated by his company, demonstrating a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. “That hospital proves to be a Godsend,” he says, underscoring the profound effect of his philanthropic efforts.
Yet, Kiani’s legacy is not confined to the realms of fitness and philanthropy. His foray into the entertainment industry as an actor, marked by appearances in The Gentleman Netflix series and Suspect, along with his role as a stunt double, reveals a passion for storytelling and performance. His journey into film production, from writing and directing to showcasing a trailer in Cannes, showcases his relentless drive to create and innovate. Kiani’s work in film is more than a diversion; it is a parallel path that enriches his legacy, offering inspiration and opening doors to new opportunities.
In the grand tapestry of Adam Kiani’s career, each thread – from personal training to acting, from manufacturing gym equipment to philanthropy – weaves together to form a legacy that is both diverse and unified. It is a legacy that transcends the individual, shaping industries, touching lives, and inspiring future generations.
