HomeHow to Make Money Selling Workout Plans OnlineHow to Create a PDF Workout Program Online in 2025 (Free Tools vs. Paid Options)

How to Create a PDF Workout Program Online in 2025 (Free Tools vs. Paid Options)

Tyler Spraul

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on July 14, 2023 — Updated on September 15, 2025

Learn how to create a PDF workout program online so that you can make money from fitness and sell workout plans online. Then skip the clunky docs. Create sleek, branded workout PDFs online with Exercise.com’s workout builder.

How to Create a PDF Workout Program Online

Creating a PDF workout program online can be a lucrative way to reach a broader audience in the fitness industry. Exercise.com software offers a range of features and benefits for selling workout plans online, including PDF formats and other digital options like your very own custom branded fitness apps, digital fitness landing pages, custom branded web portals, sales funnels, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started. Create structured, effective workout plans in PDF format, and then deliver them via Exercise.com’s training software.

Manage Client Assigned Workout Plans

Why Trainers Need Professional PDF Workout Programs

For personal trainers and gym owners, knowing how to create a PDF workout program online is essential for monetizing digital fitness. Clients want polished, easy-to-follow workout plan PDFs they can save, print, or access on their devices. But too many coaches settle for messy Word docs or Canva mockups. If you want to deliver a professional home workout plan PDF with images, you need a system that seamlessly combines programming, branding, and distribution.

DBFT App Benefits

With the Exercise.com workout plan creator, you can design, format, and instantly export workouts as branded PDFs—complete with exercise images for workout plan PDFs—so clients see your value right away. And then you can sell them right in your own custom branded fitness app!

Des B Fit
I am grateful to have been able to create an app for my online family to grow with, and be able to support a business that I believe in.
Desiree Pfeifer
CEO, DBFT LLC

Many fitness professionals ask how to create a PDF workout plan with images that looks professional and is easy for clients to follow. Whether you’re creating a home workout plan PDF with images, a gym workout plan PDF download with pictures, or a full body workout plan with images PDF, the challenge is always the same: making it professional, printable, and scalable while still saving time as a trainer.

Dashboard - Home 2

Most trainers start with tools like a Canva workout plan template PDF or a free printable workout planner template PDF, but those templates only take you so far. If you want to sell plans, track client progress, and deliver polished exercise images for workout plan PDFs, you need a true workout plan creator that integrates your programming into a repeatable system.

That’s exactly what Exercise.com delivers with its workout plan creator, where you can build programs with exercise images, videos, sets, reps, and notes — and export them instantly into a professional PDF format for clients.

Workout Plan Creator

Adding Images and Structure to Your PDF Workout Plan

Clients don’t just want text—they need visual clarity. If you’re wondering how to add images to PDF workout plans, the key is using a platform that already integrates high-quality exercise demos. A full body workout plan with images PDF makes your instructions crystal clear, reduces client confusion, and keeps engagement high. While free tools like a Canva workout plan template PDF can get you started, they lack automation, progression tracking, and client management features. Exercise.com lets you create custom workouts, add branded exercise images for workout plan PDFs, and export them in one click, ensuring your printable workout planner template PDFs look professional and consistent.

Gym App Ecommerce

Turning Workout PDFs Into Revenue

Knowing how to create a printable workout plan PDF is only half the battle—the other half is monetization. Too many trainers give away free workout plans PDFs and never convert them into paid programs. With Exercise.com, you can go beyond “convert workout plan to PDF” and actually sell them as part of a full digital training business. From selling workout plans online to building an entire online fitness business, your PDFs become valuable products that fuel recurring revenue. Whether you want to sell through your website, Instagram, or YouTube, we provide the tools to package, price, and distribute your gym workout plan PDF downloads with pictures so they don’t just look professional—they make you money.

#1 Ranked Fitness Business Software: Exercise.com

With Exercise.com’s gym management software, personal training software, and industry-leading best fitness influencer software, you have many different ways to make money from fitness: you can streamline your business operations, sell workout plans and nutrition services, schedule personal training sessions, run online workout groups, sell digital fitness products, run online fitness challenges, and create custom branded fitness apps to maximize your earning potential. Level up your coaching with custom workout PDFs and automate delivery through Exercise.com.

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

Get a demo now!

How to Sell Fitness Online

One option for learning how to sell fitness online (among many others that Exercise.com offers) is to create and sell workout plans online.

Use the Exercise.com workout plan creator to create your workout plans.

Workout Plan Creator

Then mark them for sale online so you can sell workout plans easily and quickly.

Sell Workout Plans

Publish your custom branded fitness apps to iOS and Android so you can offer a premium workout logging experience to your community.

Custom Branded Apps

Run fitness challenges, create online workout groups, do distance training, and of course, sell workout plans online, all right within the Exercise.com platform.

Online Groups
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

Want to learn more? Get a demo now!

Read More:

How to Create a PDF Workout Program Online (That Looks Pro, Prints Clean, and Actually Sells)

If you’ve ever asked how to create a PDF workout program with images and wound up with a messy export, low-res pics, or a file too big to email—this is for you. Below is a production-ready workflow that covers everything from exercise images for workout plan PDF prep, to layout and export specs, to selling the finished workout plan PDF with a built-in funnel. Throughout, you’ll see where Exercise.com streamlines the process so you can create a PDF workout plan with images, convert workout plan to PDF, and save workouts as a PDF—without juggling six different tools.

1) Pick the purpose and format before you design

Decide whether you’re making a:

  • Lead magnet (e.g., free workout plans PDF, free printable workout planner template PDF, or home workout plan PDF to build your list), or
  • Paid product (e.g., full body workout plan with images PDF, multi-week gym workout plan PDF, or niche plan like kettlebells or glute specialization).

This choice drives length, density, and image count. Lead magnets should be short (5–12 pages). Paid guides can run 20–60 pages with weekly progressions and a printer-friendly variant.

If you intend to sell, set up your product and checkout now so you can embed purchase links and QR codes in the document:

2) Assemble your assets (so your images look crisp and legal)

For clean gym workout plan PDF download with pictures and home workout plan PDF with images, prep:

  • Exercise photos/frames: Minimum 150–300 DPI at print size (e.g., 1200–2000 px on the long edge for half-page images). Keep a consistent angle and background.
  • Icons & callouts: Rest times, tempo, and coaching cues (SVG/PNG).
  • Brand kit: Logo (SVG/PNG), color hex codes, type styles, page footers.
  • Video support (optional): Generate QR codes that jump to demo clips—great for “how to create a PDF with images of exercises” while keeping the file size small.

Pro move with Exercise.com: build the plan with the Workout Plan Creator so your exercise images for workout plan PDF and coaching cues pull directly from your library, then save workouts as a PDF in one click. You can also spin a mobile version later without re-layout.

3) Choose your layout system (grid, type, margins)

  • Page size: US Letter or A4. Leave 0.5–0.75″ (12–19 mm) margins.
  • Grid: Two-column grid for strength templates; single column for beginner plans and large photos.
  • Typography: One headline font + one body font. Use a monospaced look for tempo/rest blocks if you prefer that “coach sheet” feel.
  • Table blocks: For each exercise: name, sets×reps, tempo, rest, RPE, notes, plus thumbnail(s). This makes how to create a printable workout plan PDF straightforward for clients.

4) Build the program (progression > pages)

Even a free printable weekly workout planner template PDF benefits from visible progression:

  • Week 1–4 microcycle with progressive overload or density goals
  • Superset/tri-set tables where relevant
  • At-home alternatives to cover “no equipment” days (great for home workout plan PDF seekers)
  • Form cues & common mistakes callouts under each movement—short, scannable, photo-adjacent

Need a jump-start on structure? Grab ideas from:

5) Create it online (three proven workflows)

A) Fastest, all-in-one (recommended):
Build the program in Exercise.com, drop in images, set notes/tempo, then create a PDF workout plan online and distribute instantly. No retyping, no broken layouts. Perfect if you also want to sell immediately:

B) Canva workflow (popular template route):
For Canva workout plan template PDF lovers: pick a simple template, replace stock art with your own images, paste structured tables, then export as “PDF Print” (flattened). Great for a free printable workout planner template PDF lead magnet. Remember to compress images pre-upload to keep file size friendly.

C) Hybrid “Export from builder + Layout polish”:
Generate the workout plan PDF from Exercise.com, then import pages into your design tool purely for cover/back matter or extra branding. This keeps the program logic and images consistent while giving you a glossy wrapper.

6) Export like a pro (so it prints and opens fast)

  • Export preset: “High quality” for print versions, “Reduced size” for email/hosted downloads.
  • Targets: Under 10 MB for email, under 25 MB for hosted freebies.
  • Compression: Downscale images to 150–200 DPI for screen PDFs; keep 300 DPI for printables.
  • Links: Use live links for upsells, support, and refund policy; include a QR to your hub.
  • Accessibility: Add document title, bookmarks, legible contrast, and alt text where possible.

7) Monetize and distribute (turn PDFs into revenue)

Once you create a PDF workout plan with images, you can sell it solo or bundle inside memberships:

8) FAQ: your most-searched PDF build questions, answered

  • How to create a PDF workout program online with images / how to create PDF workout plan: Use Exercise.com’s builder to place movements, cues, and thumbnails, then export. If templating, assemble in Canva and export “PDF Print.”
  • How to add images to PDF workout plan / how to create workout PDF with images: Pair each exercise block with 1–2 frames (start/end). Keep consistent aspect ratios and background.
  • How to create a printable workout plan PDF / free tools to create PDF workout plans with images: Canva for a quick free route; Exercise.com for a professional build + sales + fulfillment in one place.
  • Convert workout plan to PDF / how to save workouts as a PDF: From Exercise.com, export directly. From docs/design tools, use “Export → PDF” with downscaled images for screen use.
  • Gym workout book PDF free download: Offer a condensed freebie (e.g., Week 1 + movement library) as a lead magnet, upsell full 8–12 week program post-opt-in.

9) Pro tips that separate “amateur” from “authoritative”

  • Use consistent lighting/angles for all images.
  • Keep one coaching cue per line (bold the action verb).
  • Offer printer-friendly and screen-optimized versions.
  • Add a 1-page “How to Read This Program” with tempo/RPE legends.
  • Place “At-Home Alternative” boxes to cover equipment gaps (captures home workout plan PDF with images searchers).
  • Include a “What’s Next?” page with links back to your store and booking.

Resource hub (bookmark these)

With Exercise.com, you can create a PDF workout plan online, pair it with in-app delivery, and sell it from a single platform—so your gym workout plan PDF, home workout plan PDF, or free printable weekly workout planner template PDF doesn’t just look polished; it becomes a real product with real revenue.

Dean Somerset - Bird Dog
“Developing an easy intake system with my apps and ways to scale the delivery of workouts has been huge. Working with 20-30 individuals who each have specific goals and restrictions can be challenging, but your platform makes it easy to organize everyone’s programs and put a plan together that will get them the best results possible. The simple, effective tools help expand and simplify my coaching process.”
Dean Somerset
Owner, Somerset Fitness

Get a demo now!

Step-by-Step: Creating a PDF Workout Program with Images

Here’s how to create a printable workout plan PDF that works for both online and in-person clients:

  1. Select exercises with visuals
    Use a library of exercise images or videos. With Exercise.com, you have access to thousands of built-in movements, plus the ability to upload your own branded exercise images for workout plan PDFs.
  2. Structure your program
    Organize your PDF into weekly or daily splits. For example, you can build a free printable weekly workout planner template PDF or a progressive gym workout book PDF free download style program.
  3. Add sets, reps, and notes
    Instead of static text, Exercise.com lets you embed progressive overload notes and client-specific cues right into the workout, which then carry through into your PDF output.
  4. Convert to PDF instantly
    Export directly from the workout plan creator instead of copy-pasting from Word or Canva. You’ll save hours per week and get professional branding every time.
  5. Deliver and monetize
    Upload your workout plan PDFs into a client’s custom-branded fitness app, email them, or sell them online. For scaling revenue, you can even bundle PDFs into larger programs using sell workout plans.
Fitness Income Ideas

Simulator: Time Cost of Manual vs. Automated PDF Workouts

Manually creating PDFs is one of the biggest hidden time drains for trainers. Here’s a comparison of how long it takes to create and deliver 10 programs per week:

That’s up to 6 extra hours per week saved — time you can reinvest into coaching, sales, or content creation. Multiply that by 50 weeks and you’ve bought back nearly 300 hours annually.

Scaling Beyond Free Workout PDFs

Free workout plan PDFs are great lead magnets, but real revenue comes when you package and sell them. You can:

If your goal is monetization, check out how to make money selling workout plans online, how to start an online fitness business, and how to make money as an online fitness coach.

Why Exercise.com is the Best Solution

Unlike Canva, Google Docs, or other “free tools to create PDF workout plans with images,” Exercise.com gives you a fully integrated system to:

  • Build and export professional workout PDFs with images instantly
  • Deliver PDFs inside a custom-branded fitness app or via email
  • Sell programs directly through your site with secure payments
  • Track client adherence, progress, and renewals
  • Scale into online group programs, hybrid memberships, or best gym workout plan sales software

Instead of wasting hours formatting a printable workout plan PDF manually, Exercise.com automates the process while helping you grow your revenue streams.

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

Get a demo now!

Step #1: Sign Up for Exercise.com Software

To begin, sign up for Exercise.com’s professional software. This platform is specifically designed for fitness professionals and offers a range of tools for creating, marketing, and selling workout programs online.

Step #2: Define Your Target Audience and Workout Goals

Identify your target audience and the goals of your workout program. Whether it’s weight loss, strength training, or flexibility improvement, having a clear focus will help you design an effective program.

Step #3: Develop Your Workout Program

Use Exercise.com’s workout plan creator to develop your program. You can create custom workouts, set specific exercises, reps, sets, and rest periods tailored to your audience’s needs.

Step #4: Convert Your Workout Program into a PDF

Once your workout program is finalized, use Exercise.com’s feature to convert it into a PDF format. This makes it easy to distribute and accessible for clients who prefer a printable option.

Step #5: Add Supplementary Content

Enhance your PDF workout program with additional content such as nutritional advice, exercise tips, or motivational guidance. Exercise.com allows you to include rich media like images and links, making your program more comprehensive and engaging.

Step #6: Set Up Your E-commerce Platform

Utilize Exercise.com’s e-commerce capabilities to set up a digital storefront for selling your workout program. You can set your price, manage transactions, and handle customer inquiries all within the platform.

Step #7: Market Your PDF Workout Program

Promote your workout program through Exercise.com’s marketing tools. You can use email campaigns, social media integration, and other digital marketing strategies to reach your target audience.

Step #8: Provide Ongoing Support and Updates

Offering support and updates to your program can increase its value. Exercise.com’s software allows you to easily update your PDFs and maintain communication with your clients through the platform.

Step #9: Analyze and Adapt

Use Exercise.com’s analytics tools to track the sales and engagement of your workout program. This data can help you understand your audience better and make necessary adjustments to your program or marketing strategies.

Step #10: Explore Additional Digital Options

Beyond PDFs, consider using Exercise.com to create other digital workout options like video tutorials or interactive online programs. This diversification can attract a wider range of clients.

Get Started Selling Workouts Online

Creating a PDF workout program online is made simple and effective with Exercise.com. The platform’s comprehensive features enable fitness professionals to develop, market, and sell their workout plans efficiently, reaching clients worldwide. Whether you’re offering PDFs, videos, or interactive programs, Exercise.com has the tools you need to succeed in the digital fitness market. To start creating and selling your workout programs today, book a demo with Exercise.com and explore the endless possibilities.

Erica Nangle Fitness
Exercise.com is amazing! Positively surprised by the efficiency at responding and helping out!
Erica Nangle
Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

Get a demo now!

How can I protect fitness PDF’s online?

Protecting your fitness PDFs online involves several strategies to ensure they are used only by those who have rightfully purchased or accessed them. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Watermarking: Add a watermark to your PDFs. This can be your logo or a copyright notice, making it harder for others to illegally distribute your content without attribution.
  2. Password Protection: Use password protection for your PDF files. This means only those who have the password (which you provide upon purchase or authorized access) can open and view the document.
  3. Disable Copying and Printing: Many PDF creation tools allow you to disable the ability to copy text or print the document. This helps prevent unauthorized reproduction and distribution of your content.
  4. Use a Secure Distribution Platform: Distribute your PDFs through secure platforms that control access. Platforms like Exercise.com, for instance, offer secure ways to distribute digital content and ensure only authorized users can access it.
  5. Terms and Conditions: Include clear terms and conditions regarding the use of your PDFs. Make it clear that sharing or redistributing the content without permission is not allowed.
  6. Digital Rights Management (DRM): Implement DRM solutions for your PDFs. DRM prevents unauthorized sharing and ensures that your content is only accessible by those who have legitimately obtained it.
  7. Tracking and Monitoring: Use tools that track the distribution and open rates of your PDFs. While this won’t prevent unauthorized sharing, it can give you insights into how your content is being used.
  8. Legal Notices: Include a legal notice in your PDFs stating the copyright laws and the consequences of unauthorized distribution. This can act as a deterrent against piracy.
  9. Regular Updates: Regularly update your PDFs and distribute the updated versions to your customers. This not only adds value for your customers but also discourages the use of outdated, possibly pirated versions.
  10. Educate Your Audience: Inform your customers about the value of purchasing from legitimate sources. Educating your audience on the effort and resources that go into creating quality content can foster respect for intellectual property rights.

While it’s challenging to completely eliminate the risk of unauthorized sharing, these measures can significantly reduce it and protect the integrity and value of your digital fitness products.

Can I create a PDF workout program online for free?

Yes, you can create a PDF workout program online for free using various tools such as Google Docs, Canva, or specific fitness plan templates available online. These tools allow you to design and export your workout program as a PDF.

How do I create a PDF workout program online for beginners?

To create a PDF workout program for beginners, use simple and clear instructions, include basic exercises, and focus on fundamental fitness goals. Utilize tools like Canva or Google Docs to design the program and export it as a PDF.

How much should I charge for a workout program?

The price for a workout program varies based on factors like the program’s complexity, your expertise, the target audience, and market rates. Prices can range from $10 to several hundred dollars. It’s important to research what similar programs are charging and evaluate the value you’re providing.

Read More: How Much to Charge for a Workout Plan

How do I create a digital workout program?

To create a digital workout program, decide on the program’s focus, outline the exercises and routines, and use digital tools like fitness-specific software or general document creation tools to compile and format the program. Consider including videos or links for clarity.

How do I create a workout plan template?

To create a workout plan template, outline a general structure for workouts including sections for types of exercises, reps, sets, and rest periods. Use a tool like Microsoft Word or Google Docs for a basic template, or specialized software for a more professional look.

Read More: Personal Training Workout Templates

How do I write my own workout program?

Writing your own workout program involves understanding fitness goals, incorporating a balance of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises, and considering progression and variety. Ensure the program is balanced and tailored to the fitness level of the intended user.

What app can I use to create a workout plan?

Apps like MyFitnessPal, Trainerize, and Exercise.com offer features for creating workout plans. They provide templates, exercise libraries, and customization options to suit different fitness goals and levels. With Exercise.com you can offer a full custom branded experience for your workout plan customers.

Read More: Best Workout Plan Creator Software

What is the free website to create workout plans?

Free websites to create workout plans include MuscleWiki, which offers basic tools for workout planning, and DAREBEE, which provides free resources and templates for various fitness levels. These free workout creator websites are good for beginners who do not need a legitimate and professional fitness business owner’s solution like Exercise.com.

How do I create a workout program in Excel?

To create a workout program in Excel, use columns to list exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods. You can create separate tabs for different workout days and utilize Excel’s formatting tools to organize and present the information clearly.

What are the 7 steps to creating a workout plan?

  1. Define Fitness Goals: Establish what the workout plan aims to achieve.
  2. Assess Fitness Level: Consider the starting point for the intended user.
  3. Select Exercises: Choose exercises that align with the goals.
  4. Structure the Program: Decide on the workout frequency, intensity, and duration.
  5. Plan for Progression: Include how the program will progress over time.
  6. Include Variety: Ensure the plan remains engaging and effective.
  7. Review and Adjust: Be open to making changes based on feedback or results.

Can I make my own fitness app?

Yes, you can make your own fitness app, but it requires technical skills or hiring a developer. Consider factors like app functionality, design, user experience, and how it will be monetized.

Read More: How to Make a Fitness App

How do I create and sell my workout plans?

To create and sell your workout plans, design comprehensive and unique programs, use a digital format for easy distribution, and sell them on your website, social media, or through fitness content marketplaces.

Read More: How to Make Money Selling Workout Plans Online

How much does it cost to make a workout app?

The cost to make a workout app varies widely, typically ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the app’s complexity, features, and whether you’re using a developer or a DIY app builder.

Read More:

How can Exercise.com help me create and sell workouts online?

Exercise.com can help you create and sell workouts online by providing a platform to build, manage, and distribute your workout programs. It offers tools for designing custom workout plans, a platform for selling these plans, and the ability to track and manage customer progress, all of which can enhance the process of creating and selling workouts online.

Read More: How to Make Money Selling Workout Plans Online

Kellie Davis - Fit Thrive
With Exercise.com, I’m able to reach people around the world with the programs that I design, implement, and push out. You don’t have that opportunity working in a local gym. So that’s been huge.
Kellie Davis
Founder/Trainer, Fit Thrive

Get a demo now!


Tyler SpraulTyler 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 Specialist® (CSCS®). 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.