The job outlook for fitness trainers and instructors is promising — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s going to experience “much faster than average” growth of 13 percent over the next 10 or so years. If you love working out and have a knack for imparting your knowledge to others, this could well be a nice full- or part-time gig.
It’s lucrative, you’ll basically get paid to work out, and you’ll have the satisfaction of helping others lead healthier lives. What’s more, these are just a few of the reasons turning your love of fitness into a side hustle or a career can be a fulfilling thing to do.
By the way, personal training is just one of the ways to go; there are a number of other paths one can take to enter the fitness industry, too.
Let’s take a look at some of them, as well as how you can get started.
Health and Fitness Specialties to Consider
Job Monkey, a career site that bills itself as having a line on the coolest jobs on earth, lists the following opportunities in fitness:
- Athletic Trainer
- Physical Therapist
- Medical Assistant
- Sports Medicine Aid (or Aide)
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Sports Massage Therapist
- Sports and Fitness Nutritionist
- Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Sports Physician
- Sports Psychologist
- Sports Performance Management Specialist
Starting Your Own Small Fitness Business?
Starting a fitness business of your own is the best way to ensure your income potential is limitless. However, there are some things of which you need to be aware in order to adequately protect yourself and your assets.
Starting any sort of business entails a measure of expense. In most cases, you’ll likely start small with one or two clients and work your way up as far as your ambition will carry you. For some, it might be maintaining just enough of a client list to stay occupied and make some nice side money. Others may want to have a chain of facilities with their name emblazoned upon them in illuminated letters.
Get Adequate Insurance Coverage
You might begin by meeting clients at their homes and carting around the equipment you’ll need or renting time at a gym. Either way, you’re going to need to carry general liability insurance, sometimes called gym liability insurance, to protect yourself against financial damages stemming from accidental bodily injury or property damage to others.
Flexible online insurers like Verifly can provide the exact amount of general liability coverage you need — even on an hourly basis. This can save you the expense of paying an annual premium when you’re just starting out as a fitness professional.
You’ll also want to pick up professional liability insurance in case a client tries to sue you for injuries they sustain while under your watch.
Market Yourself Effectively
Business cards posted on bulletin boards in fitness facilities are an effective way to get your name out there. Be aware though, some gyms have captive staff and might be averse to your competition.
In these cases, it might be a good idea to join them rather than try to beat them. After all, it’s a great way to build your reputation. Social media, a website, and logoed workout clothing are smart plays in the marketing area as well.
Start Small and Grow
It takes a while to gain momentum in this field. So rather than hiring a bunch of people right off the top, bring people on as your business needs grow. This way, you can minimize your risk and expense.
Follow the Blazed Trail
The U.S. Small Business Administration has tons of resources to help you get your new business up and running. Best of all, your tax dollars have already paid for it, so the information is available free of additional charge.
You might also consider aligning yourself with another more successful person to whom you can provide some value — perhaps by introducing a specialty they don’t currently cover.
Turning your love of fitness into a side hustle or a career is a great way to supplement your income, or create a dynasty you can pass down to your offspring.
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