Embarking on a fitness journey can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and, as it turns out, professionally. Transforming one’s passion for health and wellness into a thriving career is a dream come true for many fitness enthusiasts – I mean, what could be better than spending all day in the gym and getting paid for it? – but in today’s competitive market, it takes more than just a love for exercise to stand out and succeed.
In today’s digital age, the fitness industry has seen a tremendous shift towards online platforms. With social media taking centre stage, it is now possible for fitness enthusiasts to transform their passion into a thriving online business without ever necessarily having to interact in-person – for better or for worse – with clients or colleagues.
With all that in mind, today we’re exploring how to turn your fitness journey into a potentially lucrative online business. All warmed up, stretched out and ready to read? Let’s dive in.
Niche Interests
The first step in turning a fitness journey into a profitable online business is identifying a niche. The world of fitness is vast, and finding an area of expertise that resonates with one’s interests and skills is crucial. Whether it’s yoga, weightlifting, or nutrition coaching, honing in on a specific field allows for a targeted approach.
Many have found the most success by focusing on a specific type of workout, such as yoga, Pilates, or CrossFit, or catering to a particular demographic, like seniors, pregnant women, or athletes. By honing in on a specialised area, aspiring fitness professionals can establish themselves as experts in their field, create a unique brand identity, and attract a dedicated clientele.
The Necessary Qualifications
To be taken seriously in the fitness industry, whether you’re monesiting your fitness journey in the gym or doing it purely online, it’s crucial to obtain relevant certifications and qualifications. This not only demonstrates a commitment to professional development but also provides clients with confidence in the trainer’s expertise.
Depending on the chosen niche, this may involve completing a personal training certification, obtaining a group fitness instructor licence, or specialising in areas like nutrition or sports psychology.
To become a reputable, responsible personal trainer in the UK, you need specific qualifications and some experience in the fitness industry. The essential qualifications include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness or Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing: This entry-level qualification allows you to work as a fitness instructor and is a prerequisite for pursuing a Level 3 Personal Training course. You’ll learn topics such as anatomy & physiology, principles of fitness, planning gym-based exercise and more.
- Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training: This qualification enables you to work as a personal trainer and design effective training programs for clients. It is ideal to have this certificate accredited by a reputable organisation such as UK Coaching or the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
- First Aid Certificate: It is common for personal trainers to have a first aid certificate that includes cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Discipline and Demographic Specific Qualifications: To cater to the diverse needs of various client groups, it’s advantageous to pursue additional certifications that focus on particular disciplines or demographics, such as senior fitness certification, awards in programming and supervising exercise with disabled clients, and designing pre and postnatal exercise programmes.
Register With A Professional Body
Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications, it’s essential to register with a professional body, such as the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) or the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
Registration provides recognition of your skills and qualifications and demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high professional standards. It also offers access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing professional development (CPD) courses to help you stay current in the industry.
Of course, these qualifications can be displayed on social media bio and in the ‘About’ section of your website, underlying the qualified, capable nature of your operation. In an industry notorious for the prevalence of unchecked, often counterintuitive advice, a professional underpinning is essential to help you stand out.
Building A Strong, Unique Online Presence
With a solid foundation in place, the focus can shift towards creating a strong online presence. By sharing engaging content such as workout videos, healthy recipes, and motivational stories, fitness entrepreneurs can connect with their target audience and foster a sense of community.
However, merely posting content is not enough; strategic planning and consistency are vital for success. Developing a content calendar and adhering to a regular posting schedule helps maintain audience engagement and encourages growth.
Indeed, by cultivating a strong, consistent online presence, trainers can showcase their expertise, connect with potential clients, and create a sense of community around their brand. Here are some tips for building a successful fitness brand on social media:
- Choose the right platforms: Focus on the social media channels that resonate most with the target audience. For example, Instagram and TikTok may be more suitable for sharing workout routines and visual content, while LinkedIn might be ideal for networking with other professionals.
- Develop a consistent brand identity: Ensure that all social media profiles have a cohesive look and feel, including colours, fonts, and messaging. This helps create a recognisable brand image and makes it easier for followers to identify content.
- Share authentic content: Authenticity is key when it comes to building trust and credibility with an audience. Share real-life experiences, successes, and challenges to create a genuine connection with followers.
- Engage with the audience: Respond to comments, answer questions, and interact with followers to foster a sense of community and demonstrate a commitment to helping others achieve their fitness goals.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with like-minded influencers can help amplify the brand’s reach and tap into new audiences. Look for influencers who align with the brand’s values and can authentically promote the services or products offered. Consider diversifying your focus, rather than boxing yourself in too tightly, taking as much inspiration from Maria Follosco and Jen Selter as you do Joey Swoll or Joe Wicks.
Networking
Another critical aspect of building an online fitness business is networking. Collaborating with fellow fitness influencers and professionals in the UK can lead to valuable partnerships and increase brand visibility. Engaging with followers by responding to comments and messages is equally important, as it helps establish trust and loyalty.
Aside from social media engagement, there are several other great opportunities for networking here in the UK:
- Online forums and communities: Join online fitness forums, such as the UK-based PT Community, or become a member of websites like BodyBuilding.com and MyFitnessPal. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences to develop new connections with like-minded individuals.
- Attend UK fitness-industry events: Attend virtual and in-person events such as fitness expos, workshops, and conferences, as this is a great way to meet industry professionals and expand your network. Some popular UK events include BodyPower EXPO (held every October/November), Elevate Fitness, the UK’s largest fitness trade show, taking place next month, and FIBO, which is an international event hosted in Cologne each April.
- Webinars, podcasts, and online courses: Engage with the fitness community by attending webinars and online workshops, or by listening to UK-based fitness podcasts. Some notable podcasts to consider include The British Strength Radio and The Movement, Strength and Play podcast from The School of Calisthenics. Enrol in online courses and certifications to expand your skillset and interact with other professionals.
- Blogging and guest posting: Start a blog to share your expertise, insights, and experiences. Write guest blog posts for popular UK-based fitness websites such as Men’s Fitness, Women’s Health, or Breaking Muscle, which can help establish your credibility and increase your online presence.
- Collaborations and partnerships: Reach out to fellow fitness professionals, influencers, or companies you admire for potential collaborations or partnerships. This can include joint webinars, social media takeovers, or even working together in online fitness challenges and events.
- Professional organisations: Join UK-based professional fitness associations such as the aforementioned Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), the National Register of Personal Trainers (NRPT), or the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). These organisations provide networking opportunities, industry news, and resources to help grow your fitness career.
Turning Gains Into Gains
Now you’ve established yourself as a trustworthy, competent expert in your field, it’s time to make some actual money. To monetise a fitness business, there are several avenues to explore. One popular option is offering online coaching services.
By creating personalised workout plans, nutrition guides, and providing one-on-one consultations, fitness entrepreneurs can generate a steady income. Additionally, selling digital products such as e-books, workout programmes, and meal plans can be a lucrative venture.
Another effective way to monetise an online fitness business is through affiliate marketing. By partnering with fitness-related brands and promoting their products, fitness professionals can earn a commission for every sale made through their unique referral links. This method not only generates revenue but also adds credibility to the brand by associating with well-established companies. Remember that full transparency is essential here.
Create A Professional Website
Creating a website or blog can serve as a central hub for all online fitness offerings. A professional website allows clients to access services, purchase products, and learn more about the fitness expert’s background and qualifications. Furthermore, integrating an email newsletter into the website enables fitness entrepreneurs to keep their audience informed about new offerings, promotions, and updates.
Read: Why having a professional looking website if vital for your small business
Lead From The Front
If you’re to inspire loyalty, dedication and, yes, financial commitment from your followers, then it’s essential that you’re leading from the front. Primarily, this means practising what you preach; eating clean, looking trim, and giving off an aura of sustainable self-confidence that your clients can aspire to.
The Bottom Line
Turning a fitness journey into a thriving online business requires passion, dedication, and strategic planning. Obtaining the necessary qualifications, leveraging social media platforms, networking, and exploring various monetisation methods are crucial steps towards success. By following these guidelines and staying true to one’s unique fitness vision, the dream of owning a lucrative online fitness business in the UK can become a reality.