How Much Does It Cost To Start An Online Fitness Business? (In 2024)
Looking to start an online fitness business?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start an online fitness business?
- what are the typical online fitness business startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting online fitness businesses?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real online fitness businesses and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
What is the average cost of starting an online fitness business?
Based on our data reported by actual online fitness business founders, the average cost of starting an online fitness business is between $300 and $175,000.
Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for an online fitness business are around $2.5K.
Remember, though, not all online fitness businesses are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of online fitness businesses
Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start an online fitness business?
We asked real online fitness business founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?
Here is what they said:
Tobias Young
Founder of Tobias Young Fitness ($50K/month)
"Getting started initially was all funded by my main job at the time (gym management). From there I decided to invest in mentorship and took out an additional loan for my first big coaching course (The Fletcher Method Mastery Program) which is brilliant by the way."
Tobias Young is the founder of Tobias Young Fitness, an online fitness coaching business that started with personal investment and mentorship loans.
Kyle Bergman
Founder of Sweat from Home ($25K/month)
"Our startup costs were initially zero. As an adjunct professor at NYU, I was able to use my Zoom account with the school to hold online classes."
Kyle Bergman is the founder of Sweat from Home, an interactive live-streaming group fitness business that started in 2020 and averages $25,000 in monthly recurring revenue.
Serena Jenkins - Hannah
Founder of Serena Hannah Athletics ($14K/month)
"My start-up costs were about $2,500 for products. I was able to use A.C.E. Fitness after hours for free (Thank you A.C.E. Fitness) to record the workouts, & Reneta Johnson (same business partner from the clothing line) helped me hire all of the models & the photographer."
Serena Jenkins-Hannah is the founder of Serena Hannah Athletics, a women's fitness brand that helps shape and tone hourglass figures while providing mental empowerment through fitness products and programs.
Temo Valle
Founder of Bold Tribe ($9.3K/month)
"The initial investment was around 300 dollars to validate the product, We used Mercadolibre as our Marketplace and we created an online store with Shopify."
Temo Valle is the founder of Bold Tribe, a CrossFit accessories business that started in 2015 and has grown to become the #1 brand in resistance bands in Mexico.
Ricky Hall
Founder of NutritionHQ. ($80K/month)
"I scraped together everything I had saved working a construction job and begged my Mom and Dad to cosign a loan to open my first franchise store in February of 2000."
Ricky Hall is the founder of NutritionHQ, a nutrition store and franchising business that began in 2000 and has since expanded significantly.
Ann Rivera
Founder of Sweet n Salty Body Works ($10K/month)
"Machines cost from $1,000 to upwards of $50,000, including training."
Ann Rivera is the founder of SAS Body Works, a body contouring spa that provides a range of specialized services including cavitation and cryo body sculpting.
Oliver Anwar
Founder of Ro Anwar Fitness ($2K/month)
"I started my business with around $100 USD; this covered the cost of the website theme, email provider and domain hosting."
Oliver Anwar is the founder of Ro Anwar Fitness, an online personal training business that provides bespoke training, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching to busy professionals.
Ryan Milton
Founder of TeamFFLEX ($82K/month)
"Starting with literally 0 dollars and a hell of a lot of drive I successfully built my business into the 6 figures in less than a year."
[Founder Name] is the founder of TeamFFLEX, an online personal training business that coaches athletes, Hollywood actors, professional musicians, and everyday people all around the world.
David Barnes
Founder of Gym and Fitness ($150K/month)
"After selling through 200kg’s of weight plates pretty quickly, I realized there might be something in this! So I went back to the wholesaler, bought another 200kg’s of weight plates, rinse, repeat. After having tested the model, I made my first commitment to ‘stock’ buying 600kg’s at a better buy price. And so was born the early Gym and Fitness equipment business model."
Dave Barnes is the founder of Gym and Fitness, one of the largest online retailers of home gym equipment in Australia and New Zealand.
Haley Hughes
Founder of Haley Hughes ($3.5K/month)
"My overhead is very low since I rent an office space in a gym who I partner with and coach for. My client portal including scheduling, billing, food journaling and a phone app is about $65 a month making it an easy all in one service. I also hire a team of website designers and small business gurus who I pay $500 a month to help me grow and develop RDRx Nutrition called Estus."
Haley Hughes is the founder of Haley Hughes (Registered Dietitian Prescribed), a nutrition counseling private practice that provides customized nutrition plans and 24/7 support to clients.
Enjoyed reading these real world examples?
Our platform is full of case studies of successful online fitness businesses that you can learn from.
Starting an online fitness business - what you should know:
If you’re contemplating starting an online fitness business, there are several key factors that can impact your budget.
Initial Setup Costs
Your initial setup costs can vary widely depending on the scale and scope of your business. A professional website can cost between $500 and $5000 depending on complexity and whether you hire a freelancer or an agency. Opting for a DIY website builder like WordPress or Wix can reduce costs significantly, with basic plans starting at around $10 to $50 per month. Additionally, purchasing essential fitness equipment for live-streaming workouts or recording videos could set you back anywhere from $500 to $2000.
Software and Subscriptions
Investing in the right software and subscriptions is crucial, and these expenses can quickly add up. Subscription-based fitness platforms like Trainerize or TrueCoach range from $20 to $100 per month. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, essential for live classes, have packages starting at $15 per month. Don't forget about email marketing services like Mailchimp, which starts around $10 per month, to keep in touch with your clients. All in all, software expenses can range from $100 to $200 per month.
Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising are indispensable for attracting and retaining clients. Social media advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 per month depending on the scale and targeted reach. Influencer partnerships and sponsored posts can be another effective marketing strategy, costing between $100 to $1000 per partnership. A budget of $500 to $2000 per month is a reasonable starting point for a well-rounded marketing approach.
Certifications and Training
Lastly, maintaining your credentials and ongoing education are important for credibility. Getting certified through organizations like NASM or ACE typically costs between $500 and $1000. Additionally, investing in continuing education courses to stay competitive can cost $200 to $500 annually. Budgeting for both initial and ongoing certification ensures you remain qualified and knowledgeable in the fitness field.
By understanding these key cost areas, you can better prepare yourself financially for entering the online fitness industry.
Potential Costs of Starting an Online Fitness Business
Starting an online fitness business involves various startup costs, including technology, marketing, and operational expenses.
| Cost Category | Description | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Website Development | Initial website design and development | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Hosting Fees | Monthly or annual costs for web hosting | $10 - $50 per month |
| Domain Name | Registration and renewal of a domain name | $10 - $20 per year |
| SSL Certificate | Security certificate for website | $0 - $150 per year |
| Fitness Software & Apps | Subscription fees for specialized fitness apps and software | $50 - $200 per month |
| Video Equipment | Cameras, tripods, lighting for recording workout videos | $500 - $2,000 |
| Editing Software | Software for video editing and graphic design | $20 - $50 per month |
| Marketing & Advertising | Including pay-per-click ads, social media advertising, and influencer partnerships | $500 - $2,000 per month |
| Email Marketing Tools | Subscription for email marketing services | $20 - $100 per month |
| Social Media Management Tools | Tools for scheduling posts and managing social media accounts | $15 - $100 per month |
| Legal & Accounting Fees | Legal incorporation, contracts, and initial accounting | $500 - $2,000 |
| Insurance | Business insurance for liability and protection | $200 - $500 per year |
| Virtual Class Platform | Subscription fees for hosting live virtual classes | $50 - $150 per month |
| Training & Certification | Costs for obtaining necessary fitness certifications | $400 - $1,500 |
| Content Creation | Hiring freelancers or agencies for content creation (videos, blogs, etc.) | $500 - $3,000 |
| Payment Processing Fees | Transaction fees for accepting online payments | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| Miscellaneous | Other varied costs such as office supplies, memberships, etc. | $100 - $500 per month |
By accounting for these potential costs, one can create a more accurate budget and financial plan for successfully launching their online fitness business.
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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.
