19 Business Ideas For Fitness Instructors [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a fitness instructor in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a fitness instructor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Fitness instructors?
We put together 19 of some of the best fitness instructor business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other fitness instructor businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
If you're a fitness instructor looking to supplement your income or start a side business, creating an online fitness business could be a fantastic opportunity. Online fitness is growing rapidly due to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility, allowing you to reach a broader audience without the overhead costs of maintaining a physical location.
You could offer virtual training sessions, create workout programs, or even start a specialized fitness blog or YouTube channel. With just a computer and an internet connection, you can transform your passion for fitness into a thriving online business, helping people achieve their fitness goals from the comfort of their own homes.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
2. Become an online fitness coach ($19K/month)
As a fitness instructor, you could supplement your income or even transition entirely into a lucrative side business by becoming an online fitness coach. By utilizing live or recorded video sessions, you could reach a wider audience, providing fitness classes for a fee. This is an excellent way to take advantage of the increasing number of internet users and the growing time people spend online.
Starting an online fitness coaching business allows you to leverage your existing skills and expertise to educate and motivate clients from all over the world. By staying focused on your clients' needs, asking the right questions, and adjusting to language they understand, you could build a dedicated client base. This entrepreneurial venture could enable you to achieve greater flexibility and financial success while helping others achieve their fitness goals.
How much you can make: $250 — $82,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
3. Start a supplements company ($412K/month)
Starting a supplements company could be a lucrative avenue for you as a fitness instructor to supplement your income or establish a side business. Given your deep understanding of fitness and nutrition, you could create and sell dietary supplements, vitamins, protein powders, and health foods that cater specifically to the needs of your target customers—fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and those who prioritize their daily nutrition.
Furthermore, launching a supplement brand is relatively inexpensive and can be managed from the convenience of your home. By leveraging your professional credibility, you could effectively market these products directly to clients or through distributors and retailers, boosting your financial growth while adding value to your current fitness offerings.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
4. Start an activewear brand ($25.1K/month)
If you're a fitness instructor looking to supplement your income or start a side business, launching an activewear brand could be a fantastic opportunity. Given the booming health and fitness industry and the increasing number of people working from home, activewear has never been more popular. Your unique insights into what works best for various exercises and body types could give you a competitive edge in designing high-quality, functional pieces that your clients would love.
Marketing is crucial in this venture, and your established rapport with clients and social media following can serve as a strong foundation. Focus on delivering a quality product at a great price with exceptional customer service to ensure success. With the right strategies, you could turn this side project into a thriving business that complements your fitness career perfectly.
How much you can make: $650 — $125,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
5. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a compelling side business or even a full-time venture for a fitness instructor. With YouTube's established monetization system and immense popularity, you have the opportunity to generate revenue through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
By sharing workout routines, fitness tips, and wellness advice, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in enhancing their fitness journeys. Reaching a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months is essential to join the YouTube partner program, which enables you to start earning from your content.
As many successful YouTube channel stories show, consistent and engaging content could lead to significant growth over time, offering a substantial supplement to your income.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
6. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a fantastic way for you, as a Fitness Instructor, to supplement your income and potentially create a side business. By sharing fitness tips, workout routines, nutrition advice, and motivational stories, you could attract a dedicated audience who values your expertise and personality.
With basic recording equipment and a focus on topics you’re passionate about, you could create engaging and informative content that resonates with listeners seeking fitness knowledge. Promoting your podcast through social media and online fitness communities could further increase your reach, potentially attracting sponsors or advertisers interested in your niche.
Overall, podcasting offers a flexible, scalable way to share your insights and connect with a broader audience, paving the way for additional revenue streams.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
7. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)
As a fitness instructor, starting a specialty food business presents a unique opportunity to supplement your income by leveraging your knowledge of nutrition and wellness. By offering premium food products made from high-quality ingredients, you could create a line of health-focused snacks, meal preps, or beverages that align with your fitness philosophy and cater to the nutritional needs of your clients.
Given the rapid expansion of the specialty food ingredients market, forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 6.4%, tapping into this niche in 2024 could be highly profitable. You could identify a specific niche, such as protein-enriched snacks or vegan meal kits, and find a reliable supplier for your premium ingredients, enhancing your brand's credibility and trustworthiness.
This business could not only generate additional income but also reinforce your reputation as a holistic fitness expert, providing your clients with a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. To get started, decide on your business type, register it, and ensure you have all the necessary licenses and permits in place.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
8. Become a nutritionist ($74.6K/month)
As a fitness instructor, becoming a nutritionist could be a natural extension of your passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. With the increasing demand for professional nutritionists, you could offer personalized nutrition advice and guidance to your clients, complementing your fitness programs. This added expertise could set you apart from the competition and provide a more comprehensive service to your clients.
By offering tailored dietary recommendations, creating meal plans, and conducting assessments, you could help your clients improve their nutritional habits, leading to better overall results. Investing in relevant certifications and gaining practical experience through internships or supervised practice could enhance your credibility and attract a broader clientele. This side business or full-time endeavor could supplement your income while further establishing you as a holistic health expert in the fitness community.
How much you can make: $600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
RDRx Nutrition is a successful private practice that offers individual nutrition coaching, boasting profits of $1,800-$2,100 per month after just one year of business, and achieving a client base of over 2200 followers on Instagram alone.
9. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)
As a fitness instructor, you could capitalize on your expertise by starting a fitness equipment company to supplement your income or even create a new stream of revenue. Your deep understanding of workout routines and client needs puts you in an excellent position to offer tailored equipment solutions, whether through a storefront or an online service.
Such a venture could cater to gyms, schools, and individual clients, leveraging your credibility and insider knowledge to ensure high-quality and effective products. This business idea is particularly suited for those with a knack for marketing, fitness, management, and retail, allowing you to diversify your professional activities and achieve greater financial stability.
By blending your passion for fitness with an entrepreneurial spirit, you could establish a brand that resonates with your client base and stands out in the competitive fitness market.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
10. Start a herb farm ($18.1K/month)
As a fitness instructor, you could leverage your knowledge of health and wellness by starting a herb farm as a side business. Herbs are highly valued in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, and food production, providing a wealth of opportunities for commercial gain. With growing consumer interest in natural and holistic health solutions, an herb farm could be a profitable venture.
Given that some herbs help prevent and manage serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, you could integrate your herb farm into your fitness business by offering holistic wellness packages or selling herbal supplements to your clients. Additionally, educating clients on the benefits of herbs, such as their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, could further enhance your reputation as a well-rounded fitness professional. Thus, an herb farm not only supplements your income but also enriches your service offerings, making it a smart entrepreneurial move.
How much you can make: $6,100 — $30,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Everlasting Herb Farm co-owner Wendy Mackenzie made $6,100 in revenue on average each month selling plant-based, organic skincare products, including a Skin Salve, and is working hard to grow her business by taking courses, formulating new products, rebranding, and finding large retailers to white label/wholesale to.
11. Start a healthy beverage business ($16.1K/month)
As a fitness instructor, starting a healthy beverage business could seamlessly align with your passion for wellness and your existing client base. The rise of health-conscious consumers presents a prime opportunity to craft a line of drinks using natural ingredients that promote overall wellness, such as antioxidant-packed teas and revitalizing smoothies, which would appeal directly to your health-savvy audience.
Beyond just creating recipes, you would need to source high-quality, organic ingredients and ensure your production methods meet health and safety standards. Additionally, effective branding and marketing efforts are essential to distinguish your beverages in a competitive market. Social media promotion and engagement at local health fairs could significantly boost your venture’s visibility.
Though the initial investment in premium ingredients and marketing might be considerable, the burgeoning demand for nutritious options indicates a promising return. If you're enthusiastic about health and possess an entrepreneurial mindset, this business avenue offers a rewarding opportunity to expand your influence and income.
How much you can make: $500 — $75,000/month
How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)
How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.
12. Start an online library business
Start an Online Library Business
As a fitness instructor, you could leverage your expertise and passion for health to create an online library business specializing in fitness, wellness, and nutrition literature. By curating a vast collection of digital books, audiobooks, and other media related to fitness, you could offer your clients and followers easy access to reliable and enriching content that complements their training routines.
This side business could supplement your income through subscription fees while providing a valuable resource for your audience. By focusing on building partnerships with publishers and authors, you could secure exclusive content that keeps your subscribers returning. Moreover, a user-friendly platform and effective promotion through your existing network could make your online library a go-to destination for anyone looking to improve their fitness knowledge.
13. Start a facebook group ($142K/month)
Starting a Facebook group could be a lucrative way for you as a fitness instructor to supplement your income or even build an entirely new business. With around 1.8 billion people using Facebook Groups each month, the platform provides a massive audience that you could tap into for organic discussions, content sharing, and community building.
By creating a specialized group tailored to fitness enthusiasts, you could offer exclusive workout routines, nutrition advice, and live Q&A sessions. This not only positions you as an expert but also opens up possibilities for generating leads, acquiring new clients, and promoting your services or products, thus augmenting your current income.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
14. Start a beverage company ($1.48M/month)
Starting a beverage company could be a perfect way to supplement your income as a fitness instructor. You could create and market healthy drinks such as protein shakes, smoothies, or vitamin-infused waters that align with the fitness goals of your clients. This not only complements your existing expertise but also allows you to provide a complete wellness package.
With more and more drink options than ever before, your unique perspective as a fitness expert could help you stand out by offering innovative and health-focused products. From pre-workout energy drinks to post-workout recovery beverages, you have the opportunity to cater to the specific needs of your fitness-conscious audience. This entrepreneurial venture could not only bring in additional revenue but also bolster your brand in the fitness industry.
How much you can make: $500 — $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
15. Start a video marketing business ($272K/month)
If you're a fitness instructor with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a video marketing business could be a lucrative way to supplement your income. You could leverage your unique understanding of the fitness industry to create targeted promotional videos for gyms, personal trainers, and wellness brands that are looking to expand their online presence.
By mastering video editing software and marketing strategies, you could craft compelling narratives that engage audiences and drive impactful marketing campaigns. With video content becoming the leading form of online consumption, your expertise in this visually-driven medium could set you apart and help you create a thriving side business or even a new primary career.
How much you can make: $32,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
16. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)
As a fitness instructor, you could leverage your understanding of social media trends and marketing best practices to start a social media marketing service. By creating and managing content for other businesses and analyzing engagement metrics, you can enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
This service could be a lucrative side business or even become your main source of income over time. Plus, with the ability to work flexible hours, you could easily fit this venture around your current fitness instructing schedule. Establishing your expertise in social media marketing may lead to recurring revenue and offer both stability and growth in the long run.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
17. Start a business resource guide ($40K/month)
As a fitness instructor, you could leverage your industry expertise to create a business resource guide tailored to fitness professionals. This guide could compile everything from methods to secure funding for a new gym to legal advice around liability waivers, marketing strategies for attracting clients, and technology tools for managing appointments and workouts.
By addressing the common pain point of information overload, your guide would become an invaluable resource, saving your peers time and helping them make well-informed decisions. With commitment and research, your curated content could position you as a trusted source within the fitness entrepreneurial community.
This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to the growth of others in the fitness industry, making it a fulfilling and lucrative opportunity.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Tooltester.com is a website that provides reviews and tutorials for website builders, hosting companies, live chat tools, and email marketing software, with a current revenue of around $120k per month and has made it into the Financial Times ranking of the fastest-growing European companies (FT1000) two years in a row.
18. Start a furniture business ($207K/month)
Starting a furniture business could be an exciting and profitable side venture or full-time business for fitness instructors who have an entrepreneurial spirit. With the increase in flexible workspaces and growth in the real estate industry, there's a rising demand for well-crafted, unique furniture pieces. You could leverage your understanding of body ergonomics and spatial design to create furniture that supports proper posture and enhances physical well-being, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Entering the furniture market does not require significant initial investments. However, it's crucial to define your niche—whether it's office, home, or luxury furniture. Preparation is key, so consider taking business classes, understanding your local market, and drafting a solid business plan. By designing and manufacturing unique, one-of-a-kind furniture, you could attract consumers willing to pay premium prices, covering even shipping costs.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $999,999/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
19. Start a recruiting agency ($109K/month)
As a fitness instructor, starting a recruiting agency could be a promising avenue to supplement your income and leverage your industry expertise. Given the growing global online recruitment market, which was valued at $29 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $43 billion by 2027, you have a lucrative opportunity to tap into this expanding field.
You could focus on recruiting talent specifically within the fitness industry, utilizing your deep understanding of what qualifications and traits are essential for roles ranging from personal trainers to group fitness instructors. By providing specialized recruiting services, you could attract gyms, fitness centers, and wellness companies looking for top-tier talent, setting yourself apart from generalist recruiting agencies.
Success in this business will often come from the positive feedback and results achieved for your clients. Starting might involve landing your first client, which is just the beginning; with each successful placement, you will gain real-world experience and build a reputation that could lead to a thriving business.
How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
