12 Ways to Make Money as a Personal Trainer

If you’re already running your own personal training business or freelancing, you probably know this career path offers freedom and flexibility. But you might also be wondering how to make the most money as a personal trainer, or even,  “Can I really make a living doing this long-term?” 

The answer is a resounding yes—by expanding your income streams and diversifying the ways you deliver value.

Whether you’re working with clients in person or experimenting with online systems, there are plenty of ways to maximize your earnings while doing what you love. This guide will show you exactly how to make money as a personal trainer, with actionable strategies that work for both in-person and virtual trainers.

How to Make Money as an In-Person Personal Trainer 

Do personal trainers make good money? They certainly can - if only you’re willing to hustle for it.

Being face-to-face with your clients as an in-person trainer is a powerful way to build strong relationships and deliver customized fitness experiences. If you’re keeping your business mostly in-person, consider these income-boosting ideas:

1. Offer One-on-One Training with Customized Plans 

The classic approach is still one of the best ways to make good money as a personal trainer. One-on-one training allows you to charge premium rates for providing your clients with highly personalized workouts and undivided attention. 

Pro tip? Use tools like GlossGenius’s Custom Website Builder to set up a simple booking system for your sessions. Making it easy for clients to schedule with you can save time and help you manage your calendar more efficiently. 

2. Run Group Bootcamps or Specialized Fitness Classes 

Hosting bootcamps or fitness classes like HIIT, yoga, or strength training is a great way to work with multiple clients at once—translation, more revenue in less time! Plus, the energy of group dynamics can make these sessions even more fun and engaging. 

In fact, one of the best ways to make money as a personal trainer is to try your hand at customization, so you may want to try offering themed classes or pop-up events to attract new clients. 

3. Partner with Related Businesses for Referral Programs 

Collaborate with physiotherapists, nutritionists, chiropractors, or massage therapists to create cross-promotional deals or referral incentives. 

For example, you can offer your clients a discount on their first massage session while the therapist introduces their clients to your training services. It’s a win-win, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to make money as a personal trainer.

4. Develop Niche Fitness Programs 

Ever thought about catering to a specific audience? Niche programs are an excellent way to attract highly motivated clients and increase your rates. Consider creating packages for weight loss, pre/post-natal fitness, or sport-specific training for athletes. These targeted offerings can set you apart from other trainers in your area. 

5. Host Fitness Challenges with Prizes 

People love a little friendly competition. Run a fitness challenge over a set period—like “30 Days to 30 Push-Ups” or a “Weight Loss Kickstart Challenge.” Charge an entry fee and offer prize incentives (like free training sessions) to participants who meet their goals. It’s a fantastic way to build a sense of community while earning extra income.

6. Sell Branded Merchandise 

Got regular, loyal clients? Sell branded items like water bottles, resistance bands, or workout apparel. Not only does this bring in additional cash, but it also acts as marketing for your business. 

How to Make Money as an Online Personal Trainer 

If you haven’t taken your business online yet, you’re missing out on an enormous opportunity to expand your reach and scale your income. Here’s how to make the most money as a personal trainer in the digital space:

1. Create and Sell Online Workout Plans 

Why limit your services to in-person clients when you can sell pre-made workout plans online? These plans can address specific fitness goals, such as strength building, weight loss, or flexibility improvements. Package them beautifully, add video tutorials, and you’ve got yourself a passive income stream.

2. Offer Virtual Training Sessions 

Zoom isn’t just for office meetings anymore—it’s for burpees too! With virtual training, you can work with clients anywhere in the world, cutting down on commute time while still providing real-time coaching. 

3. Build a Subscription-Based Membership Program 

Start a private website or use platforms like Patreon to build a subscription service. This could include weekly workout routines, video tutorials, live Q&A sessions, or access to a private fitness community. 

4. Make Money Through Social Media 

Another tip for how to make money as a personal trainer in the online space? Social media platforms can be a powerful tool if used correctly. 

You can post valuable, fitness-related content to grow your audience and secure brand sponsorships or affiliate deals. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube can even pay you directly for views if your content gets enough traction. 

5. Write and Sell Fitness E-Books 

If you’ve got specialized knowledge to share, why not write an e-book? Create guides on anything from “The Beginner’s Guide to Strength Training” to “Perfecting Nutrition for Runners.” Sell them on your website or platforms like Amazon Kindle.

6. Develop a Fitness App 

While this is more advanced, creating your own fitness app could be a game-changer. Partner with developers to offer everything from workout plans to progress tracking tools—all under your brand. 

5 Tips for Increasing Your Income as a Personal Trainer

Can you make a living as a personal trainer? By now, you probably know that you certainly can, but what you might not recognize is that there’s more to the job than counting pushups. In fact, there are a few proven strategies you can try to pack more punch into your personal training revenue.

1. Specialize Instead of Being a Generalist

What’s better—being one of 100 trainers in your area, or the only trainer specializing in postpartum fitness, rehab training, or high-performance strength coaching? Exactly.

Focusing on a specific niche not only makes you stand out but also allows you to charge premium rates. Clients are willing to pay more for specialists who deeply understand their unique needs and goals. Plus, a niche fuels word-of-mouth referrals because when someone sees results with you, they’ll tell people in their circle who have similar objectives.

Here’s how to find your focus:

• Think about your interests or personal experience (e.g., weight loss, injury prevention, or senior fitness).
• Get certified in areas relevant to your niche. Special credentials go a long way in justifying higher rates.
• Market yourself as the go-to trainer in that field across your website and social media.

2. Create Premium Packages with Perks

It’s not just about personal training sessions—it’s about offering a complete experience. Bundling your services into premium packages can attract high-value clients who appreciate the extras. Think of it as creating a “one-stop-shop” for your clients’ fitness and wellness needs.

For example, your packages could include:

• Personalized workout plans tailored to their goals (hint: these can include upsell opportunities for check-ins or revisions).
• Nutrition coaching with diet tips and meal plan templates.
• Progress tracking, where you record their milestones and offer encouragement or adjustments.
• Ongoing support via email or messaging—because answering quick questions can be an added value.

By packaging services, you’re not just doubling your offering; you’re giving clients a reason to commit for the long term.

3. Leverage Social Media to Build Your Brand

We hate to break it to you, but your Instagram handle isn’t just for sharing PR videos of your deadlift. Social media is an incredibly effective (and free!) way to attract new clients, establish authority in your niche, and even create additional revenue streams (hello, affiliate deals).

Here’s how to make social media work for you:

• Post educational content, such as tips, workout techniques, or myth-busting posts related to your niche.
• Show your personality to connect with potential clients. People love working with trainers who are relatable and fun to watch.
• Use storytelling. Share transformational client testimonials (with their permission, of course!) to demonstrate results.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of posting daily, pick just one platform to focus on where your target audience is most active. Consistency is far more important than trying to be everywhere all at once.

4. Get Creative with Remote and Virtual Training

The rise of online fitness classes hasn’t gone anywhere, and for good reason. Virtual training lets you reach clients outside your immediate geographic area, and you can offer multiple formats to serve clients who prefer to work out from home.

Options for virtual training include:

• Live 1-on-1 or group Zoom sessions with clients.
• Pre-recorded workout videos that clients can purchase and access anytime.
• Customized workout plans delivered via email or an app.

The magic of remote training is its scalability. You can train 15 group workout participants in the same time it takes to train one in person, which means more revenue potential with less time investment.

If delivering workouts virtually sounds like a struggle logistically, check out platforms that simplify client scheduling, communication, and payment all in one place (like GlossGenius).

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5. Develop Passive Income Streams

If you want to scale your income without necessarily having to work more hours, passive income is your new best friend. 

While personal training will likely remain your bread-and-butter, diversifying your revenue streams can provide stability (no more stressing about cancellations!) and allow you to tap into other parts of the industry.

Some ideas for passive income include:

• Selling branded fitness merch like apparel or water bottles.
• Offering downloadable eBooks with workout plans or nutrition guides.
• Creating an online course or membership site for ongoing access to exclusive content.

And don’t forget to keep it interesting—switch up your passive income offerings often to keep clients engaged and buying.

Make Your Personal Training Career Profitable with GlossGenius

If you’re an independent personal trainer looking to boost your earnings, diversifying your services and being strategic about your time is only half the battle. The tools you use to run your business can make all the difference.

That’s where GlossGenius comes in. Our all-in-one platform empowers personal trainers to market, manage, and grow their business with ease.

GlossGenius can help you earn more while working smarter with our seamless payment solutions. These help avoid the awkwardness of payment collection and allow you to receive client retention insights. 

We also offer marketing tools to help get your name - and your expertise - in front of the right clients. Our convenient loans unlock financial support so you can expand your services, invest in certifications, or try new marketing initiatives.

And the best part? You can try GlossGenius for free and take the guesswork out of streamlining your business. Start your free trial today!

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FAQ

Can you make good money as a personal trainer? 

Personal trainers can make a lucrative income, but success often depends on factors such as location, target clientele, specialization, and the ability to market yourself effectively. 

How to earn 6 figures as a personal trainer? 

Earning six figures as a personal trainer is achievable with the right strategy and dedication. This can include diversifying your services, such as offering group classes, online coaching, or specialized programs. 

What type of personal trainer makes the most money? 

Specialized trainers often earn more, particularly those working in niches such as athletic performance, rehabilitation, or advanced weight loss strategies. Trainers who cater to high-income clients or provide private, premium services also tend to charge higher rates. 

How can a personal trainer make money from home? 

Personal trainers can generate income from home through virtual coaching, creating fitness content for social media or streaming platforms, and developing online courses or programs. Offering live video training sessions or selling pre-recorded workout plans are also effective methods to reach clients remotely.