The fitness industry faced drastic changes in recent months. It led all gyms across the U.S. to close due to health and social distancing policies. People found different ways to stay fit by doing home workouts.
Many turned to the internet for help, using their phones and laptops. The demand for home fitness and virtual trainers rose in the face of stay-at-home policies. Many took this as an opportunity to train themselves and others.
Are you thinking about becoming an online personal trainer? In this article, we show you how to become an online personal trainer. Read on to discover how!
What Is an Online Personal Trainer?
The term personal trainer covers a broad spectrum. Online personal trainers help their clients achieve personal goals. Trainers help their clients improve their fitness levels, overall health, and body image.
An online personal trainer can provide one-on-one training. Since 57.3% of the world has access to the internet, it is one of the most flexible ways to achieve your fitness goals. There are six different methods that you can use to train clients.
Private Personalized Training
This method of online training retains the personalized element of personal training. It covers the same aspects of in-person training but online. Trainers communicate with their clients through text, email, or software.
With these platforms, the trainer provides their clients with programs and tools to complete their training. Trainers may also use those methods to track their client’s progress. This method allows them to help their clients reach success.
Non-Personalized PDF Programs
These programs cater to a general or specific population type. These programs are usually premade and uploaded to a website. It does not require interaction with the client, but strong marketing makes it a popular method.
Live Chat Video Program
This method may come in the form of live video chats or in-person online streaming. It allows trainers and clients to see and interact with each other in real-time. This method will enable trainers to give immediate feedback and provide live demonstrations.
Non-Personalized Video Fitness Programs
Trainers pre-record exercises and upload them online. This method does not require direct interaction with the client. Trainers give their clients a series of videos to follow.
Hybrid Online and In-Person Personal Training
This method combines online resources with in-person training. Trainers provide their clients with hands-on service and merge them with online tools. This method is the most cost-effective method of online personal training.
Clients may see their trainers only a few times a month. They can use online resources given to them to maintain their workouts. This method helps trainers to transition their clients from in-person to online training.
Online Group Personal Training
Clients may choose to do one-on-one live sessions or join a group. Some live streaming sessions allow trainers to interact with a group of clients. Some sessions include yoga, pilates, and other group fitness classes.
Determine Your Target Audience
Online personal trainer jobs work with a variety of clients. When you become an online trainer, you open yourself to an unlimited customer base. But this also increases your competition.
First, determine your target clients. Think about your area of expertise and how confident you are teaching in that area. This can be competitive sports, fat-loss, or expecting mothers.
By limiting your market, you have a greater chance of finding your ideal clientele. This also narrows down your marketing options. Determining your target audience allows you to come up with a specialized program.
Create a Template for Each Client
Templated workouts can help you provide the best service to each client. While you may need to personalize some things, other elements stay the same. Each template may contain the following:
- Programming Considerations – Sets, reps, and tempo
- Order of Movement Patterns – This can be any exercise as long as it involves the same part of the body (e.g., multijoint lower body movements)
- Workout Schedule – How many times your client works out in a week
Personalizing a template may vary with each client. Here are some changing variables for each template:
- Specific Exercise – Consider the client’s skill level, experience, or previous injuries
- Grips or Implements – What equipment does your client have on hand
- Specific Goals – What physique your client wants to achieve
Assess each client before you create a template. You may modify this over time. This may change as you learn more about your client and their progress.
Compile Video Demonstrations
Depending on your training variable, you may need to compile a list of video demonstrations. You may record your own videos. Other trainers find YouTube videos from other trainers.
A good video demonstration must follow these basic guidelines:
- No sound
- Good lighting
- At least two full reps
- Video is at least 10 to 20 seconds long
You may include regressions, progressions, and modifications. Avoid talking in your video. Your client is likely to listen to their own music.
Consider Using Fitness Websites or Software
Trainers may send PDFs over email or Google Drive. Using fitness websites or software can help you deliver the best service with more ease. Some trainers avoid using fitness software because they find it too complicated.
Training websites and software works well for most personal trainers. If you’re looking for an extra boost, consider using fitness websites or software. Many training programs offer a 30-day trial for new trainers.
Some platforms offer customizable templates. You can use this software to create, upload, and organize your documents. Find the best personal training software for you!
Formulate a Personal Training Questionnaire
Creating a questionnaire can help you better understand your clients. In-person trainers meet and interview their clients. To get enough information about your client online, make an application form.
Your form must establish rapport between you and your client. Some fitness websites allow you to upload surveys. When making a form, include the following.
- Basic Info: Name, age, gender, phone number, and email
- Health Info: Injuries, illnesses, or other limitations
- Training history: Sports, fitness programs, and others
Include random interests. This may refer to a client’s favorite movies, superheroes, or athletes. These interests can help you bond with your client.
You may also ask your client why they chose to train with you. This opens an opportunity for a meaningful conversation. It can also help you increase conversion rates.
Finally, ask your client some prequalifying questions. Ask your client about investments and money. Getting money issues out of the way prevents you and your client from wasting each other’s time.
Select a Payment Service
Determine how much you want to charge your clients for online personal training. Your price may determine how much value a potential client puts on your programs. In many cases, the cost can connotate a product or service’s value.
Your price may depend on the following:
- Personal income goals
- Hourly value of your time
- Your services, including the time and effort in delivering that service
Assess how many hours you want to work in a week with a client. Successful online training requires some time on building and marketing your service. Then, choose a payment service.
Paypal is the most popular and convenient payment processing service. Paypal supports over 286 million users worldwide. You may consider using credit card processing options like Venmo or email transfer.
Help Your Client Transition
Online fitness only became popular in recent months. Many clients may not be familiar with online training. You can help your clients transition into online activity by using the hybrid training method.
This gives you a learning opportunity and a better understanding of your client. You may use the PDF model and work with your client online. You may also check in with your clients between workouts through text, chat, or email.
Get an Online Personal Training Certification
Getting certified is not a requirement to give training services. But getting a certification can help you appear more professional. If you’re starting a business, a certificate can help it look more structured.
Credentials build trust and credibility. These are essential for finding loyal clients. Joining a program can help you better yourself as a trainer.
It can give you some insight into building your business. You may learn some marketing advice that can help you boost your brand. If you want to establish yourself as an expert, consider getting certified.
Become an Online Personal Trainer Today
Are you into health and fitness? Do you like motivating people to become their best selves? Consider becoming an online personal trainer!
Becoming a successful online personal trainer can be challenging. But following the right strategy and steps can help you boost your brand. Follow these tips and how to become an online personal trainer.
Of course, getting into this career doesn’t end here. To discover how to market yourself and more, feel free to read our other articles right here to pick up more tips!