How to Start a Fitness Business from Home

When I think about any new business idea, the first question I ask myself concerns the problem this business can solve. A fitness business solves many problems. It helps people so much. Extra weight, weak bones, heart diseases, problems with blood pressure, etc. – all these can be solved by having regular training. In addition to that, it has huge potential for making income. So if you decide to start a fitness business from home do not hesitate and follow the guide.

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How to Start an Online Fitness Business: 6 Fitness Trends 2024

Sources: statista.com

The fitness industry is adapting to new technologies and shifting consumer demands. As we move further into the digital age, fitness trends reshape how we approach health and wellness.

Starting a fitness business has great potential since the industry has been growing over the last few years.

The fitness industry offers significant potential for small business owners, with total revenue in the Health & Fitness market projected to reach $5.69 billion by 2025 and up to $6.73 billion by 2027. This growth indicates a rising demand for health and wellness services, opening more opportunities for entrepreneurs. Small business owners can consider such segments as personal training, online fitness classes, boutique gyms, and wellness coaching. With the right strategies and business tools you can grow fast in the expanding market.

So, how does the fitness industry look today? Here are the top fitness trends 2024 that will be growing over the next couple of years. Go through the list to get some gym ideas for business!

Online training

Source: gminsights.com

With a huge demand to stay in shape, the format of online workout training will be growing over the next few years with a forecast to grow by 30% in 2026. Additionally, the lack of communication during the lockdown will impact the growth of online group training rather than personal ones.

Personalized Training and AI

Personalization is the name of the game in the fitness industry. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated into fitness apps and wearable devices, providing personalized workout recommendations, tracking progress, and offering real-time feedback. With AI-driven algorithms, you can receive tailored training plans, nutrition guidance, and even virtual coaching, making your fitness journeys more effective and efficient.

Outdoor activities

Physical outdoor activities are the new fitness trend. People prefer hiking, cycling, and running alone. In a social distancing epoch, these types of activities combine mental and physical benefits for people’s health.

Mindfulness Integration

The holistic approach to health and wellness is gaining traction. Fitness centers incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathwork, into their offerings. Additionally, wellness retreats and workshops provide opportunities to rejuvenate their minds, nourish their bodies, and find inner balance.

Fitness programs for older age people

With the new stay-at-home life, there is a tendency for fitness training numbers to increase among older people. As a result, lots of sports companies develop special fitness programs for this age group.

How to Start a Fitness Business from Home

1. Identify your fitness business idea

The riches are in the niches. The fitness industry is quite huge and if you decide to start a successful business focus on finding your niche. For example, YAS Fitness company focuses on combining yoga with cycling activities. And such classes became very popular in California.   

So, here are some fitness business ideas you can consider for your online fitness business:

• Personal training studio

Open a boutique fitness studio and provide personalized training sessions for individual goals and needs. Below you will find a strategy on how to start a gym.

• Group fitness classes

Create a dynamic fitness studio offering group classes, such as HIIT, yoga, dance, or cycling, to cater to different fitness preferences.

• Mobile fitness training

Bring fitness directly to clients’ homes or workplaces by offering mobile personal training sessions or group fitness classes at various locations.

• Online fitness coaching

Provide virtual fitness coaching services through online platforms, offering customized workout plans, nutrition guidance, and ongoing support.

• Fitness retreats

Organize immersive fitness retreats in picturesque locations, combining workouts, wellness activities, and relaxation to create transformative experiences.

• Senior fitness center

Cater to the unique fitness needs of the elderly population by offering specialized classes and programs that focus on maintaining mobility, balance, and overall health.

• Corporate wellness programs

Partner with companies to develop and implement workplace wellness programs, including fitness classes, health assessments, and educational workshops.

• Sports performance training

Create a facility dedicated to training athletes, providing specialized programs to enhance performance, agility, strength, and injury prevention.

• Fitness App 

Develop a mobile app that offers workout plans, tracking features, nutrition guidance, and community support.

• Wellness Coaching

Offer holistic wellness coaching services combining physical fitness and mental well-being, stress management, and lifestyle modifications.

Remember that less is more. Do not try to cover several niches because of the fear of having a small market.

The more niche your online fitness business will be the more chances you have to become the “go-to” personal trainer on the market and find your customers.

2. Identify your target audience

Once you decide on a fitness business idea it is time to identify your clients.

Are you targeting men or women? Or both?

The secret lies in narrowing your target audience as much as possible.

Why?

Because it will help you to make a killer marketing campaign targeting the right people and not wasting your budget on everyone else who is not likely to buy your service.

Here is the list of client characteristics you should consider when describing the target audience for your business:

• gender if necessary
• location
• lifestyle
• their hobbies
• problems you can help to solve
• results clients can get

Such a detailed description of the target audience means a description of the new markets that will open new opportunities for your fitness business.

Here is an example,

Do you feel the difference? Try it.

3. Start an LLC for a fitness business

Opening a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart move that offers numerous advantages and protects you and your fitness business. Forming an LLC is simple when you go with the right partner. 

I would recommend one of the most reliable LLC partners Zen Business. 

Open an LLC with the best LLC for fitness business – Zen Business! Its basic package will cost you $0!

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• The processing times may depend on the workload
• Extra fee for some features

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Starting a fitness business can be overwhelming, but Zen Business simplifies the LLC formation process. No paperwork or confusion about legal requirements. Zen Business takes care of the details so you can focus on what you do best.

• Professional support

They provide expert guidance, ensuring you have all the necessary information and documentation.

• Fitness business LLC for free

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or have partners, Zen Business has a package that fits. From essentials to comprehensive solutions, you can select the service that aligns with your vision and budget.

4. Local gym or online classes: decide on a business model

This step is crucial though it completely depends on your financial opportunities and business goals. The first question you should ask yourself is where you want to see your company in a year or two.

So here are the following types of business structures you can implement in your fitness business: offline and online. Let’s analyze each of them.

Starting a gym business

This business model means that you can open a gym or rent a space to run your regular fitness classes locally.

Pluses and minuses of starting a gym business:

We live and work online, but people still love going to the gym for its special atmosphere and community.

For example, 305 Fitness offers cardio dance classes with a DJ and this company has become extremely popular in New York with more centers in Boston, LA, and Washington.

If you have financial support from the start you can consider opening a training center locally to build trust and reputation.

Online fitness studio

This business model is highly popular among starting entrepreneurs because it has no borders and limits in getting clients. The online fitness industry has been growing considerably over the last few years due to the pandemic and new work-and-life habits.

Allie Van Fossen started her company The Journey Junkie after she launched an online course that teaches yoga. Now she has thousands of students around the world. And you can do the same.   

So, which business model is preferable for you – online or offline?

5. Plan your finances

Any business needs some investments. Actually, you can start an online fitness business with low investment. But to grow faster some investments may be required.

Let’s go through planning your fitness business finances. There are 3 three steps you need to do:

• Analyze your funds and identify how much money you can invest in your fitness business
• Calculate initial investment needs (e.g., renting space for gym, purchasing fitness equipment, marketing, etc).
• Explore financing options such as small business loans, investors, or personal savings.

6. Set up your fitness hours rates

Understanding the value you give to people makes it easier to create a pricing model. If you open a gym consider including your operational expenses such as rental costs, accounting, etc. If you start as an online personal trainer you should consider only your hourly rate.

What is the personal trainer’s hourly rate? 

Source: ZipRecruiter

The average hourly rate of personal trainers in the US is $29/hour. However, it varies from $15 to $43 per hour depending on the experience and trainer’s skills.

To save time for finance management and invoicing clients you can use accounting software like, for example, Freshbooks.

6. Create a website for your fitness business

No matter what business model you select for your fitness business it is necessary to think about your online visibility. Having a fitness business website allows your customers to easily find you, and get all the information about the classes and schedule.

How to create a website for a personal trainer or a fitness business?

• Choose your fitness business name

If you plan to open a gym you need to generate some creative gym business ideas to name your fitness business.

If you are a personal trainer who plan to grow your brand choose your name for your website.

Here are some of the fitness business name ideas to get inspired:

• FitFlex Fitness
• PowerUp Wellness
• ActiveLife Fitness
• EliteFit Training
• BodyRevive Studio
• FlexStrong Fitness
• VitalityX Fitness
• ShapeShifters Gym
• Energize Fitness Hub
• FitZone Pro
• Revitalize Fitness Club
• CoreBalance Wellness
• SweatPulse Studio
• FitFusion Gym
• PeakPerformance Fitness
• Flexibility First
• BodySculpt Fitness
• IronStrong Gym
• Endurance Fitness Hub
• MindBody Connection Fitness

• Find a hosting and a domain name

Once you choose the name it is time to get a hosting and a domain name. One of the best options here is HostGator. Their pricing is as low as $3.75 a month and they will give you a free domain with your personal name for the first year.

HostGator – best price

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How to get started with HostGator:

1. Go to Hostgator and click Get started
2. Choose the plan
3. Enter your domain name
4. Click to create your account

• Set up a WordPress website

WordPress is the easiest way to create a personal trainer website. The good news is that HostGator allows you to set up WordPress with one click! It is that fast and easy.

• Find a WordPress theme

WordPress offers a lot of free responsive themes to use. Check them out and select the one you like the most >>

• Add the information to your fitness website

It is high time to add some details about your business: how you work, what services you provide, your schedule, and pricing. Here are the top 5 basic pages that every fitness website should have:

1. Homepage – make it visually attractive and tell about your service

2. About – tell the story behind your business: how you started and why you decided to be a fitness trainer

3. Services – list the types of training you offer and tell more about how you work

4. Contacts – add contact details to get in touch with you

5. Blog articles – make sure to create a page with the articles where you can share your clients’ stories, some business details, and plans.

7. Get a CRM for your fitness business

Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is essential for the growth of a fitness business. It helps streamline operations, manage client relationships, and enhance the overall customer experience.

I would recommend trying HubSpot. They created a special bundle for a local business to use all the features to help with sales, marketing, and customer management.

HubSpot – sales and client management

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Small business tools to increase sales and manage clients in one place.

• Leas and client management
• Email templates and tracking
• Sales automation
• Content marketing

• Though HubSpot has a free educational course on their product, it will take some time for beginners to learn the information

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8. Get equipment for home gym

To reduce primary investments in business try not to buy everything at once. Here is a detailed review of gym equipment to use when you just start a fitness business or open a gym.

9. Promote your fitness business

No matter how awesome or unique your fitness business is you need to promote it. Each marketing campaign starts with setting the goals for your business.

Here are the most effective ways of how you can promote your fitness business:

• Social media marketing (Do not just inform about your business, make sure to create entertaining activities, giveaways, engage with your audience, and build a tribe. Go live, share free advice, and bring value)
• Organic traffic to your fitness business website (Firstly, analyze your competitors and see what works for them. Secondly, create and share valuable content to attract more clients to your fitness products. Thirdly, do not forget to use SemRush which allows do all of that in one place and substitute the whole marketing team!)

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• Money-saving marketing tools in one place
• Helps to boost website traffic and increase sales
• Provides access to the latest trends and competitors

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• Ads (Run social media ads targeting your ideal customers and make a special limited-time offer)
• Collaborate with opinion leaders (find the influencers in your niche and create creative challenges promoting your business, for example, marathons, live streams, etc.)
• Find brand ambassadors (you may think that only huge brands can attract ambassadors but it is not so; attract local micro-bloggers and people with active sports positions to your brand promotion and pay them a commission from each sale)
• Build loyalty (create a program for existing clients to build loyalty such as discounts, additional training, free visits for their friends or kids, etc.)
• Scale-up (Create a marketing plan for the first few months to support your fitness business after the launch; set goals and sales plan; check the progress and be flexible to the market needs)

Building a personal brand is actually one of the most important steps for any business growth. People trust people, not companies. If you want to build trust and create a community that will follow you think about positioning yourself as an expert and main ambassador of your fitness brand.

The role of personal branding cannot be underestimated and you should take it seriously because this long-term game will definitely bring results to your business growth.

Fitness Business FAQs

1. What is the fitness industry?

The fitness industry includes people and organizations focused on sports, wellness, health, and body care. It combines the following members of the fitness industry: gyms, fitness centers, personal trainers, sporting goods (food and clothes), different sports clubs, and fitness memberships. The key goal of the fitness industry is to make a profit while promoting health and sport, and helping people to keep their bodies in good shape.

2. How much does it cost to open a gym?

The cost of opening a gym will depend on various factors, such as the size of your gym, location, equipment, and amenities.

On average, you can expect to invest anywhere from $50,000 (space rent, gym equipment, software, outdoor signs, staff, marketing, etc.).

Now, let’s talk about the returns. As the fitness industry continues to boom, the potential for success is immense.

Revenue Projections (the first year of business)

Let’s calculate the potential returns on your $50,000 investment in opening a gym. Here’s a detailed plan to achieve profitability during the first year of business.

Income from gym membership

• Current memberships: 80 members
• Monthly fee per membership: $70
• Monthly revenue from memberships: 80 members * $70 = $5,600
• Annual revenue from memberships: $5,600 * 12 = $67,200

Income from personal trainings

• Personal training clients: 25 clients
• Monthly fee per personal training client: $200
• Monthly revenue from personal training: 25 clients * $200 = $5,000
• Annual revenue from personal training: $5,000 * 12 = $60,000

Additional revenue streams

• Classes and workshops: from $2,000/month
• Merchandise sales: from $1,000/month

Total Revenue

1. Memberships: $5,600
2. Personal training: $5,000
3. Classes and workshops: $2,000
4. Merchandise sales: $1,000
5. Total monthly revenue: $5,600 + $5,000 + $2,000 + $1,000 = $13,600
6. Annual revenue: $13,600 * 12 = $163,200

Monthly Operating Costs

• Rent: $4,500
• Utilities and maintenance: $675
• Staff salaries: $4,500
• Marketing and other Expenses: $800
• Monthly Operating Costs: $4,500 + $675 + $4,500 + $800 = $10,475
• Annual Operating Costs: $10,475 * 12 = $125,700

Net Profit

• Annual Net Profit: $163,200 – $125,700 = $37,500

With the right marketing strategies, a well-curated class schedule, and a passionate team of trainers, your gym can become the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts and beginners. Membership fees, personal training packages, and additional services like nutrition consultations can generate steady revenue streams.

3. What are the best fitness business name ideas?

If you have no idea how to name your fitness business, you can use a special business name generator service, like Namelix. It is free and easy to use.

How Namelix works:

• Go to Namelix and enter the keyword. Click Generate.

• Set a desired business name length and style

• Get a list of business names and logo ideas for your fitness business!

4. What are the best fitness business podcasts?

Here are the most popular fitness business podcasts you can start listening to today and get inspired for fitness business success:

• The Fitness Industry Podcast by Australian Fitness Network
• The Fitness Entrepreneur Podcast by Phil Graham
• The Fitness Founders Podcast by Glofox
• The Fitness Business Podcast
• Masters in Fitness Business Podcast by Jim Adams
• Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth by Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge

5. What do I need to start a fitness business?

Starting a fitness business is not hard. It needs the desire to help people stay in shape and follow the steps mentioned above, such as:

• Find a fitness niche
• Identify your target audience
• Decide on a business model
• Set up your hourly rates
• Create a website
• Promote your business

6. What factors contribute to a successful fitness business?

One of the most essential things in building a successful business is understanding your values. An average personal trainer has average results and can hardly stand out on the market. Think about the things that make you different. For example, you can develop your author wellness program, or create special sports events for your customers uniting people in a community. Give more than expected.

7. How much does it cost to start a fitness business?

It depends on the business model you decide to start with. You can start a fitness business as a personal trainer with no money. Anyway, if you dream to open a gym here are some tips on how you can do it on a low budget:

• Find a local sports club and rent a small space there

Find a local company that already provides a similar service and rent a space for your regular classes. This will allow you to show your expertise and attract first-loyal clients before you grow.

• Find a partner to share a space

You can also search for entrepreneurs who are about to start their sports business but have similar problems with finances. It is better to partner with someone who is not your competitor. You should have different sports niches. For example, if you run powerlifting classes partner with an entrepreneur who shares yoga practice.  

• Start with Open Air fitness classes

Many successful entrepreneurs have started their businesses by giving classes in the parks during the summer. you don’t have to pay for space but you have a chance to show your expertise, get first clients, and start growing as a business.

• Find an investor

If you have an extremely unique idea for your fitness business try to attract investments. Prepare a pitch with a concept and send it to the list of potential investors. It is a great opportunity to not only get financial support but to ask for feedback about your idea.

Final words

If you think about starting a fitness business from home do the first step. Just follow the simple guide and believe in yourself. Remember that starting a business is a step-by-step process that requires time and patience.