A Step by Step Beginners Guide to Becoming a Personal Trainer as a Side Hustle.
Average Income: $30 to $100 per hour
Average Hours Per Month: 10h to 20h
Average Startup Costs: $500 to $2000
Are you passionate about fitness and want to help others reach their fitness goals while making some extra cash? Personal Training might be the perfect side hustle for you.
A personal trainer side hustle is a lucrative and rewarding opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and health professionals to turn their passion for wellness into a source of income. As more people become aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the demand for personal trainers is on the rise.
Whether you’re looking for a way to supplement your existing income or seeking a new career path, a personal trainer side hustle can offer a flexible and scalable way to make money and help others achieve their fitness goals.
With the right skills, equipment, and marketing strategy, you can build a thriving personal training business on the side.
Table of Contents
What is a Personal Trainer?
A personal trainer is a fitness professional who helps individuals achieve their health and fitness goals through personalized exercise programs and guidance. They work one-on-one with clients to assess their fitness level, design and implement workout plans, track progress, and provide ongoing support and motivation.
Personal trainers have a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and exercise science and use this knowledge to help their clients achieve their desired results safely and effectively.
What Are the Start-up Costs to Become a Personal Trainer?
Becoming a personal trainer can have low Start-up costs, but it does require some investment in equipment and certifications. Some of the costs you may incur include:
- Fitness certifications: There are several organizations that offer personal training certifications, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE). These certifications can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000.
- Insurance: You will need to obtain liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients in case of accidents or injuries. The cost of insurance will depend on the coverage you choose and can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year.
- Equipment: Depending on the type of training you offer, you may need to invest in some equipment, such as resistance bands, dumbbells, and a yoga mat. The cost of equipment can vary, but you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars to get started.
What Services Can You Offer Your Clients as a Personal Trainer?
As a Personal trainer, you can offer a wide range of services to your clients. Some of the skills and services you can offer them include:
- One-on-One training Sessions: You can work with clients one-on-one to create customized fitness plans and provide personal attention and support.
- Group fitness classes: You can lead group fitness classes, such as yoga, Pilates, or strength training, to help clients reach their fitness goals while having fun and socializing with others.
- Online training: You can offer online training services, such as virtual coaching and live-streamed workouts, to reach clients who prefer to workout from the comfort of their own homes.
- Nutrition advice: You can help your Clients improve their overall health & wellness by providing nutrition advice and meal planning services.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Personal Trainer.
Becoming a personal trainer is a great way to make money on the side while helping people reach their fitness goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
- Research & Choose a Certification: There are many certifications available in the personal training industry. Research the options and choose the one that best fits your goals and budget. Examples of popular certifications include NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACE (American Council on Exercise), and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association).
- Study for and Pass the Certification: Exam Once you have chosen a certification, study for the exam using the resources provided by the certification organization, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice tests. Once you feel confident, take the exam.
- Gain Experience: To gain experience, consider working as an intern, a personal training assistant, or a substitute trainer at a gym or fitness studio. You can also offer your services as a personal trainer for free to friends and family members to build your portfolio and network.
- Build Your Brand Online: Presence Once you have some experience under your belt, create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your skills, services, and accomplishments. Consider offering a free trial session to attract new clients and get them excited about working with you.
- Network & Market Yourself: Attend fitness events, join local groups and forums, and reach out to other personal trainers and gym owners to network and find opportunities. Use your website and social media profiles to promote yourself and your services, and consider offering a discount or special deal to first-time clients.
- Continuously Enhance Your Super Power: Your Skills and Services Stay current with the latest fitness trends and techniques by attending workshops, taking courses, and participating in ongoing education programs. This will not only keep your skills sharp, but also show your clients that you are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
By following these steps, you can build a successful personal training side hustle and enjoy the rewards of helping others achieve their fitness goals.
How Much money Can You Make with a Personal Trainer Side Hustle?
The amount of money $$$ you can make as a personal trainer side hustle depends on various factors such as your experience, location, number of clients, the services you offer, and your hourly rate. On average, personal trainers can earn between $30-$100 per hour.
If you have a good reputation, a loyal client base, and offer unique services, you can earn even more. The key to making a good income as a personal trainer is to consistently provide excellent services and build a strong reputation in your local area. It’s also important to regularly increase your skills, knowledge, and certifications to stay competitive and relevant in the industry.
5 Tips for Making Money with a Personal Trainer Side Hustle.
- Start Building your client base by networking with friends, family, and co-workers. Offer to train them for Free in exchange for referrals to their friends and family.
- Offer customized Fitness Plans, nutrition guidance, and online training sessions to clients. This can help increase your income and attract new clients.
- Utilize social media to showcase your skills and reach a wider audience. Share before-and-after photos, testimonials from satisfied clients, and educational content.
- Look for opportunities to partner with local gyms, wellness centers, and fitness studios. Offer your services as an independent contractor and negotiate competitive rates.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest fitness trends and techniques by attending workshops, conferences, and certifications. This can help you offer more value to your clients and increase your earning potential.
How to Market Yourself as a Personal Trainer.
Marketing yourself as a Personal trainer will play a big part in building a successful side hustle. Here are some tips and tricks to help you market yourself effectively:
- Build a Professional Looking Website: Your website should serve as your online portfolio that showcases your skills, certifications, experience, and testimonials from clients. This can be an important tool to attract new clients and build your online presence.
- Utilize Social Media: Use platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to build a strong online presence. Share your workout routines, tips, and techniques with your followers and engage with them to build a community.
- Offer FREE Trials: Offer a free trial session or a consultation to potential clients. This gives them a chance to see your skills in action and to see if they feel comfortable working with you.
- Network with Other Professionals: Attend fitness events, workshops, and conferences and network with other personal trainers and fitness professionals. Collaborating with other professionals can lead to referrals and help you build your client base.
- Ask for Referrals: Encourage your satisfied clients to refer their friends and family to you… A referral is one of the most powerful forms of marketing, as people are more likely to trust the recommendations of someone they know.
By following these core tips, you can effectively market yourself as a personal trainer and build a successful side hustle.
How to Avoid Scams and Find Legitimate Personal Trainer Opportunities.
When it comes to making money with a personal trainer side hustle, it is important to ensure that you are working with legitimate opportunities and avoiding scams. Here are a few tips to help you find legitimate opportunities:
- Research: Take the time to research different personal trainer opportunities and compare them to determine their legitimacy. Look for reviews, testimonials and recommendations from previous clients.
- Certification: Make sure that any opportunity you are considering requires a certification. A legitimate personal trainer will have the appropriate certifications and training.
- Insurance: A legitimate personal trainer should be insured, and any opportunity should require liability insurance.
- Contracts: Make sure that the opportunity provides a clear and detailed contract that outlines the terms of your agreement.
- Payment Terms: Legitimate opportunities will have clear payment terms, so be sure to understand how you will be paid and when payments will be made.
By following these tips, you can avoid scams and ensure that you are working with a legitimate personal trainer opportunity.
Some Personal Trainer Success Stories.
Success stories of personal trainers who have turned their side hustle into a full-time career or a profitable business include:
- Kayla Itsines https://www.kaylaitsines.com/ – She started her personal training business as a side hustle and eventually grew it into a multi-million dollar empire. She offers workout plans, nutrition guides, and personal training through her app “Sweat with Kayla”. https://www.sweat.com/
- Joel Freeman – He started offering boot camps and personal training sessions to supplement his income and eventually grew his business into a successful online fitness program, “Beachbody on Demand”. https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/
- Mike Chang – He started offering personal training sessions in his garage and eventually turned it into a successful online fitness program called “Six Pack Shortcuts”.
- Michael Vazquez – He turned his personal training side hustle into a thriving online fitness business, “Human Vortex Training”, where he offers virtual training, nutrition coaching, and workout programs. https://www.humanvortextraining.com/
- Jim Stoppani – He started offering personal training sessions and eventually turned his side hustle into a successful online fitness business, “JYM Supplement Science”. He offers workout programs, nutrition guides, and supplements. https://jymsupplementscience.com/pages/about
Recommended Reads:
In Conclusion:
In conclusion, starting a personal trainer side hustle can be a fulfilling and lucrative opportunity for those with a passion for fitness and helping others.
However, it is important to take the necessary steps to become certified, understand the start-up costs, and market yourself effectively to attract clients. Additionally, it is crucial to stay cautious and avoid scams while searching for legitimate opportunities.
With the right training, knowledge, and determination, a personal trainer side hustle can provide a steady stream of income and allow you to follow your passion.
Online Personal Trainer Resources.
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) – https://www.acefitness.org/
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – https://www.nasm.org/
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) – https://www.nsca.com/
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) – https://www.issaonline.com/
- Fitness Mentors – https://fitnessmentors.com/
Here are some online resources that can help you further your knowledge and skills as a personal trainer and make your side hustle more successful:
Pocket Hustle Rating
Personal Trainer
Our Ratings are an evaluation of a number of key elements that determine the potential of a side hustle. We consider factors such as earnings potential, effort required to achieve success, and any initial expenses. Additionally, we assess the level of competition and the potential for growth and sustainability in the chosen field. It's important to note that while these ratings can serve as a useful guide, they do not guarantee success. Ultimately, hard work, passion, and perseverance are the key ingredients for success in any endeavor.
-
Potential Income (1 - Low, 10 High)
-
Time Needed (1 - Low, 10 High)
-
Startup Costs (1 - Low, 10 High)
-
Chance of Success (1 - Low, 10 High)
