The fitness industry is a billion-dollar industry that’s projected to continue growing. Many types of fitness professionals, including personal trainers, work in this space, helping clients embrace a healthier lifestyle and reach their health goals.
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Try it freeWhether you’re simply considering a career in personal training or already in the industry and looking to take your next step, plenty of personal trainer career paths lead to prosperity and success in this lucrative industry.
But career decisions can be challenging. Which option is right for you, and what do you need to get there?
We can help.
We’re going to share six different paths within the personal training industry that can help you formulate your career progression. We’ll also share how to succeed in each career and transition into your next steps.
Inside this blog:
- Chapter 1: Gym personal trainer
- Chapter 2: Independent personal trainer
- Chapter 3: Online personal training brand
- Chapter 4: Fitness manager
- Chapter 5: Gym owner
- Chapter 6: Consultant
Gym personal trainer
One of the more common and stable career paths for those interested in online personal training is working for a gym as a trainer. In this model, you are typically on the gym’s payroll, and gym goers can add personal training to their monthly package.
This is an excellent option for new trainers. It can help you attract a steady influx of clients without finding them yourself. It’s also a great way to gain experience and build a network.
The cons of gym personal training are that the pay is typically lower. Your earning potential will be limited, and the gym will largely decide your number of clients.
However, this is still a great option, and many personal trainers appreciate the stability and predictability of this kind of job.
Independent personal trainer
One thing that stands out to many people pursuing a career in personal training is the ability to make their hours and be their boss. As an independent personal trainer, you get this flexibility and freedom.
But with great power comes great responsibility, right? As an independent personal trainer, you can’t rely on an established brand (like a gym) to bring you clients. You will be responsible for doing your marketing and bringing in new clients.
It can be easier to go independent after you’ve spent some time working for a gym. At the gym, you can build a roster of loyal clients and grow your network. Start marketing yourself and start building an audience online. Once you go independent, getting new clients will be much easier because of the groundwork you’ve already laid.
You can be highly successful as an independent personal trainer but must hustle. Many trainers find the hard work worth it for the ability to make your schedule, be your boss, and scale without limit.
Online personal training brand
If you’re ready to up the ante and challenge the traditional personal training model, you might consider creating your own online personal training brand.
Online personal training can help you scale much quicker than traditional personal training. It allows you to serve clients worldwide who aren’t the right fit for the conventional personal training model.
You can deliver your training components to clients entirely online and offer a variety of packages like a signature program or group coaching. You’ll need to focus on building your brand and marketing yourself to do this.
Your first step will be to pick a razor-sharp niche that you can become known for, such as “strength training for a JLo body” or “Vegan personal trainer.” Use a strong content strategy to build a community of ideal clients online. A strong brand and great following are key to successfully selling your services and growing your business.
This certainly isn’t a “quick fix” career path. It will take you time to build your brand and gain popularity. However, once you have put in the work, it’s a highly scalable way to run a business. You can make great money for less work – eventually!
One key to an excellent online training program is using the proper app to help you deliver your packages. TrainerFu allows you to create a custom-branded app that elevates your brand and is easy for clients to use. If this is your path, you’ll have plenty on your plate, but TrainerFu can help lighten the load.
Fitness manager
As your personal training career progresses and you gain more experience helping clients, consider alternative careers in the fitness industry. One excellent option is to become a local gym or studio fitness manager.
If you’re ready to spend your time on the backend of things – instead of working with clients on one, this can be a great way to stay in the industry and make more money. Being a manager at a gym or fitness club can provide steady hours, great benefits, and more responsibilities than you might have currently.
Fitness managers oversee many types of gym operations. You might be in charge of things like:
- Hiring
- Training personal trainers
- Managing staff
- Gym upkeep
- Ordering equipment
- Marketing and promotions
If you’re wondering how to transition, you’ll need a few years in the industry. During that time, talk to your fitness manager or someone in a similar role about your career goals.
Take on more responsibilities every chance you get and try to learn the ins and outs of your industry, from the gym equipment to the office supplies! Reducing your manager’s workload can teach you how to be a fitness manager and help you make a good impression so that you can quickly move up in your career.
Gym owner
For many in the fitness industry, owning their own gym is the ultimate goal. Being a gym owner means you get to work for yourself. At best, you can be highly successful with this career.
But it’s essential to remember the amount of risk and work involved in owning a gym. Owning a business of any kind is no easy feat, no matter how much you love the industry. Owning a gym entails many more responsibilities than you probably realize, and it can be incredibly stressful.
To transition into ownership, you must ensure you have the financing in place. If you’re a top-notch saver, your gym might be self-financed, but you will likely talk to a bank or investor about a small business loan to help you get started.
You’ll want to develop a business plan that addresses questions like: Are you going to buy an existing brand? Do you want to build a brand from the ground up? What’s your model? How much will you charge? How much will you need to make?
Having years of experience as a trainer and fitness manager in the fitness industry is a good idea before taking on all the responsibilities of owning a gym. You must learn as you go and fall down a time or two. But with patience, persistence, and hard work, you can own your business and enjoy this rewarding path.
Consultant
You have done it all. Now, you are ready to help others do the same thing.
Many personal trainers just like you have stood at a career crossroads and wondered how to either A) be more successful in their current job or B) pursue a new path in the industry. Many of them need guidance.
Once you’ve gained experience in a variety of areas, you can use that experience to help guide others in building their fitness careers as a consultant. In creating your own independent business (whatever that looks like for you), you’ve probably learned some hard lessons. Use what you’ve learned to help others.
To transition into this field, you’ll need a successful track record in the fitness industry. This is not a career for someone just starting! It can also be helpful to be good at networking and building relationships. Colleagues you meet at the gym or even former personal training clients may need your consulting services one day.
To market yourself online, share your story and how you overcome your challenges to be successful. Be relatable, and the right people will find you.
Which path is right for you?
These six career paths in the personal training industry have inspired you. There are many options within the fitness world, and throughout your career, you may try out many different paths.
Everyone’s career progression is unique. But no matter your path, to be successful, you’ll need to work hard, build relationships, and gain as much industry experience as possible. With time, your special skills and experience will help you transition to new levels of success.
If you’re just starting out, read our Ultimate Guide to Building Your Personal Training Business for more helpful tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the primary career paths available for personal trainers?
The main career paths include independent personal training, corporate wellness, specialized coaching, online fitness coaching, fitness management or gym ownership, and becoming a fitness educator or consultant.
2. How can a personal trainer transition into a corporate wellness role?
Network with corporate HR or wellness departments, gain experience in group fitness or wellness programming and obtain certifications in corporate wellness or related fields.
3. How can personal trainers build and manage an online coaching business effectively?
Use platforms like Trainerfu to manage clients. Develop a strong social media presence, offer value-based content, and invest in digital marketing to attract clients.
4. What are the financial considerations when opening a personal training studio or gym?
Costs include leasing space, purchasing equipment, obtaining insurance, and marketing. A strong business plan and funding (through savings, loans, or investors) are critical.