Are you a fitness trainer looking to boost your income? Side hustles can help you leverage your expertise and earn extra cash.
With the growing demand for health and wellness services, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your fitness business beyond traditional personal training.
You can turn your passion for fitness into multiple income streams by exploring various side hustle options. From online coaching to creating fitness content, these side gigs allow you to help more people reach their health goals while increasing your earnings.
Let’s dive into some of the best side hustles for fitness trainers that can help you grow your business and financial success.
1) Personal Training Coaching on My PT Hub
My PT Hub is a powerful platform for fitness trainers looking to expand their services online.
This all-in-one software allows you to build, deliver, and grow your digital fitness business efficiently.
With My PT Hub, you can create personalized workout plans, nutrition guides, and track client progress all in one place.
The platform offers an intuitive interface for both trainers and clients, making it easy to manage multiple aspects of your coaching business.
You can use My PT Hub to offer remote training, send customized workout videos, and communicate directly with your clients.
This flexibility allows you to reach a wider audience and potentially increase your income without being limited by location or gym hours.
The platform also includes features for membership management and online content delivery.
This means you can create and sell digital products like workout programs or meal plans, adding another revenue stream to your fitness business.
By leveraging My PT Hub, you can transition from in-person training to a hybrid or fully online model.
This side hustle has the potential to grow into a full-time career, giving you more control over your schedule and earnings.
As an independent trainer using My PT Hub, you keep 100% of your earnings minus taxes and platform costs.
This can be significantly more profitable than working for a gym, where you might only keep 20-50% of the session fees.
2) Group Fitness Classes on ClassPass
ClassPass offers a fantastic opportunity for fitness trainers to expand their reach and income.
As a trainer, you can partner with ClassPass to offer group fitness classes at local gyms or studios.
This platform connects you with potential clients who are looking for diverse workout experiences.
You can showcase your expertise in various fitness disciplines, from high-intensity interval training to yoga or dance-based workouts.
By listing your classes on ClassPass, you’ll gain exposure to a wide audience of fitness enthusiasts.
This can help you build a loyal following and potentially attract clients for your other services.
You have the flexibility to set your own schedule and class types.
This allows you to experiment with different formats and find what works best for you and your participants.
ClassPass handles the booking and payment processes, making it easier for you to focus on delivering great workouts.
You’ll receive a portion of the revenue for each class attended by ClassPass members.
Consistency and quality are key to success on this platform.
Offer engaging, effective workouts that keep participants coming back for more.
As you build your reputation, you may see an increase in class attendance and earnings.
3) Create Custom Workout Plans on Trainerize
Trainerize offers a fantastic opportunity for fitness trainers to boost their income.
This platform allows you to design and sell personalized workout plans to clients worldwide.
With Trainerize, you can create video-led training sessions tailored to individual needs.
It’s an excellent way to showcase your expertise and reach a broader audience beyond your local gym.
The platform provides tools for running consultations, conducting check-ins, and hosting online classes.
This versatility allows you to offer a complete fitness experience to your clients.
You can set your own prices for workout plans and training packages.
This flexibility enables you to scale your business and increase your earnings potential.
Trainerize also includes features for client management and progress tracking.
These tools help you provide a more personalized service and keep your clients motivated.
By selling workout plans on Trainerize, you’re not limited by time or location.
You can serve multiple clients simultaneously, increasing your efficiency and income.
Remember to create high-quality, engaging content that stands out.
Focus on your unique strengths and expertise to attract and retain clients on the platform.
4) Host Virtual Workouts on Zoom
Zoom has become an excellent platform for fitness trainers to offer virtual workouts.
You can tap into a global audience and provide convenient exercise options for clients who prefer working out from home.
To get started, set up a professional Zoom account and create a dedicated space in your home for conducting sessions.
Ensure you have good lighting and a clear background to maintain a polished appearance.
Consider offering a variety of class types, from high-intensity interval training to yoga or dance fitness.
This diversity can help attract a wider range of participants and keep your offerings fresh and exciting.
Encourage clients to keep their cameras on during sessions.
This allows you to provide personalized feedback and corrections, enhancing the overall experience.
It also fosters a sense of community among participants.
Pay attention to your camera angle and positioning.
Make sure your full body is visible when demonstrating exercises, and adjust your setup as needed for different workout types.
Create opportunities for interaction and conversation before and after classes.
This helps build rapport with clients and can lead to increased retention and word-of-mouth referrals.
Explore different pricing models, such as pay-per-class, monthly memberships, or package deals.
This flexibility can accommodate various client preferences and budgets.
Remember to continually refine your virtual training skills.
Practice clear communication, maintain high energy levels, and stay adaptable to ensure your Zoom workouts remain engaging and effective.
5) Sell Online Courses on Udemy
Udemy offers a fantastic platform for fitness trainers to share their expertise and earn extra income.
You can create and sell courses on various fitness topics, from strength training to nutrition.
To get started, brainstorm course ideas based on your specialties.
Consider what unique knowledge you can offer that others might find valuable.
Think about common questions or challenges your clients face.
Once you’ve chosen a topic, plan your course content.
Break it down into easily digestible lessons, including video demonstrations, written materials, and quizzes.
Udemy provides guidelines to help you structure your course effectively.
Recording your course doesn’t require fancy equipment.
A smartphone camera and basic editing software can suffice.
Focus on delivering clear, engaging content rather than achieving Hollywood-level production.
When uploading your course, craft a compelling title and description.
Use keywords that potential students might search for.
Add eye-catching thumbnails to make your course stand out in search results.
Pricing your course strategically is crucial.
Research similar courses to gauge appropriate price points.
Remember, Udemy often runs promotions, so factor this into your pricing strategy.
Promote your course through your existing networks.
Share it on social media, mention it to clients, and consider collaborating with other fitness professionals to cross-promote.
Keep engaging with students who enroll in your course.
Respond to questions promptly and encourage reviews.
Positive feedback can boost your course’s visibility and attract more students.
6) Affiliate Marketing for Fitness Gear
Affiliate marketing for fitness gear can be a lucrative side hustle for fitness trainers.
You can leverage your expertise and audience to promote products you believe in and earn commissions.
Many fitness brands offer affiliate programs with competitive commission rates.
Some programs provide up to 8% commission on sales, which can add up quickly if you have a sizeable following.
To get started, research and join affiliate programs for fitness equipment, supplements, apparel, and wellness education.
Look for brands that align with your values and training philosophy.
Create content showcasing the products you’re promoting.
This could include workout videos, product reviews, or social media posts demonstrating how to use specific equipment.
Build trust with your audience by only recommending products you genuinely believe in.
Your authenticity will shine through and lead to better conversion rates.
Consider focusing on niche products or high-ticket items to maximize your earnings.
Specialized equipment or premium fitness gear often comes with higher commission rates.
Utilize your existing platforms like social media, blog, or YouTube channel to share your affiliate links.
You can also create dedicated landing pages for specific products or deals.
Remember to disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain transparency with your audience.
This honesty will help build long-term trust and credibility in your recommendations.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media platforms offer powerful tools for fitness trainers to expand their reach and grow their business.
When used effectively, these channels can help you build a loyal following and showcase your expertise.
Building an Engaged Audience
Start by choosing platforms that align with your target audience.
Instagram and TikTok are popular for fitness content, but don’t overlook Facebook or YouTube.
Create a consistent posting schedule to keep your followers engaged.
Aim for 3-5 posts per week, mixing up content types like workout videos, nutrition tips, and motivational quotes.
Interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.
This personal touch helps build trust and loyalty.
Use hashtags relevant to your niche to increase discoverability.
Research popular fitness hashtags and create a branded hashtag for your business.
Effective Content Strategies
Share before-and-after transformations of your clients (with their permission) to showcase your expertise.
These visual success stories can be powerful motivators.
Offer free, valuable content like short workout routines or healthy recipes.
This gives potential clients a taste of what you offer and establishes you as an authority.
Go live regularly to answer questions and demonstrate exercises.
Live videos create a sense of immediacy and personal connection with your audience.
Collaborate with other fitness professionals or influencers for cross-promotion.
This can help you tap into new audiences and add variety to your content.
Consider running social media contests or challenges to boost engagement and attract new followers.
Keep the entry requirements simple and offer a relevant prize.
Creating Online Fitness Programs
Online fitness programs offer trainers a scalable way to reach more clients and generate passive income.
You can leverage your expertise to create valuable workout plans and nutrition guides that people can access anytime, anywhere.
Choosing the Right Platform
Select a platform that aligns with your goals and technical skills.
Popular options include:
• Teachable – Easy to use, great for video courses
• Kajabi – All-in-one solution with marketing tools
• Uscreen – Specialized for fitness content
Consider factors like pricing, features, and ease of use.
Look for platforms that offer mobile apps, progress tracking, and community features to enhance the user experience.
Test a few options before committing.
Pricing Your Program
Set competitive prices that reflect the value you provide.
Research similar programs in your niche to gauge market rates.
Consider offering one-time purchase options, monthly subscriptions, and tiered pricing for different access levels.
Start with lower prices to attract initial customers and gather feedback.
Gradually increase prices as you refine your program and build a reputation.
Offer limited-time discounts or bundle deals to incentivize sign-ups.
Remember to factor in platform fees and marketing costs when setting your prices.
The Importance of Networking
Building strong connections in the fitness industry can significantly boost your career and open doors to new opportunities.
Networking allows you to learn from others, share ideas, and potentially find new clients or collaborators.
Collaborations with Other Trainers
Partnering with fellow fitness professionals can expand your reach and expertise.
Seek out trainers with complementary skills to create joint workout programs or classes.
This approach allows you to offer more diverse services to your clients.
Consider co-hosting fitness challenges or events to draw larger crowds and share resources.
You might team up with a nutrition expert to provide comprehensive wellness packages.
Don’t view other trainers as competition.
Instead, see them as potential allies who can help you grow your business.
Referral networks can be mutually beneficial, especially when you encounter clients whose needs align better with another trainer’s specialties.
Attending Industry Events
Fitness expos, conferences, and workshops are goldmines for networking opportunities.
These events bring together professionals from various fitness niches, giving you a chance to learn about the latest trends and techniques.
Prepare your elevator pitch before attending.
Be ready to succinctly explain your unique approach to fitness training.
Bring business cards and be open to exchanging contact information with others.
Participate in group discussions and Q&A sessions.
Your insights might catch the attention of potential collaborators or clients.
After the event, follow up with new connections via email or social media to maintain and strengthen these relationships.
Consider volunteering at fitness events.
This can put you in direct contact with industry leaders and give you behind-the-scenes experience that can be valuable for your own business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitness trainers have numerous opportunities to expand their income and leverage their expertise.
These questions address common inquiries about side hustles, online platforms, certifications, and income potential in the fitness industry.
What are some popular side hustles for personal trainers to increase their income?
Personal trainers can boost their earnings through online coaching, creating workout plans, and hosting virtual fitness classes.
You can also consider writing fitness e-books or starting a fitness-focused YouTube channel to reach a broader audience.
How can fitness trainers leverage their skills in an online platform?
You can use platforms like My PT Hub or Trainerize to offer personalized training programs.
Creating and selling fitness courses on Udemy is another great option.
Live streaming workouts on social media or hosting virtual classes via Zoom can also expand your client base.
What certifications may provide additional income opportunities for fitness instructors?
Specializing in areas like nutrition, yoga, or senior fitness can open up new income streams.
Certifications in sports-specific training or rehabilitation can also make you more marketable.
Consider getting certified in popular workout methods like HIIT or Pilates to attract a wider range of clients.
What are effective ways for a fitness trainer to make passive income?
Creating and selling digital products like workout plans or nutrition guides can generate passive income.
You might also consider developing a fitness app or starting a subscription-based online fitness community.
Affiliate marketing for fitness products is another passive income option.
Can fitness instructors really earn a six-figure income through side gigs?
While it’s possible, earning a six-figure income requires dedication and strategic planning.
Combining multiple income streams like online coaching, course creation, and affiliate marketing can significantly boost your earnings.
Success often depends on your marketing efforts and ability to scale your services.
What are the best wellness-related side jobs for fitness professionals?
Wellness coaching is a natural fit for fitness professionals.
You could also explore opportunities in corporate wellness programs or retreat planning.
Writing for fitness publications or becoming a brand ambassador for health products are other wellness-related options to consider.
