5 Secrets to become an online fitness coach in 2024
According to GlobeNewswire, the online/virtual fitness market is expected to reach $79 billion by 2026.
So, if you've been thinking about a career change into fitness coaching, guess what? This is the ideal time! This blog post will walk you through six effective approaches to becoming an online fitness teacher in 2024.
Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your present online fitness coaching business, keep reading for some helpful hints!
What is online fitness coaching?
Online fitness coaching is a new and exciting way to get in shape.
By working with a professional coach online, you can get personalized attention and support to help you reach your fitness goals.
Plus, online fitness coaching is convenient and affordable. And who doesn't love the idea of working out in their PJs?
So what exactly is online fitness coaching?
It's basically like having a personal trainer but without the high price tag or inconvenient appointment times.
Your coach will;
- create a custom workout and nutrition plan based on your goals
- Schedule your fitness plan and lifestyle
- motivate and encourage you
- answer any questions you have and,
- give you the accountability you need to stay on track.
Why become An Online Fitness Coach?
Certainly, being a fitness coach has its rewards. Assisting individuals in their journey toward transformative fitness goals is truly fulfilling. However, let's acknowledge the reality—it's not always a smooth and effortless experience.
The early mornings, the perpetual need to exude positivity, and the continual scheduling challenges can be demanding. This is why an increasing number of individuals are opting for the transition to online personal coaching.
As an online fitness coach, you can:
1. Help others achieve their fitness goals
As a fitness coach, you play a crucial role in guiding individuals towards their fitness objectives. Your role involves offering support and motivation, providing personalized advice, and ensuring accountability. In essence, you serve as a combination of a cheerleader, a sounding board, and a drill sergeant, all in one!
2. Create your own schedule
As a coach, you have the freedom to create your own schedule. Whether you excel in the early morning or prefer late-night sessions, and whether you opt to work on weekends or holidays, the choice is entirely yours. Being your own boss grants you the flexibility to prioritize and allocate time for your loved ones.
3. Earn a great income
Being an online fitness coach not only lets you make good money but also gives you the chance to help people smash their fitness goals. You've got plenty of ways to rake in that cash, like charging per session and setting up monthly or yearly subscriptions.
And hey, don't forget the options to do group coaching or one-on-one sessions tailored just for your clients. It's like having your own online fitness business buffet – pick what works best for you!
4. Diverse Clientele
Online coaching's diverse clientele, encompassing varying fitness levels, goals, and backgrounds, provides coaches with a multifaceted platform for growth. Adapting to clients with different fitness expertise refines coaches' versatility, ensuring scalable and progressive programs.
Tailoring approaches to diverse goals enhances goal-setting and strategy formulation skills. Interacting with a global, culturally varied audience cultivates effective communication and cultural competence. Continuous learning to meet evolving client needs keeps online fitness coaches engaged and knowledgeable.
5. Lifestyle Integration
Online coaching has redefined the work-life balance for coaches, offering unparalleled lifestyle integration. Coaches can seamlessly blend their personal and professional lives by working from home or while traveling. This flexibility not only enhances productivity but also allows for a more personalized and dynamic work environment.
Coaches can connect with clients globally, fostering cultural understanding and enriching their coaching practice. The ability to manage time efficiently enables continuous learning and self-improvement, contributing to the coach's professional development.
In essence, coaching business online empowers coaches to align their work with their lifestyle preferences, creating a more holistic and fulfilling approach to their careers.
How to become a great online fitness coach?
First, let's get something straight - being a great fitness coach takes more than just having a six-pack and being able to squat your body weight.
It takes dedication, commitment, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals.
If you've got what it takes to be a great fitness coach, then here are some tips on how to get started.
1. Choose Your Fitness Niche
When it comes to fitness, there are endless niches to choose from.
You could be a personal trainer, a CrossFit coach, a running coach, a nutritionist, or any number of other specialized roles.
But what if you want to take your coaching online?
How do you choose the right niche for your business?
The answer may lie in looking at your own fitness journey.
- What obstacles have you overcome?
- What challenges are you passionate about helping others overcome?
- When you choose a niche that is aligned with your own values and experiences, you'll be able to build a more authentic and successful business.
So if you're wondering how to become an online fitness coach, the first step is to choose your niche.
2. Get Certified
Anyone looking to become an online fitness coach should consider getting certified.
Personal training certification gives you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful coach, and it also helps you stand out from the competition.
There are plenty of ways to get certified, but one of the most popular is through an online course.
These courses typically include video lectures, exercises, and quizzes that test your knowledge of the material.
Some even offer Live Chats with experienced coaches, so you can get real-time feedback on your progress.
There are many certifications for fitness coaches, but here is a list of some popular ones
National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
I can see why there are so many people who want to get into the fitness industry but don't know where or how.
For those of you looking for a cheap way into personal training without having any experience whatsoever- ESTA's package is perfect!
For under $500, the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association offers not just study materials but also chapter quizzes so that your knowledge will never remain stagnant!
American Council On Exercise
The ACE curriculum is self-guided with options for live help, so clients can take their time and progress at a pace that's comfortable.
The program includes integrated movement training to customize plans based on what you need from fitness classes to workout plans in order to achieve your goals!
Starting with $979, the certificate is accredited by NCCA and the European Health and Fitness Association Standards Council (EHFA) and will help you get started with your fitness goals.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
The National Academy of Sports Medicine's certification program gives people who want to coach sports a foundation for doing so.
All training programs are self-study and guided, which guarantees that you will find employment in the first 90 days after earning your degree!
American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA)
The American Fitness Professionals Association is a globally recognized organization providing diverse courses for personal trainers.
Not only people in the US can enrol but also, willing foreign applicants are able to apply.
This is because of the remote learning approach that offers a trainer certification from AFPA with high career opportunities upon completion of these programs.
3. Choose The Right Platform For Course Creation
First things first – you've got to pick the right platform. And trust me, it's a jungle out there with websites, blogs, e-commerce sites, and specific course platforms like Freshlearn.
Now, let's talk about money. Some platforms are freebies, while others hit you with a monthly or yearly fee. Find one that fits your budget without making your wallet cry.
Next up, the cool stuff. Different platforms offer different perks for creating courses and managing students. Figure out what tools you need to make your courses pop, and then pick a platform that's got your back.
Don't skip the reviews! Other folks' experiences spill the beans on what's awesome and what's not so great about each option.
After all this weighing and considering, you should be able to nail down the perfect platform for your online fitness courses. Oh, and a little tip from me? FreshLearn seems to be getting a thumbs-up from over 2000 creators – might want to give it a look!
4. Build a strong community of followers and clients
Alright, diving into the world of online fitness coaching? Cool! Here's the deal – it's not just about tossing out workout tips; it's about building a tight crew of followers and clients who feel like they're part of something special.
This study found that 94% of people use communities to dig into new topics. So, hit up social media, blogs, and forums. Be present, share your fitness wisdom – killer workouts, and nutrition hacks, and sprinkle in some motivation.
But here's the kicker: don't just drop a post and vanish. Dive into the comments, go live for Q&A sessions, and create a space where people can share their wins and struggles. It's all about constructing a community where folks support each other, not just you playing the coach.
This not only boosts confidence in your coaching skills but sets the stage for a community that grows and flourishes together. Cool, right?
5. Build Your Own Website
Building a website is like crafting your own unique brand vibe. It's your chance to flaunt your credentials, throw in some licenses, and flaunt those rave reviews from happy clients. In the crazy online fitness world, this is your time to sparkle and stand out.
And guess what? Your website is the ultimate loudspeaker right now. You get to share all sorts of cool stuff like nutrition tips, workout plans, and those amazing success stories. It's not just a boring information dump – it's a place for your clients to mingle and connect. Turn your coaching gig into a full-blown community with your website.
The best part? Your site gives you freedom. Social media is cool, but it comes with its own rulebook and algorithms. Your website? It's your own little kingdom. You decide who you talk to, how you come off, and what you say.
No middlemen, just you doing your thing. It's your online turf, and that's pretty awesome.
6. Market Your Online Services
If you're looking to build a tribe of loyal customers for your online fitness gig, here's the scoop on how to spread the word like wildfire. First things first, get yourself a cool website or blog – your online HQ. Then, dive into the social media scene.
Be the cool fitness guru who drops regular updates, shares awesome articles, and chats it up with potential clients.
Now, let's talk about ads. Consider throwing some dollars into Google AdWords or Facebook ads – it's like shouting your fitness expertise from the virtual mountaintops. And guess what? Good ol' word-of-mouth still rocks.
Tell your squad – friends, fam, work buddies – about your online fitness hustle and ask them to be your online hype team.
Wrap it all up, and you'll be cruising towards online personal trainer stardom.
We also wrote a massively detailed post with examples of how to market your course online. Read it here.
How You Can Get Your First Customer?
So, you've got this awesome online course that's packed with useful info and keeps people hooked. The only hitch? No one's signed up yet. But fear not, there are some cool tricks to reel in your first batch of students.
One slick move is offering a sweet discount for the early birds. It not only pushes folks to take the plunge and enroll but also throws some much-needed cash your way.
Then there's the free trial vibe. Let potential students dip their toes into your content for a bit. If they like what they see during the trial, chances are they'll stick around and become paying customers. It's like giving them a taste before they commit to the entire thing.
All Set To Take Over The Online Fitness Industry?
Online fitness coaching is a booming industry with no signs of slowing down.
If you’re thinking about becoming an online fitness coach, now is the time to start taking steps toward your goal.
By following the secrets we’ve outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to success.
And if you need help creating and selling your courses, our team at FreshLearn is always here to lend a hand.
If you don't want to wait any longer, Speak with us about how to launch your personal training course
You might also like
Hosted by
