When you look at a young coach who’s already worked with over 300 clients, has a strong online brand and a waitlist-worthy business, it’s easy to assume it all just… fell into place.

But for 24-year-old coach and founder of Soph Fit Coaching, Sophia Karakato, her start in the fitness industry came from something far less glamorous:

👉 A really shitty breakup, a bit of a “19-year-old midlife crisis,” and a decision to finally do something for herself.

In this episode of the Women’s Fitness Education Podcast, Soph sat down with Dani to share how she went from heartbreak to fully booked coach, why she went “all in” on her Cert III & IV in Fitness, and the advice she’d give women who are scared to take the first step.

From Breakup to Barbell: How It All Started

Soph doesn’t sugarcoat it.

She was 19, going through a rough breakup and feeling totally unsure about her future. She already had a PT at the time and had been talking about joining a gym properly and getting into training, but like so many of us, she was stuck in the “one day I will…” phase.

“I’d been saying for a year that I wanted to start at the gym and I hadn’t acted on it. And I’m not someone who’s usually not proactive.”

Her PT was the one who gently nudged her in a new direction:
“Why don’t you just do your Certs and see where it leads?”

That suggestion changed everything.

Soph finally decided to stop thinking about it and take action. She joined the gym properly, enrolled in her Cert III & IV in Fitness, and very quickly realised:

“This is awesome. I love it here. I love the culture and the environment.”

It wasn’t just about the breakup anymore. It was about creating a future she actually wanted to be part of.

Going “All In” on Study and Business

Once Soph started, she didn’t half-commit.

She didn’t wait years to “dabble” in PT or work casually in another role first. As soon as she finished her qualifications, she went straight into business.

Her very first fitness job?

👉 Her own business.

She started with face-to-face PT, under “Sophia Karakato Coaching”, which later evolved into Soph Fit Coaching. It wasn’t a perfectly mapped-out five-year plan; it unfolded step-by-step because she backed herself and took action.

“It kind of just flowed really nicely over the years.”

She also knew early on that her existing job wasn’t something she wanted long term. Becoming a PT was both a personal passion project and a smart move for her future.

Inside Soph Fit Coaching: No Bullsh*t, Real Talk

Soph’s business is built on a very clear philosophy:

No fluff, no fads, no bullsh*t.

There’s already so much confusing information online about training and nutrition. Soph’s mission is to strip it back, educate her clients properly, and support them to build something sustainable for life.

She offers:

• Customised training programs

• Nutrition support

• Training-only or nutrition-only options

• A full VIP coaching package (training + nutrition), which most clients choose
  
  

Her coaching is 100% online, and she’s very clear on why she loves that model.

“I’ll die on this hill – online coaching can be more personal than face-to-face.
You’re not just seeing someone once a week for 45 minutes. You’re supporting them around the clock.”

For clients with long-term physique goals, mindset work to do, and a desire for genuine accountability and education, online coaching gives her the space to support them beyond a single session on the gym floor.

Building More Than a Physique: The Real Transformations

Like many coaches, Soph loves seeing physical transformations. But the thing that really lights her up?

💥 The mindset shifts that come with those physical changes.

Most clients come in with physique goals. They want fat loss, muscle gain, body recomposition. But they rarely realise that to get there, it’s their mindset, habits and self-belief that need just as much work.

“Nine times out of ten, people come to me with a physique goal,
but they don’t realise how much of a mindset shift they get too.”

Watching clients learn to prioritise themselves, set boundaries, show up even when it’s hard, and finally feel proud of who they are — that’s what makes Soph sit at her laptop thinking:

“This is exactly how I wanted it to pan out.”

A Photoshoot, Breathwork and Big Breakthroughs

One particular moment really stands out for Soph as a “wow, I’m making a difference” experience.

She recently hosted a Soph Fit photoshoot on the Gold Coast and brought around 10 of her clients together. But it wasn’t just a day of pretty photos and matching activewear.

She intentionally designed it to be transformative on the inside, too.

The day included:

• Breathwork

• A group circle

• Space for her clients to share what was coming up for them emotionally
  
  

There were tears — in the best way.

“I feel like if I didn’t host this photoshoot, these girls might not have had those breakthroughs as soon as they did.”

By the time they got to the lingerie photos and posing in front of the camera, the hard emotional work had already been done. They felt more connected, supported and confident stepping into that vulnerable space.

For Soph, it was a huge proud coach moment — not just as a trainer, but as a space-holder for women’s growth.

The Qualities That Make a Great Coach (Beyond Reps & Sets)

When Dani asked Soph what she believes is the most important quality in a good trainer, the answer wasn’t about perfect programming or advanced anatomy knowledge (though those matter too).

The biggest quality?

👉 Understanding.

Specifically, understanding that every client is a different human with a different life — and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.

“If you’re going to provide a one-on-one service, it needs to be a one-on-one service.”

Soph gave two examples:

• Sally – three kids, school drop-offs, a husband, work, a busy home

• Sam – at uni with a part-time job and a very different schedule

If both of them receive the same program and expectations, someone is going to burn out and feel like they’re “failing”.

A great coach:

• Listens to their client’s life, stress, time and energy

• Designs a plan they can actually stick to

• Adjusts when life changes, instead of blaming the client
  
  

When coaches don’t take time to understand their client, everyone loses. The client feels discouraged and may never try coaching again. The coach loses trust, reputation and client retention.

“You’re doing them a disservice — and yourself too — if you’re not willing to adapt.”

Being a Woman in the Industry

The fitness industry has traditionally been male dominated, especially on the gym floor. But Soph’s experience has been largely positive.

She has a direct personality and strong boundaries, and she’s noticed the space shifting — especially online — to become more female-led, inclusive and community-driven.

“Everyone’s there to run their own business and see each other thrive.
There’s less tall poppy syndrome than in other industries.”

That supportive environment, especially at her original gym, helped her grow quickly:

“The community made me want to be there. It makes all the difference.”

Advice for Women Thinking About Becoming a PT

This is where so many WFE students and future students will relate.

What if you know you’d love to work in fitness… but you’re scared?

Scared to fail, scared you won’t be good enough, or scared because you’ve heard that “most PTs don’t last more than a year”.

Soph’s take?

👉 Most new PTs don’t back themselves or treat it like a real business.

Her advice:

• Back yourself fully. Don’t go in half-hearted and expect full results.

• Get your systems in place early. Don’t wing it until you’re overwhelmed.

• Invest in support sooner. She hired a business coach early in her journey so she wasn’t stuck going in circles for 1–2 years.

• Show up and do the work. Coaching, mentoring and courses only help if you actually implement.
  
  

“I didn’t just sit on the calls for fun. I showed up, did the to-do list and followed through.”

If you’re considering studying Cert III & IV in Fitness and stepping into the industry, her message is clear:

💬 “If you’re going to do it, go all in. Back yourself from the start.”

What She’d Tell Her Younger Self

If Soph could go back and give herself one piece of advice at the beginning?

She wouldn’t tell herself to slow down. She’d tell herself to start sooner.

She delayed going to the gym and starting her journey, and while she’s proud of how far she’s come, she can see now that a bit more self-belief earlier would’ve brought her here sooner.

But there’s no regret — just a message for the women coming behind her:

“Without giving yourself a go, you’ll actually never know how successful you could be.”

Final Takeaway: Back Yourself

If there’s one theme from Soph’s story, it’s this:

✨ Back yourself — even when you’re scared, even when you don’t feel ready.

That might look like:

• Finally enrolling in Cert III & IV in Fitness

• Taking on your first coaching client

• Investing in a mentor or business coach

• Leaving a job that doesn’t light you up

• Booking a shoot, stepping in front of the camera, or sharing your story online

You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. You just have to decide to begin.

If you’re reading this and feeling that little spark — that “I’ve been thinking about this for ages” feeling — maybe this is your sign.

And as Soph shows so beautifully, four years from now you could be the one saying: “I’m so glad I backed myself.” 💕

If you’re thinking about becoming a qualified personal trainer or group fitness instructor, check out our Certificate III and IV in Fitness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!