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How profitable is online fitness coaching?

How profitable is online fitness coaching?

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®) on June 3, 2023 ā€” Updated on January 27, 2024

Online fitness coaching can be quite profitable for fitness business owners who find a niche, market to that niche, and use technology to scale. Some online fitness coaches on the Exercise.com platform bring in annual profit of $100,000 or more. Just how profitable your online fitness coaching business becomes will depend on how well you execute in these areas. Use the Exercise.com platform with the best online fitness coaching software to grow and scale your online fitness coaching business and learn how to make money as an online fitness coach. Here’s what you need to know.

PJF Performance
I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!
Paul Fabritz
Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

Online fitness coaching has become a popular industry among fitness enthusiasts and professionals. With the advancement of technology, trainers and coaches have expanded their reach beyond the gym and into clients’ homes, offering convenience and flexibility. And some of the most profitable fitness business models involve charging quite high prices for fitness coaching and delivering a premium service (ex: high ticket fitness coaching).

Once you learn all about online fitness coaching profit potential, how to make an online fitness coaching business profitable, how to start a fitness coaching business, and read case studies of successful and profitable online fitness coaches on the Exercise.com platform, then if you want to run an online fitness business with the best software for personal trainers, see why Exercise.com is the best software to run your entire fitness business all in one place. You can sell workout plans online, run online workout groups, start fitness challenges, do online personal training, and more, all from your own custom-branded fitness apps with the best apps for online fitness coaches.

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Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.
Julie Ledbetter
Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

Case Study Composites: Success Stories of Online Fitness Coaches using Exercise.com

The following case studies are composite examples inspired by the success stories of numerous real-life online fitness coaches. They are thriving in their respective niches, utilizing varying fitness business models, and leveraging Exercise.com to create and scale profitable online fitness coaching businesses.

Case Study 1: High-Performance Training for Athletes

Brad, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, leverages Exercise.com to deliver high-performance training programs to athletes worldwide. He uses the platform’s robust workout creation and tracking features to tailor training plans for each athlete. With Exercise.com’s integrated payment system, he’s been able to streamline payment processing, improving client satisfaction and boosting his income significantly.

Case Study 2: Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness Training

Susan, a certified prenatal and postnatal exercise specialist, uses Exercise.com to offer fitness programs to pregnant women and new mothers. She uses the software’s client management feature to monitor her clients’ progress and adjust their programs as needed. By offering group challenges and courses through her custom-branded fitness app, she’s managed to foster a thriving community that supports business growth.

Case Study 3: Online Personal Training for Busy Professionals

Mike, a personal trainer specializing in time-efficient workouts for busy professionals, has seen great success with his online training business using the best online fitness training software at Exercise.com. He offers clients personalized workout plans they can perform at home or in the gym, and utilizes the platform’s messaging feature to provide quick feedback and guidance. Offering tiered membership plans, Mike has been able to scale his business and generate a substantial income.

Case Study 4: Holistic Health Coaching

Emma, a certified holistic health coach, uses Exercise.com to integrate fitness, nutrition, and wellness coaching. Her clients benefit from custom workout plans, meal guides, and mindfulness practices, all delivered via her custom-branded app. The comprehensive features of Exercise.com have allowed her to build a profitable business with clients from across the globe.

Case Study 5: Senior Fitness Coaching

John, a fitness coach specializing in senior fitness, has built a thriving online coaching business with the help of Exercise.com. He uses the software’s assessment tools to tailor safe and effective workout plans for his clients. The ability to offer on-demand workouts and live-stream training sessions has made his services accessible to seniors regardless of location, dramatically increasing his client base and income.

Exercise.com is not just a tool but a partner in helping fitness professionals grow their online fitness businesses. The platform’s comprehensive features allow fitness coaches to effectively serve their clients, manage their business, and ultimately increase revenue.

Want to see how you can build a profitable online fitness coaching business using the Exercise.com software platform?

Get a demo now!

The rise of online fitness coaching

The fitness industry has seen a significant shift towards online platforms in recent years. The global pandemic and resulting lockdowns have accelerated this trend, with many people forced to adjust their workout routines due to gym closures. Fitness professionals quickly adapted and moved their businesses online, providing video coaching, personalized workouts, and nutrition plans to clients. This trend is expected to continue post-pandemic as people have become accustomed to the convenience and accessibility of online fitness services.

Factors contributing to its popularity

There are various reasons for the rise of online fitness coaching. Firstly, it offers clients the flexibility to work out at a time that suits them, without needing to adhere to gym opening hours. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or who live in areas where gyms are not readily accessible. Secondly, online coaching is cost-effective, as clients do not have to pay for gym memberships or travel expenses. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or who live in areas where gym memberships are expensive. Thirdly, online coaches can reach a wider audience, extending beyond their local community and expanding their client base. This allows coaches to connect with people from all over the world, regardless of their location.

Benefits of online fitness coaching for clients

Online fitness coaching provides numerous benefits for clients. Firstly, it offers personalized workouts tailored to their specific goals and fitness level. This means that clients can achieve their fitness goals more quickly and efficiently than with a generic workout plan. Secondly, online coaches provide ongoing support, motivation, and accountability, helping clients to stay on track and reach their goals. This is particularly important for those who struggle with motivation or who are new to fitness. Thirdly, online coaching provides education and guidance on nutrition, helping clients to adopt healthy eating habits and achieve long-term results. This is crucial for those who want to see lasting changes in their health and fitness.

Furthermore, online fitness coaching allows clients to connect with their coaches on a deeper level. With regular check-ins and communication, clients can build a strong relationship with their coach, which can lead to greater success in achieving their goals. Online coaching also provides clients with a sense of community, as they can connect with other clients who are on the same journey as them. This can be particularly helpful for those who may feel isolated or unsupported in their fitness journey.

In conclusion, the rise of online fitness coaching has been driven by several factors, including convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. With personalized workouts, ongoing support, and education on nutrition, online coaching provides numerous benefits for clients looking to achieve their fitness goals. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, it is likely that online fitness coaching will become an increasingly popular option for those seeking to improve their health and fitness.

Understanding the online fitness coaching business model

Online fitness coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting for the convenience and flexibility of working with a coach remotely. However, with so many different business models available, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you.

Subscription-based services

Subscription-based services are one of the most common business models in the online fitness coaching world. These services typically provide clients with ongoing access to online coaching, including workouts, nutrition advice, and ongoing support.

One of the primary advantages of a subscription-based service is that it provides a stable income stream for coaches. With a set number of clients paying a monthly fee, coaches can more easily predict their income and plan their workload accordingly.

For clients, subscription-based services can be an attractive option because they provide ongoing support at a lower cost than one-on-one coaching. However, it’s important to note that these services may not be as personalized as other business models.

One-on-one coaching

One-on-one coaching is another popular business model in the online fitness coaching world. This model provides clients with personalized coaching and attention from their coach.

While one-on-one coaching can be more profitable for coaches, it requires more time and effort to manage individual clients. Coaches must be able to provide personalized workouts and nutrition plans, as well as regular check-ins and support.

For clients, one-on-one coaching can be an excellent option if they are looking for personalized attention and support. However, it can also be more expensive than other business models.

Group coaching

Group coaching is a business model that provides clients with a community of like-minded individuals, all working towards similar goals. This model is more cost-effective for clients and can be an excellent option for those who enjoy the support and motivation of a group environment.

However, group coaching also requires more effort to manage and engage with a larger group of clients. Coaches must be able to provide group workouts and nutrition plans, as well as regular check-ins and support.

Hybrid models

Hybrid models combine aspects of the above business models, providing clients with a range of options to choose from. This business model offers flexibility for coaches and clients and can be tailored to individual needs.

For example, a coach may offer a subscription-based service that includes regular group coaching sessions, as well as the option for one-on-one coaching for an additional fee. This model allows clients to choose the level of support that best fits their needs and budget.

Ultimately, the right business model for you will depend on your goals, preferences, and budget. It’s essential to do your research and choose a coach and business model that aligns with your needs and values.

Determining your target audience

Before starting an online fitness coaching business, it is essential to determine your target audience. This will help you tailor your services to meet their needs and preferences, making it more likely that they will choose you over your competitors.

But how do you go about determining your target audience? Here are some steps you can take:

Identifying your niche

Identifying your niche is crucial to stand out in the crowded market. This can be a particular fitness goal, such as weight loss or muscle gain, or a specific demographic, such as mothers or seniors. By focusing on a specific niche, you can become an expert in that area and develop a reputation for providing high-quality services that meet the unique needs of your target audience.

For example, if you decide to focus on weight loss, you can develop specialized programs that help clients lose weight safely and effectively. You can also create content that speaks directly to people who are struggling with weight loss, such as blog posts on healthy eating habits, motivational quotes, and success stories from clients who have achieved their weight loss goals.

Creating a client avatar

Creating a client avatar is a useful tool to understand your ideal client’s attributes, needs, and pain points. This helps to create personalized services that appeal to your target audience. A client avatar is a fictional representation of your ideal client, based on research and data. It includes information such as age, gender, occupation, income level, fitness goals, and challenges.

For example, if your target audience is mothers, your client avatar might be a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom who wants to lose post-pregnancy weight. She might struggle to find time to exercise and eat healthily because of her busy schedule and family responsibilities. By understanding her needs and challenges, you can create services that cater to her specific situation, such as online workout videos that she can do at home and personalized meal plans that take into account her dietary preferences and time constraints.

Market research and competition analysis

Conducting market research and competition analysis is crucial to understanding the demand for your services and identifying gaps in the market. This helps to create unique services that stand out from competitors. Market research involves gathering information about your target audience, such as their demographics, interests, and behavior. Competition analysis involves studying your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, identifying opportunities for differentiation, and developing strategies to outperform them.

For example, if you find that there is a high demand for online fitness coaching services among seniors but few competitors are catering to this demographic, you can develop specialized programs that meet their unique needs, such as low-impact workouts and mobility exercises. You can also create content that speaks directly to seniors, such as blog posts on the benefits of exercise for aging adults and success stories from senior clients who have improved their health and quality of life through fitness coaching.

By taking these steps, you can determine your target audience and develop services that meet their needs and preferences. This will help you build a loyal client base and grow your online fitness coaching business.

Setting up your online fitness coaching platform

Setting up an online fitness coaching platform requires the right tools and strategies to attract and engage clients. With the rise of technology and the increasing demand for online services, fitness professionals have the opportunity to expand their reach and provide personalized services to clients all over the world.

Choosing the right software and tools

Choosing the right software and tools is crucial to providing a seamless experience for clients and managing your business efficiently. A website is the foundation of your online presence and should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines. Email marketing software can help you stay in touch with clients and provide valuable information, such as workout tips and nutrition advice. Video coaching software allows you to provide personalized services to clients, no matter where they are located in the world.

It’s important to do your research and choose software and tools that align with your business goals and budget. Some popular options include WordPress for website creation, Mailchimp for email marketing, and Zoom for online fitness video coaching. With the Exercise.com platform, you can run your entire fitness business on one platform: booking and scheduling, workout plan creation, fitness assessments and lead capture forms, fitness challenges, online workout groups, in-person and online fitness coaching, habit tracking, and more, all with your own custom-branded fitness apps and web portal.

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Creating engaging content

Creating engaging content is essential to attract and retain clients. Content should be relevant, informative, and valuable to your target audience. Blog posts can provide in-depth information on various fitness topics, such as workout routines and nutrition plans. Videos can showcase your coaching style and provide clients with visual demonstrations of exercises. Social media content can help you connect with potential clients and showcase your personality and expertise.

It’s important to create a content calendar and plan out your content in advance. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you are providing consistent and valuable information to your clients.

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Building a strong online presence

Building a strong online presence is crucial to establishing credibility and gaining trust from potential clients. Creating a professional website is the first step in building your online presence. Your website should showcase your services, provide valuable information to potential clients, and include testimonials from satisfied clients.

Social media accounts can also help you build your online presence and connect with potential clients. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook allow you to showcase your coaching style, share valuable information, and engage with your audience.

Online reviews are another important aspect of building your online presence. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website and social media accounts. Positive reviews can help establish credibility and attract new clients.

Do online fitness coaches make money?

Absolutely, online fitness coaches can make substantial income. It varies depending on the number of clients, pricing of programs, and additional revenue streams such as selling workout plans and fitness products.

How much should you charge as an online fitness coach?

The pricing for online fitness coaching can vary greatly. It depends on your experience, services offered, and target clientele. Some coaches charge $50 a month, while others charge $200 or more. A good strategy is to research what similar coaches in your niche are charging.

How to sell fitness coaching online?

Selling fitness coaching online involves creating valuable content, establishing your online presence, building relationships with potential clients, and offering personalized services that address specific fitness needs. Having a well-structured website and a strong social media presence is key. Using a platform like Exercise.com can help streamline this process.

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How many clients can an online fitness coach have?

The number of clients an online fitness coach can manage effectively depends on the coach’s time availability, organizational skills, and the level of individual attention each client requires. Some coaches manage dozens of clients, while others prefer to focus on a smaller, more exclusive client base.

How to start an online fitness coaching business?

Starting an online fitness coaching business involves obtaining relevant certifications, defining your niche, creating a gym business plan, setting up a professional website, and marketing your services. A platform like Exercise.com can simplify this process by offering tools for workout creation, client management, scheduling, and payments.

Are most online fitness businesses profitable?

Yes, many online fitness businesses can be profitable, but it takes hard work, a solid business plan, effective marketing, and excellent customer service. The flexibility and reach of online platforms allow fitness businesses to scale and reach clients globally, increasing potential profitability.

How can I use Exercise.com to run my online fitness coaching business?

Exercise.com is a comprehensive platform offering numerous features to help run your online fitness coaching business. It provides tools for creating custom workouts, managing client progress, processing payments, and delivering workouts and programs online. Additionally, Exercise.com offers the ability to build a custom-branded personal trainer fitness app, enhancing your professional image and client experience.

Tony Gentilcore
Exercise.com makes my life easier by providing an all-in-one solution and the opportunity to help those who otherwise would never have access to my programming!
Tony Gentilcore
Founder, Core Online

Start Growing Your Online Fitness Coaching Business

Online fitness coaching provides a profitable opportunity for fitness professionals to expand their reach, provide personalized services, and help clients achieve their fitness goals. However, success requires understanding your target audience, creating unique services, and building a strong online presence. By embracing the advantages of online coaching and implementing effective strategies, fitness professionals can create a profitable and fulfilling business while making a positive impact on clients’ lives.

Want to get seeing how Exercise.com can help you get started taking your personal training business to the next level with software? Get a demo now!

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.
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