Starting a home-based fitness career is possible, and we are going to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to put it up.
According to a report published by Statista, “the market size of the global fitness and health club industry has been steadily increasing in recent years, exceeding 96 billion U.S. dollars in 2019“.
Meanwhile, a report by IBIS World, says that in the United States alone, the market size of Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs industry in 2020 amounts to $32.5 billion.
However, in the same report, it says that the market size of the said industry is expected to decline by -13.2% in 2020 as well, which we thought is not surprising at all given the current situation.
But, that while there is an expected decline, we cannot deny the fact that a lot of people are looking forward to having a healthier and more active lifestyle. With the pandemic, a lot of people realized the value of being and living healthy and staying in shape.
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As mentioned, the fitness industry is one of the industries that were greatly affected by the pandemic. As we know, people are restricted from gatherings, which is very normal in a fitness center. More so, close contact is also not allowed, which happens when you personally train a client.
But regardless of the restrictions and the things that are happening around, people in the fitness industry is thriving – all thanks to technology.
Just like the rest of the other industries, the fitness industry has already joined the work from the home bandwagon.
Yes, with the help of technology and the internet, even fitness trainers can now continue working with their clients without the need to be in the same place at the same time (definitely checking all health protocols in place right now).
Through video calls, fitness trainers can oversee how their clients are doing, and guide them through just as they do when in a typical face-to-face fitness class or training.
Now, while other fitness trainers do have an idea already on how to exactly do begin a home-based fitness career, some do not (including those who are just eyeing to pursue a career in the fitness industry).
So, with that, no need to go elsewhere because as promised, in the following sections, we are going to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to set up your home-based fitness career.
WHAT IS A FITNESS TRAINER
As mentioned, this one’s for both experienced fitness trainers as well as aspiring fitness trainers.
Those who are already in the fitness industry, probably fully know and understand what this job is all about. However, for those who are just about to start a career in it, it is important that they have an idea about the job they are eyeing for.
So, with that, here’s a brief definition of what a fitness trainer is all about –
According to CareerExplorer.com, a fitness trainer is defined as “someone who leads, instructs, and motivates individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercise (exercises for the heart and blood system), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.”
Furthermore, CareerExplorer.com states that fitness trainers are expected to do the following:
- Demonstrate how to properly do different exercises and routines
- Watch clients do exercises and educate them about proper techniques to minimize or rule out possible injury, as well as improve fitness
- Provide alternative exercises during workouts or classes depending on the client’s level of fitness and skill
- Monitor clients’ progress and adjust programs as required
- Thoroughly explain and enforce safety rules and regulations on sports, recreational activities, as well as the use of exercise equipment
- Provide clients with information or resources about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues
- Give emergency first aid if necessary
Basically, with the given definition plus the tasks and responsibilities of a fitness trainer, it means you are someone who takes charge of the overall fitness requirements of a client – based on your knowledge and expertise.
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A FITNESS TRAINER
Moving on, in this section, we are going to share with you some of the most important requirements in order for you to be able to start up a home-based fitness career as a fitness trainer.
Again, for those who already belong to the industry, you should know this by now. But for those who are just about to start their fitness career journey, please take note of the following requirements:
Certification
To be able to practice the profession at home (or elsewhere, in general), you have to get certified.
You can get a certification through a major authority like the American College of Sports Medicine, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the National Strength, and Conditioning Council, or the American Council on Exercise.
We recommend checking these organizations to know more about the requirements to be able to obtain the certification.
CPR Certification
As mentioned earlier, a fitness trainer gives emergency first aids when the need arises. Thus, it is only right that you get the proper training to address such emergencies.
Particularly, a fitness trainer has to earn a CPR Certification through an authorized first aid authority.
Generally, personal trainer certification programs require CPR certification.
However, to ensure you are qualified to take the CPR certification, we recommend checking out with the fitness certification company first if they require specific knowledge beyond CPR because others require first aid training or knowledge on how to use AED.
Experience
It is important to note that prior to getting certified, you have to earn experience in exercise and fitness first because most certification programs require that.
You do not necessarily have to work as a fitness trainer, though, the experience can be through your very own fitness journey.
Meanwhile, in addition to the above-mentioned requirements, in the video below by PictureFit, you will also learn about the traits that every good fitness trainer has:
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE IN STARTING A HOME-BASED FITNESS CAREER
Now that you already know what a fitness trainer is all about plus the major requirements to become one, this time around, we are going to tackle the very reason why you are here – how to start a home-based fitness career?
So, let’s get straight to the point.
In order for you to jumpstart your fitness career from home, all you have to do is follow these simple and easy steps:
- Develop a Business Plan
- Find A Niche
- Determine Your Target Market
- Tackle the Legalities
- Create Your Home Fitness Studio
- Establish Your Online Presence
- Promote Your Business
STEP 1: Develop a Business Plan
Starting a home-based fitness career basically means starting your very own fitness business. Thus, similar to any other type of business, you got to develop a business plan.
Business plans serve as the backbone of a business. It guides you through and keeps you on track. That is why it is very important that you make time to think through when developing your business plan.
Your business plan has to be detailed. It has to be like a bridge that connects your personal passion as well as your career.
A business plan has to have key parts that you need to focus on like the company description, the financial plan, marketing plans, as well as the services you are going to offer.
When creating your business plan, make sure to include strategies to overcome competition. Yes, there is competition in the home-based fitness business especially these days when it’s becoming in-demand.
So, you better think about how you are going to stand out from the rest and attract the clients you want.
STEP 2: Find A Niche
We mentioned competition a while ago, right? One of the important things to be able to compete with everyone else is to know your niche.
Finding your niche will make things easier for you. Needless to say, it will trim down your market scope.
If you can, gain an extra qualification in a specialized niche like yoga, postnatal fitness, or pregnancy Pilates. Having a specialized niche will certainly increase your credibility and value, which is great for competition.
Remember this, while there are people who want affordable fitness trainers, there are also those who seek well-qualified, highly-trained ones regardless of the price.
STEP 3: Determine Your Target Market
Earlier, we mentioned about trimming down your target market.
Here’s the thing, if you want to make it big in the business, the jack of all trades tactic does not always seem to work out, instead, having a specialization is.
You have to have a specific niche or specialization, at the same time, you have to have a specific target market as well (based on your niche or specialization, of course).
That way, it’s easier for you to come up with the kind of services you offer, at the same time, it’s easier to market them.
Know exactly who you want to deal with — target a specific group like young ones, middle-aged people trying to lose weight, seniors, pregnant women, or professional athletes.
Once you know who your target market is, it’s easier for you to tailor workouts to help them reach their respective goals.
STEP 4: Tackle the Legalities
When eyeing to run a home-based fitness career or business, there’s no way you get to spare yourself from dealing with legal matters.
You don’t want to get into trouble in the future, right? So, you better deal with this now — once and for all.
Anyway, the first thing to do in this part of the process is to choose your business structure.
Ideally, you opt for an entity like a limited liability company (LLC) instead of a sole proprietorship. The latter is not ideal because it does not protect your personal assets.
Once you’re done sorting it out, the next step is to apply for licenses and permits. Make sure to get familiarized with zoning requirements for running a business. Also, look for a suitable fitness certification (which we have already discussed earlier). These are important also if you want to gain client confidence.
As mentioned, you will also need safety certifications (this may be optional though if you are going to run it entirely online).
STEP 5: Create Your Home Fitness Studio
Running a home-based fitness business means having flexibility and convenience. Needless to say, it saves you a lot of time and money.
In order to make it professional though, we recommend setting up your own home fitness studio.
We know what you are thinking. Is having one still necessary if you are just meeting your client online?
Well, it is! Having one makes you even more credible and professional.
A home fitness studio may also be helpful if you are creating video workouts.
If you do not have a spare room to turn into a fitness studio, you can definitely improvise. Choose a spot that does not have any distractions so your client or viewers can focus on what you are teaching them.
But, we tell you, if you are going to really pursue this route for life, you have to devout a space for your home fitness studio so you can eventually cater to clients who prefer doing workouts in that kind of setting instead of online.
STEP 6: Establish Your Online Presence
Let’s face it – we are living in the digital world. The internet has greatly changed a lot of the things we do and how we do things.
When running a home-based fitness, you got to ensure you establish your online presence.
People nowadays rely so much online. Whatever they need, they look for it online, which is why online businesses are booming.
Be present across different social media platforms to make it easier for potential clients to find you. Also, your social media accounts are great platforms where you can share more about the things you do or offer as a fitness trainer.
It is also a great way to interact with potential clients, which is very important especially when you are just starting out. People appreciate it when you know how to reach out.
STEP 7: Promote Your Business
Promoting your home-based fitness business is very important. Otherwise, you won’t get as many clients as you want.
Others may think it’s going to be expensive promoting a business. But in reality, it’s not that tricky.
There are a lot of ways of promoting a business but we are going to particularly focus on two things – networking and social media marketing.
Networking means reaching out and connecting with people particularly your target market as well as fellow fitness trainers.
You can network through gatherings and events, but you can also do it online. There are a lot of online Facebook groups that you can join and meet both potential clients and fellow fitness experts.
Meanwhile, social media marketing is about using your social media platforms to market your business. You can also do paid ads, which is not that costly as compared to traditional ways of getting ads out there.
With the right marketing or promotional activities, your business will certainly be known and people will start getting your services.
EARNING OF A HOME-BASED FITNESS TRAINER
How much you make as a home-based fitness trainer depends on factors like your expertise or specialization, certification, as well as your years of experience in the fitness industry. Your geographical location also affects your rate.
According to Indeed, though, the national average salary for a fitness trainer or also known as a personal trainer is $21.39 per hour or about $42,780 annually.
PROS AND CONS OF A HOME-BASED FITNESS CAREER
We have already shared with you some of the most important information about setting up a home-based fitness business as well as becoming a fitness trainer.
This time, to help you properly gauge your options, we are going to share with you some of the pros and cons of having a fitness business from home.
PROS
- Higher earning potential. Unlike the typical fitness trainers working in fitness hubs, doing it on your own allows you to have greater earning potential. You can definitely earn more.
- Better market. Most of the people opting for fitness trainers do have the capacity to pay no matter how pricey the services get.
- Flexibility. Since you run your own business, you get to decide when to accept clients, and when not to accept one. You basically decide on your work schedule, and everything else.
CONS
- It takes time to grow your client base. Unless you already have an established client base even before you decide to do a home-based fitness business, growing your client base could take a while.
- Very competitive. Competition is actually both good and bad. It’s good because it will keep you motivated, and bad because you always have to step up your game. You can never be complacent.
- The market can be relatively small. While the market is able to pay, it may be relatively small, which can make it hard for you to sustain your income.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON STARTING A HOME-BASED FITNESS CAREER
Although the fitness industry has been greatly affected by the pandemic, it’ is nice knowing that there are still options to continue their work –
Indeed, thanks to technology and the internet, even fitness trainers can now offer their jobs/expertise online. Even without being physically present, they get to offer their services.
Have you thought about becoming a home-based fitness trainer yet? Well, this is definitely the best way to go for now –
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