There are many proven personal training business models for fitness professionals. Including, private sessions, group coaching, and more. And, the great news is, with more and more people building online businesses, any model can be modified to accommodate this growing trend. In this article, we break down the 5most common business models used by personal trainers.
#1 Private sessions
The most traditional model for personal trainers is private sessions that last between 30 to 60 minutes. Private sessions are a great way to connect with clients and help them stay motivated. And many clients love this model because it gives them time to interact and learn from you. The fitness expert.
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Private sessions are also profitable. Depending on your skills and experience, you can charge between 300-1000 a month.
Where private sessions fall short, is that there’s a limit on how many sessions you can do. After all, you’re one person. And there are only so many hours in a day!
That’s where moving to an online personal training model can be beneficial. Doing so allows you to sell nutrition plan add-ons, do quick check-ins, and have supplementary workout videos without meeting every client in person.
Finally, if private sessions are your model of choice, don’t be afraid to move away from hour long sessions. When you keep sessions to 20-30 minutes, you’re suddenly able to see more clients on a daily basis. And often, 20-30 minutes is just what your clients need to stay accountable.
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# 2 Group training
Group fitness training remains a popular business mode. One that first took off during the aerobics craze in the 80’s. Group fitness classes are a great way to help clients stay motivated and feel accountable to each other.
In addition, group classes are revenue-generating because you’re offering your services to multiple people at once. Another advantage of group training is that it’s a great way for clients to get hands-on experience with your offerings and teaching style. When they have a positive experience, they become a warm lead to whom you can market your other services to fairly easily.
One of the downfalls of group training is that it still requires you to be there. However, one of the ways trainers have overcome this is to move to Livestream classes. This way, they aren’t limited by geography. And depending on what streaming platform is used, trainers can have upwards of 100 participants at once.
#3 Semi private
Semi-private coaching is a much-loved hybrid between group and private training. The semi-private model is a great way to offer clients more focused help. You can run semi-private training for a group of friends or a group of strangers. Either way, you’ll find a social factor and competitive challenge comes into the mix.
Another advantage of semi-private training is that it’s profitable. You can charge a premium for more focused time with you. A disadvantage is, in cases where you open space for four people and only two show up, it impacts your bottom line.
Like the other models mentioned, semi-private sessions can easily be moved online, and you can always start a waiting list to account for cancellations.
Finally, semi-private training is a great option for people who have a specific goal in mind. Like a group of moms who are trying to get fit postpartum etc.
#4 Challenged based
Challenge-based training is shorter-term training designed to help clients achieve their short-term goals. For example, it’s great for helping clients prepare for a big race, triathlon, weight competition or a long hike. Essentially it’s training for anything that helps challenge clients to stay motivated toward their short-term fitness goals.
An advantage of this model is that it can be used to sell packages at particular times of the year. For example, at New Year’s or right before the summer when people are extra motivated to get fit, like.
On the other hand, one of the disadvantages is that it requires a large number of sales to be profitable. That’s why moving this to an online personal training model is beneficial because there’s the potential to have even more people join in.
#5 Online
One of the most popular models these days is to offer online personal training exclusively. This is typically done through on-demand videos or monthly online subscriptions. The main advantage of this model is that your business is not restricted by geography or time zones.
Another advantage of online personal training is that you do not have to be married to one model alone. In fact, a hybrid of offerings is encouraged.
With an app like Trainerize, you can easily offer 1-on-1 support, group challenges and ways to track progress. Some typical hybrid combinations using Trainerize are as follows:
- Online – online only using on-demand workout videos and offering support through the app.
- Hybrid – offering both online and in-person training to clients
- Enhanced in-person – in-person training and using the Trainerize app for tracking and communication
- Group – Using on-demand videos and setting up challenges and programming through Trainerize.
No matter what personal training model you choose, it’s important to look at the cost versus profit. In addition to the time it will take your to run your classes.
Trainerize can help you better communicate with clients, provide nutritional support, enhance motivation through group chats, organize your videos and more. Download your free 30-day trial to get started growing your online fitness business today.