Freelancing as a fitness instructor

As the awareness for fitness has risen in the past couple of years, it has opened the door for fitness instructors and personal trainers to leverage their lifestyle to earn a good income by becoming freelancers. So, here is a comprehensive guide for you to understand everything about the job of a freelance fitness trainer.

Who can become a freelance fitness instructor?

The answer is fairly simple. Anybody who has the knowledge and experience about fitness (including factors such as lifestyle, diet, and exercise) and wants to monetize from the same can opt to become a freelance fitness instructor. 

If you are passionate about fitness and have some life-changing experiences with healthy choices, this is an excellent choice for you to earn a few extra bucks.

Why it is an amazing option?

Let us look at the two terms involved here: Freelancer and Fitness Instructor.

We, at Freelance2Freedom, are big fans of freelancing. Being a freelancer allows you to be innovative and gives you freedom of choice of timings and workload. And becoming a freelance fitness instructor opens the doors to the possibility of earning money from what you love doing.

Moreover, the pandemic has shifted the general mindset of people to opt for fitness routines and take professional advice to live a healthier life. This is a great opportunity to launch your career as a fitness trainer. 

A step-by-step guide to becoming a freelance fitness instructor

Step 1: Educate yourself about the industry

The first step is to know everything there is to know about the world of fitness and training. This includes brushing up on your people’s skills like communication, patience, and organization. 

Step 2: Choose a specialty 

When we say a freelance fitness instructor, it includes everyone from dietician or nutritionist to gym and sports trainers. More often than not, fitness goals for people are very targeted. Some may be looking for losing or gaining weight, while others may just be looking for lifestyle guidance and diet plans. 

By choosing a niche, you stand a chance to become an expert in that field and attract more clients.

Step 3: Get certified in your specialty

Once you are sure about what you want to be, it is time to get certified. The reason is that passion alone is not enough to inspire confidence in potential clients. There is a general bias towards certified experts over fitness enthusiasts.

Moreover, a certification will help you to learn the technicalities of being a fitness instructor and teach you how to best train your clients. You can contact your nearest gym facilities for certifications or find a course online.

Step 4: Decide where you want to work

The beauty of freelancing is that it can be done in several ways. As a freelance fitness instructor, you can explore the following options

• Setting up your own business: This will require some capital in the beginning, but if all goes planned, it will be your best shot. You can build a website or use social media to spread the word.
• Register yourself with online service providers: There are numerous websites that offer marketplaces for prospective clients to contact professionals and hire them on a contractual basis. 
• Associate with your nearest gym or healthcare facility: These are excellent places to find opportunities for freelancing as a fitness instructor. You can have a tie-up with the facility for your services and they can relay prospective clients to you.

Step 5: Build your brand

As a freelance fitness instructor, your gigs depend on your band value. With a higher brand value, you can increase your charges and yet keep getting new clients.

Following are some efficient ways in which you, as a fitness instructor, can build your brand:

• Leverage social media: More than enough has been said about the power of social media which is especially important for freelancers. The right hashtags and regular posts can help you build a following quickly and easily.
• Get feedback: Your current clients are the way to your future clients. You can add testimonials and feedback to your portfolio, be it on your social media or your own website.
• Try something new: The fitness industry is always evolving. There are new diet plans, exercise routines, and tougher challenges coming around every now and then. As a freelance fitness instructor, starting a new fitness trend can go a long way in building your brand and promoting your expertise.

Conclusion

The best way to ace in the fitness field is to become indispensable. You can do this by adding to your skillset and keeping up with the trends in the world of lifestyle and fitness. 

Frequently asked questions

1. How much do freelance personal trainers earn?

• Depending on their experience, certification, and specialty, personal trainers and fitness instructors can earn between 15 to 35 dollars an hour.

2. What skills are required to become a freelance fitness trainer?

Here are the skills that can help you excel as a fitness instructor:

• Patience
• Communication
• Time management
• Motivational skills
• Organizational and nurturing skills

3. What are my options for specialization to become a fitness instructor?

• Weight Management Guide
• Nutritionist
• Dietician
• Yoga Instructor
• Gym Trainee
• Medical Rehab Trainer
• Athletics and Sports Instructor
• Other specializations such as Zumba and Pilates 

4. How do I advertise myself as a personal trainer?

Here are some easy ways for you to advertise yourself as a personal trainer:

• Offer a free demo class
• Create 4-6-8 weeks programs
• Use social media
• Get feedback and testimonials
• Create a website
• Write blogs and guest posts
• Make a YouTube channel
• Make an email list of weekly health tips

5. What do I need to set up my business as a personal trainer?

To become a freelance fitness instructor, you will need the following:

• Equipment such as mats, weights, and exercise balls
• A designated place for conducting your classes
• A financial investment for expenses related to advertising, marketing, and certification
• Miscellaneous items such as music system, water facility, and first aid