What is online fitness coaching?

Online fitness coaching has transformed the way personal trainers can grow their careers. By leveraging digital platforms, you can expand your reach beyond local clients to a global audience, maximizing your potential. This model enables you to create flexible training programs tailored to diverse client needs, whether through customized workout plans, nutrition guidance, or live virtual sessions.

Online coaching enables you to showcase your expertise through video content, blogs, and social media, establishing you as a knowledgeable leader in your field. By building a strong online presence, you can attract new clients and create multiple income streams through memberships, digital products, or partnerships.

Embracing online fitness coaching not only enhances your service offerings but also allows you to work from anywhere, ensuring a work-life balance. With dedication and the right tools, you can significantly elevate your career and help more individuals achieve their health and fitness goals.

Options Discussed in the Podcast

The first option Tyler discusses is the Private Facebook Group. This option is low-cost and quite easy to set up. Most people already have a Facebook account, and a private group creates a paywall that you can control who joins and leaves. For this option, figuring out how you will collect money will be essential to the member experience. Since you don’t have a website associated with this option, using a merchant processor such as PayPal or Venmo can help you collect funds and allow members from around the world.

The next option discussed in this episode is the Third-Party Booking Site. Companies that offer an all-in-one solution have experienced significant growth over the past two years, creating a very user-friendly option for fitness professionals who aren’t accustomed to working on a website.

The last option discussed is the DIY Membership Site. With this choice, you assemble all the components to accept payments, protect your content, and design the website. This option takes the most time and can be the most expensive, but it offers the most flexibility. By building your own website, you can customize any feature and optimize it for organic growth (SEO).

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An interesting topic for fitness instructors to discuss is whether online has become a viable route for new instructors entering the industry. In previous years, many would have advised that you need an entry-level certification and apply to a certain number of gyms to get experience. Teaching online has shown us that instructors can reach a global audience and still provide an effective workout. A significant benefit instructors have spoken about is their ability to teach friends and family through Zoom and how it has created a new revenue stream. So can this be a route for newcomers, and can they learn skills that help them become well-rounded instructors?

Tyler Valencia, PhD(c), goes through this question and why he believes new fitness instructors can learn skills teaching online that many veteran instructors learn after years of working in the industry. One of the realities of teaching online is that it is different. Constant communication and cueing help viewers of the online workout process the information and hopefully safely complete each workout. Online workouts force instructors to be creative with their exercise breakdowns and selection. This translates well to instructors who return to teaching in-person, creating another avenue for entering the fitness industry.

What is an online trainer?

An online trainer is a fitness professional who conducts training sessions, provides guidance, and supports clients through digital platforms, such as video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), fitness apps, or virtual training programs. This model has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility and accessibility, allowing trainers to reach clients beyond geographical limitations.

Benefits for a New Personal Trainer

For new personal trainers, becoming an online trainer presents several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the overhead costs associated with operating a brick-and-mortar facility, enabling trainers to invest more time in professional development and marketing. Additionally, online training allows for a flexible schedule, making it easier to balance work-life commitments, which can be especially appealing for those just starting their careers.

Another significant advantage is the ability to build a diverse client base. Trainers can connect with clients from different regions, which enhances their visibility and increases potential revenue. This model also encourages the development of robust tech skills, as online trainers must navigate various tools and platforms to manage their programs and communicate with clients effectively. Overall, venturing into online training can allow new personal trainers to grow professionally while maximizing their reach and impact within the fitness industry.

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As 2022 continues to roll on, what are some ways you can grow your fitness business? Every fitness professional knows that once summer arrives, there are fewer sessions with clients or fewer participants in group fitness classes. However, these months can also be a great opportunity to advance your career in the fitness industry. During the slower period, you can invest in building your foundation by focusing on education, marketing, or advertising. You might enroll in a new course or experiment with the latest social media trends. This kind of effort helps ensure you stay on track as a fitness professional and makes those slower months become increasingly manageable.

In April, we released three podcast episodes and a tutorial on the best lavalier microphone for online workouts. The tutorial covers the Rode Wireless Go and why this microphone should be one of your first investments for creating online workouts or for your social media channels. Our three guests for the KIPS Podcast were Sarina Jain, Mary Kennedy, and Michelle Lasiter.

Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fitness instructors who often juggle multiple responsibilities. Here are some tips to help improve your balance and overall well-being:

1. Set Boundaries: Clearly define your working hours. Let clients know your availability and stick to it. This helps protect your personal time and prevents burnout.

2. Schedule Downtime: Just as you schedule your classes and sessions, make sure to carve out time for relaxation and activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, hiking, or spending time with family.

3. Prioritize Self-Care: Invest in your own physical and mental health. Regular exercise, nutritious eating, and sufficient sleep are essential to staying energized and focused in both work and personal life.

4. Utilize Technology: Use fitness apps and online platforms to streamline your scheduling and communications. This can save you time and allow for more flexibility in your day.

5. Continuous Education: Take time during off-peak seasons to learn new techniques or trends in fitness. This not only enhances your skills but can reignite your passion for your profession.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more harmonious balance between your professional obligations and personal life.

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In March 2022, we released less content than usual, but we made progress on the new online courses we plan to launch this year. One of these courses is Social Media for Fitness Professionals, which teaches branding and the basics of each central social media platform. Over the past few years, fitness instructors have recognized the importance of marketing their training, whether they work for a gym or as independent instructors. Marketing through social media demonstrates your professionalism, boosts your value as an instructor, and generates new leads. We hope to launch this course in the next few months as a foundation for fitness instructors building their careers.

Contractor vs Employee

One piece of content we released in March was a written blog explaining the differences between being an employee and a contractor. Many industry veterans are unaware of these distinctions and mistakenly believe that being a contractor is a negative. This is not necessarily the instructor’s fault, but a failure in education—trainers are often not equipped with basic employment knowledge. We hope this blog helps clarify each distinction and guides you to make informed decisions that support your growth in the fitness industry.

What is an independent contractor?

An independent contractor is a professional who provides services to clients under a contractual agreement rather than as an employee. For personal trainers, this means you can set your schedule, choose your clients, and determine your rates. As an independent contractor, you’ll typically handle your own taxes and may need to secure liability insurance. This arrangement allows you to market your training services more effectively and build your personal brand. However, it’s essential to understand the legal implications and responsibilities that come with this status to make informed decisions that advance your career in the fitness industry.

Leslee Bender on KIPS Podcast

On the KIPS Podcast, we featured two excellent educators from the fitness world. Our first guest was Leslee Bender, the 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year. Leslee has developed her own instructor-training courses, is active on the fitness conference circuit, has a piece of exercise equipment named after her (the Bender Ball), and has been in the industry for 3 decades. In her episode, we discussed fitness education, core training, and tips for instructors seeking employment.

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What has the re-opening of gyms at different rates across the United States looked like? How have (or haven’t) gyms adapted to consumers, and how have instructors approached the re-hiring process? It’s no secret that many fitness instructors increased revenue during the pandemic by starting their entrepreneurial ventures. Vincent Metzo, MA, CSCS, shares his outlook on the last few years and how the fitness industry has changed post-pandemic. Vincent is the Senior Director for Fitness Education of Town Sports International and oversees the training of newly onboarded and existing instructors.

A significant topic we discuss is the dilemma gyms face as they recruit instructors and how the pandemic has changed this process. Vincent also discusses his outlook on fitness education and advises instructors who want to be hired as entry-level trainers.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• How gyms have approached hiring instructors.
• The evolution of fitness education.
• Advice for fitness instructors looking to get hired.

Five Tips to Get Hired at a Gym

Getting hired as a personal trainer at a gym can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can stand out. Here are some key tips for new trainers:

1. Get Certified: Check the gym’s hiring requirements and see what certifications they will accept for new personal trainers. This step can save you hundreds of dollars on your initial investment in becoming a personal trainer. Remember, your certification is your ticket to the fitness industry.

2. Build a Strong Resume: Highlight your certifications, relevant experience (if applicable), and any specialties, such as strength training, nutrition, or group fitness. Tailor your resume to emphasize skills that align with the gym’s focus and clientele.

3. Develop a Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Identify what differentiates you from other trainers. This could be a specific training style, personal fitness journey, or niche expertise.

4. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions, showcasing your passion for fitness and commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.

5. Maintain a Professional Online Presence: Use social media to share your fitness journey, tips, and client success stories, positioning yourself as an authority in health and fitness. Gym will check your social media, which can be a valuable proposition when looking for a pay raise!

By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of securing a position at a gym and launching a successful career in personal training.

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