6 Ways To Earn More As A Personal Trainer

6 Ways to Earn More as a Personal Trainer (Without Spending More Hours on the Gym Floor)

Being a personal trainer is incredibly rewarding, but it’s no secret that building your income can feel confusing. Spending countless hours on the gym floor isn’t the only way to grow your earnings—there are smarter, more scalable strategies that can help you work efficiently while delivering exceptional value to your clients.

Let’s explore six effective ways to boost your income as a personal trainer without sacrificing your free time.

1. Offer Personalised Training Plans 💪

Clients crave individualised attention, and personalised training plans are the perfect way to give them what they need. These plans focus on a client’s specific goals, whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, or preparing for a big event like a marathon.

By tailoring programs to their needs, you’re providing an exclusive service that clients are willing to pay a premium for. Plus, these plans can be developed in advance and adjusted over time, allowing you to work smarter—not harder—while maintaining a professional touch.

Pro Tip: Add extra value to your plans by including features like progress tracking, video demonstrations, and personalised notes for motivation. These small touches can justify a higher price and keep clients engaged.

2. Incorporate Online Coaching 💻

Gone are the days when personal trainers were limited to their local gyms. Online coaching has become a game-changer for fitness professionals, enabling you to expand your reach and work with clients all over the world.

Online coaching can take many forms, such as:

• Virtual one-on-one sessions via Zoom or similar platforms.

• Customised workout plans delivered through fitness apps.

• Regular progress check-ins using video or messaging tools.

Not only does online coaching break the geographical barrier, but it also lets you scale your business. Instead of being limited to a handful of in-person clients, you can work with dozens of clients simultaneously in different time zones.

Bonus: Online coaching often commands higher rates due to its convenience and exclusivity.

3. Introduce Tiered Packages 📦

Offering tiered packages is a great way to cater to different budgets while maximizing your earning potential. Think of it like a “good, better, best” model:

• Basic Package: Includes a workout plan and minimal check-ins for an affordable price.

• Mid-Tier Package: Adds extra support like weekly video calls or progress reviews.

• Premium Package: Includes everything from personalised meal plans to on-demand messaging and even video breakdowns of technique.

This approach lets clients choose the level of service that works best for them, while you enjoy the increased revenue from those who opt for premium options.

Pro Tip: You can also create seasonal or time-limited packages, like “New Year Transformation Plans,” to drive interest and boost sales during specific times of the year.

4. Add Specialised Training Sessions 💡

Specialising in niche areas can set you apart and attract clients willing to pay extra for your expertise. Some high-demand specialisations include:

• Pre/Postnatal Fitness: Helping new and expecting moms stay healthy and active.

• Mobility and Flexibility Coaching: Focusing on injury prevention and recovery.

• Sports-Specific Training: Preparing athletes for peak performance in their chosen sport.

Specialised skills demonstrate your expertise and allow you to charge higher rates. They also help build your reputation as a go-to trainer for specific needs, which can lead to more referrals and long-term clients.

Pro Tip: Promote your specialisation through testimonials from past clients or certifications that highlight your expertise.

5. Run Group Coaching Programs Online 📲

Group coaching is one of the most efficient ways to boost your income without dramatically increasing your workload. By offering small-group sessions online, you can work with multiple clients simultaneously while still providing individualised attention.

For example:

• Host live group workouts over Zoom for a flat fee per participant.

• Offer group challenges, like a 30-day fitness bootcamp, with access to workout plans and community support.

• Run specialty classes like yoga, HIIT, or strength training tailored to a group’s goals.

Clients benefit from a more affordable option compared to one-on-one coaching, while you enjoy the increased revenue that comes from working with a larger group.

6. Offer a Monthly Subscription Model 🏋🏼‍♀️

A subscription model creates consistent, predictable income while delivering ongoing value to your clients. Think of it as a virtual gym membership where clients subscribe to your services for a set monthly fee.

Here’s what you could include in a subscription model:

• Weekly or monthly workout plans tailored to different fitness levels.

• Exclusive access to a members-only portal with videos, recipes, and training tips.

• Regular live Q&A sessions or webinars to engage with subscribers.

By encouraging clients to commit to longer terms (e.g., 3- or 6-month subscriptions), you’ll reduce turnover and build a steady revenue stream.

Pro Tip: Offer perks like discounts for long-term commitments or early sign-ups to incentivise clients to join your subscription service.

Why These Strategies Work

The beauty of these income-boosting strategies is that they allow you to scale your business while maintaining the flexibility and work-life balance that many personal trainers desire. By diversifying your services and embracing online tools, you can reach more clients, charge higher rates, and spend less time tied to the gym floor.

Whether you choose to specialise, go online, or offer group coaching, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with the right approach and mindset.

Ready to Build Your Fitness Empire?

At FitPro Education, we’re passionate about helping you not only pass ypur course but build a successful Personal Training business that give you freedom and flexibility. Our globally accredited certification is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to grow your career and your income.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s make it happen—one smart strategy at a time.