9+ Side Hustles for Fitness Fanatics

Are you a fitness enthusiast who spends more time at the gym than at your day job? And you are often sharing tips with friends to stay in shape, you need pause for a moment and think “Can I make money from fitness advice or start a fitness side hustle?“

Let’s face it: many of us dream of making money doing what we love.

But when it comes to fitness, it can feel like a saturated market. You might be thinking, “Aren’t there already enough personal trainers and fitness influencers out there?” Or perhaps you’re worried that you don’t have the right certifications or a massive social media following to make it in the fitness industry.

I get it. The idea of monetizing your passion can be both exciting and daunting.

But what if I told you that there are numerous ways to make money from fitness, many of which you might not have considered? What if your unique perspective and approach to fitness could be exactly what someone out there is looking for?

In this article, we’ll explore various strategies to turn your fitness passion into profit. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a weightlifting guru, or a nutrition nerd, there’s a way for you to make money from your skills and knowledge.

So, are you ready to flex those entrepreneurial muscles and discover how to make your fitness passion pay off? Let’ start!

1. Virtual Fitness Coaching

What exactly is online personal training? Through video calls, messaging apps, and specialized fitness platforms, trainers can now guide clients through workouts, offer nutritional advice, and provide motivation – all from the comfort of their respective homes (or beach, or mountaintop – we don’t judge).

Benefits for both trainer and client

For Clients:

• Flexibility: Work out when and where you want. Midnight living room HIIT session? Go for it!
• Cost-effective: Often cheaper than in-person sessions
• Access to top trainers: Geography is no longer a limitation

For Trainers:

• Expanded client base: The world is your gym
• Reduced overhead: No need to rent space or buy equipment
• Better work-life balance: Say goodbye to 5 AM client sessions (unless that’s your thing)

According to a recent fitness industry report, the online personal training market grew by 40% in 2023. As fitness guru Jane Fonda (yes, she’s still at it!) says, “The future of fitness is in your living room, and on your phone.”

How to Get Started

Your Virtual Gym Bag: To kick off your virtual coaching journey, you’ll need:

1. A reliable video conferencing tool (Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime)
2. Fitness tracking apps (MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, or Apple Health)
3. Workout planning software (TrueCoach or TrainHeroic)
4. A good camera and microphone (your smartphone might suffice)

Popular platforms like Trainiac or Future connect trainers with clients, handling scheduling and payments. It’s like Tinder, but for finding your swolemate!

Tips for standing out

Standing Out in the Digital Fitness Crowd:

• Develop a niche: Be the go-to trainer for new moms, senior fitness, or even circus performers
• Create engaging content: Share workout tips on social media or start a fitness podcast
• Offer a unique experience: Virtual group challenges or themed workouts can set you apart
• Personalize, personalize, personalize: Use data from fitness trackers to tailor programs

Now that you’re equipped with the basics of virtual fitness coaching, are you ready to break a sweat in the digital realm? But wait, there’s more! next let’s flex those mental muscles and explore how to create and sell fitness content that’ll make your clients (and your bank account) stronger than ever.

2. Create and Sell Digital Fitness Content

Ready to turn your fitness know-how into a digital goldmine? Let’s look into how to create and sell fitness content that’ll make your followers’ muscles and your wallet grow!

Types of Fitness Content That Sell Like Hotcakes:

1. Workout Plans: From “Couch to 5K” to “Bodybuilder Bulk-Up,” there’s a plan for everyone.
2. Meal Plans: Because abs are made in the kitchen (and occasionally at the ice cream parlor).
3. Online Courses: Think “Yoga for Desk Jockeys” or “HIIT for Time-Strapped Parents.”

It’s like that time you created a workout plan for your friend and they actually stuck to it? Imagine doing that on a larger scale!

Tailoring Plans for Different Fitness Levels and Goals

One Size Fits… Nobody, Actually When it comes to fitness plans, customization is key. Here’s how to tailor your content:

• Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced: Offer variations for each exercise or recipe.
• Goal-Specific: Target weight loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance.
• Time-Conscious: Create 15, 30, and 60-minute versions of workouts.

Pro Tip: Include a fitness assessment quiz in your offerings. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more sweat!

Platforms for Selling Digital Products

Where to Peddle Your Fitness Wares:

• Gumroad or Teachable: Great for selling individual plans or courses.
• Shopify: Set up your own fitness store faster than you can do a burpee.
• Udemy or Coursera: Perfect for more comprehensive online courses.

According to a recent survey, 68% of fitness enthusiasts prefer purchasing workout plans online.

Creating and selling digital fitness content is like meal prepping for your career – it takes some upfront effort, but pays off in the long run. With the right mix of workouts, meal plans, and courses, you’ll be serving up fitness success faster than a protein shake blender.

3. Fitness Content Creation: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting

Let’s dive into the world of fitness blogging, vlogging, and podcasting. Trust me, it’s more fun than a burpee challenge (and less sweaty)!

Ever dreamed of being the next Kayla Itsines or Joe Wicks? Here’s your chance! You might not reach the moon right now but there is place of everyone who brings something to the table.

Choose your medium:

• Blog: Perfect for workout plans and in-depth nutrition advice.
• YouTube: Ideal for visual learners who want to see those squats in action.
• Podcast: Great for motivational talks and expert interviews on the go.

Pro tip: Why not try all three? Get a hang od it all and see what suits your personality best. It’s like a full-body workout for your content strategy!

Content Ideas That’ll Make Your Audience Sweat (with Excitement)

1. “5-Minute Abs” video series (because who has time for a 2-hour workout?)
2. “Healthy Meal Prep Mondays” blog posts
3. “Fitness Myth Busters” podcast episodes

Remember, consistency is key. Post regularly, even if it’s just you talking about your protein shake obsession!

Monetization Methods

Once you’ve built an audience, it’s time to turn those likes into cold, hard cash:

• Ads: Google AdSense for blogs, YouTube ads for videos.
• Sponsorships: Partner with brands faster than you can say “preworkout.”
• Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products and earn a commission. It’s like being a fitness cupid!

Creating content is like compound exercises – it builds on itself over time.

Growing Your Fitness Empire: Top Tips

1. Engage with your audience like they’re your gym buddies.
2. Collaborate with other fitness creators. It’s like spotting each other, but for content.
3. Stay up-to-date with fitness trends. (Goat yoga, anyone?)
4. Be consistent. Your content schedule should be as regular as your workout routine.

Remember, building a fitness content empire takes time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint (unless you’re doing HIIT, then it’s both).

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to create killer fitness content, are you ready to take on the digital world? Up next, we’ll explore how to develop a fitness app that’ll have your audience tapping and swiping their way to better health. Get those coding fingers ready!

4. Develop a Fitness App

Ever wished you could carry a personal trainer in your pocket? Well, with a fitness app, you can do just that (minus the protein shake breath)!

The fitness app market is flexing its muscles, with a projected value of $14.7 billion by 2026, according to Allied Market Research.

What makes a fitness app irresistible?

• Workout tracking (because who doesn’t love ticking off those sets?)
• Personalized fitness plans (like a tailor, but for your muscles)
• Nutrition guidance (to remind you that pizza isn’t a food group)
• Progress photos (for those “Oh wow, was that really me?” moments)

Creating Your App: From Idea to App Store

1. Sketch out your idea (napkin drawings totally count)
2. Hire a developer or learn to code
3. Design the user interface (make it so pretty, users forget they’re exercising)
4. Test, test, and test again
5. Launch and celebrate (protein shake toast, anyone?)

App Monetization

• Freemium model (basic features free, advanced features paid)
• In-app purchases (want that virtual personal trainer? Cha-ching!)
• Ads (but please, no more detox tea promotions)

Creating a successful fitness app takes time, dedication, and probably a few energy bars along the way. But with persistence and a great idea, you could be the next big thing in fitness tech!

Now, if coding isn’t your strong suit, don’t sweat it! Let’s flex those writing muscles and explore the world of fitness newsletters.

5. Create a Fitness Newsletter

Who says email is dead? Certainly not fitness enthusiasts! Fitness newsletters are making a comeback faster than leg warmers, with some boasting over 100,000 subscribers and earning six-figure incomes. Talk about gains!

What goes into a newsletter that makes people hit ‘subscribe’

• Weekly workout plans (because variety is the spice of fitness)
• Healthy recipes (proving that abs are indeed made in the kitchen)
• Fitness tips and tricks (like how to make your plank feel like an eternity)
• Motivational stories (remember that time you chose the gym over pizza… almost?)

Launching Your Newsletter

1. Choose a platform (Mailchimp, Substack, etc. – pick your fighter!)
2. Design a template (think sleek and sweat-proof)
3. Plan your content calendar (like meal prep, but for words)
4. Build your subscriber list (time to slide into those DMs… professionally)
5. Hit send and watch the magic happen!

Newsletter Monetization

• Subscription tiers (bronze, silver, gold… vibranium?)
• Sponsored content (but choose wisely, your readers trust you!)
• Affiliate marketing (recommend products you love, earn while you sleep)

Managing your newsletter:

• Regularly update content (like changing your workout routine)
• Engage with readers (respond to emails faster than you do burpees)
• Analyze data (open rates are your new PR)
• Stay on top of fitness trends (goat yoga, anyone?)

In the world of fitness content as well digital marketing, uniqueness and consistency is key.

6. In-Person Fitness Services

Ready to take your fitness passion from the digital realm to the real world? Let’s dive into the exciting world of in-person fitness services!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness trainers and instructors earn a median annual wage of $46,480. Not too shabby for doing what you love, right?

Leading Local Fitness Classes or Boot Camps:

Ever dreamed of being the next Jillian Michaels or Tony Horton? Here’s your chance! Local fitness classes and boot camps are like the buffet of the fitness world – there’s something for everyone.

• Find your niche: Yoga for new moms? HIIT for busy professionals? The sky’s the limit!
• Location, location, location: Parks, community centers, or even your garage (just watch out for that rusty lawnmower)
• Marketing magic: Social media, local flyers, and word-of-mouth (bribe your friends with protein bars if needed)

One-on-One Training Sessions:

For those who prefer a more personalized approach, one-on-one training is like having a tailor for your fitness journey.

• Customized workouts: Because one size definitely doesn’t fit all
• Flexible scheduling: Early bird or night owl? You’ve got them covered
• Build lasting relationships: You’re not just a trainer, you’re a motivator, cheerleader, and sometimes a therapist

Organizing Walking or Running Groups:

For those who prefer their fitness with a side of fresh air and good conversation, walking or running groups are the way to go.

• Start small: Even a group of three is a party!
• Set realistic goals: Maybe start with a 5K before tackling that ultra-marathon
• Make it social: Post-run coffee dates are practically mandatory

In-person fitness services are about more than just burning calories. You’re building a community, fostering friendships, and changing lives – one squat at a time.

So, are you ready to step out from behind the screen and into the real world of fitness? Lace up those sneakers and get ready to make an impact!

7. Become a Brand Ambassador or Sponsored Athlete

Brand ambassadorship can be a lucrative path, with top fitness influencers earning anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000+ per sponsored post, according to Influencer Marketing Hub.

What Companies Look for in Fitness Ambassadors

Companies aren’t just looking for six-pack abs (though they certainly don’t hurt). They’re searching for the total package:

• Engaged audience: It’s not just about follower count. Brands want to see likes, comments, and shares.
• Authentic voice: Can you make protein powder sound exciting? That’s the dream.
• Consistent content: Like your workout routine, your posting schedule should be regular and reliable.
• Niche expertise: Whether you’re the yoga queen or the HIIT hero, own your space.
• Professional appearance: No, you don’t need to wear a suit to the gym, but a polished online presence is key.

Imagine you’re a fitness brand scrolling through Instagram. Would you stop at your profile? If not, it might be time for a personal brand workout!

Building Your Personal Brand and Social Media Presence

Your personal brand is like your fitness regimen – it needs consistent effort and a clear goal.

1. Define your niche: Are you the meal prep master or the flexibility guru?
2. Create a content calendar: Mix it up with workout videos, nutrition tips, and motivational posts.
3. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments faster than you do burpees.
4. Collaborate with others: It’s like spotting at the gym, but for your brand.
5. Use relevant hashtags: #FitnessGoals #HealthyLifestyle #BrandMeNotice

Pro tip: Share your journey, including the ups and downs. Remember, even fitness icons have cheat days!

How to Approach and Pitch to Brands

Pitching to brands is like asking someone out – nerve-wracking, but potentially rewarding.

1. Research the brand: Know their products, values, and current ambassadors.
2. Craft a compelling email: • Introduce yourself and your brand • Explain why you’re a perfect fit • Include your stats (followers, engagement rate) • Propose specific collaboration ideas
3. Follow up: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again (but maybe wait a week or two).

Rejection is just redirection. Not every brand will be your perfect match, and that’s okay!

Balancing Authenticity with Sponsored Content

Maintaining authenticity while promoting products can feel like walking a tightrope. Here’s how to keep your balance:

• Only promote products you genuinely use and love
• Be transparent about sponsored content (your followers will appreciate the honesty)
• Incorporate sponsored products naturally into your content
• Continue posting non-sponsored content regularly
• Stay true to your voice and values

Fitness expert Kayla Itsines says, “I only work with brands that align with my values and that I would genuinely recommend to my followers.” Take a page from her book!

In the world of fitness ambassadorship, your personal brand is your most important asset. Nurture it, grow it, and watch the opportunities roll in!

8. Create and Sell Fitness Merchandise

Selling fitness merchandise is another fitness related business where your passion for health and wellness can translate into tangible products and profits!

The global fitness equipment market alone is expected to reach $16.04 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This doesn’t even include apparel and supplements, which are massive markets in their own right.

Whether you’re a personal trainer looking to expand your brand or a fitness enthusiast with a great idea, there’s room for you in this growing industry.

Types of Fitness-Related Products

Let’s break down the main categories of fitness merchandise:

1. Apparel: • Workout clothes (leggings, shorts, tops) • Athleisure wear • Accessories (headbands, wristbands, gym bags)
2. Equipment: • Resistance bands • Yoga mats • Small weights • Fitness trackers
3. Supplements: • Protein powders • Pre-workout formulas • Vitamins and minerals
4. Miscellaneous: • Water bottles • Towels • Motivational posters or stickers

Print-on-Demand vs. Inventory-Based Business Models

Now, let’s explore two primary business models for selling fitness merchandise:

Print-on-Demand (POD):

• Pros: Low upfront costs, no inventory management, wide range of products
• Cons: Lower profit margins, less control over product quality
• Examples: Printful, Teespring, Redbubble

Inventory-Based:

• Pros: Higher profit margins, more control over quality, ability to customize
• Cons: Higher upfront costs, risk of unsold inventory, storage needs
• Examples: Traditional retail model, Amazon FBA

Designing and Marketing Your Products

Design:

1. Identify your niche (e.g., yoga enthusiasts, weightlifters, runners)
2. Create a unique brand identity (logo, color scheme, typography)
3. Design products that resonate with your target audience
4. Consider hiring a professional designer if needed

Marketing:

1. Leverage social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
2. Collaborate with fitness influencers
3. Use email marketing to reach potential customers
4. Consider paid advertising on platforms like Facebook and Google
5. Offer promotions or discounts to attract initial customers

Tips for Standing Out in a Crowded Market

1. Find a unique angle: Maybe you specialize in eco-friendly fitness gear or size-inclusive activewear
2. Focus on quality: In fitness, performance matters. Ensure your products meet high standards
3. Tell your story: Share why you started your fitness journey and how it led to creating products
4. Provide excellent customer service: Happy customers become brand ambassadors
5. Engage with your community: Host fitness challenges or virtual workouts using your products
6. Continuously innovate: Stay on top of fitness trends and adapt your product line accordingly

It takes time to build a brand and customer base. Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you grow.

9. Specialized Fitness Services and Writing

Specialized fitness services cater to specific demographics or health conditions, offering a more targeted approach than general fitness programs.

Exploring Niche Areas

1. Pre/Post-natal Fitness: • Focus: Safe exercises for expectant and new mothers • Potential clients: Pregnant women, new moms • Certification needed: Pre/post-natal fitness certification
2. Senior Fitness: • Focus: Improving mobility, balance, and strength in older adults • Potential clients: Adults 65+ • Certification needed: Senior fitness specialist certification
3. Rehabilitation Fitness: • Focus: Exercises to aid recovery from injuries or surgeries • Potential clients: Individuals recovering from injuries or chronic conditions • Certification needed: Corrective exercise specialist or similar

Getting Started in a Niche Area

1. Choose your niche based on your interests and market demand
2. Obtain relevant certifications (e.g., from ACE, NASM, or specialized organizations)
3. Gain practical experience through internships or volunteering
4. Network with healthcare providers in your chosen niche
5. Develop specialized programs tailored to your niche audience

Marketing Your Specialized Fitness Services

1. Create a website highlighting your expertise in the niche
2. Use social media to share valuable content related to your specialty
3. Offer free workshops or webinars to showcase your knowledge
4. Partner with local healthcare providers or community organizations
5. Consider writing guest posts for relevant blogs or publications

Becoming a Freelance Fitness Writer

Now, let’s transition to freelance fitness writing, which can complement your specialized services or stand alone as a career.

1. Develop Your Writing Skills: • Take writing courses or workshops • Practice writing regularly (start a blog or contribute to fitness forums) • Read extensively in your niche to understand the style and tone
2. Build a Portfolio: • Create sample articles in your niche • Guest post on fitness blogs • Consider starting your own fitness blog
3. Find Writing Opportunities: • Use freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer • Check job boards specific to fitness writing • Pitch ideas directly to fitness publications or websites
4. Set Your Rates: • Research industry standards for fitness writing • Start with competitive rates to build your portfolio • Increase rates as you gain experience and recognition

Building Partnerships with Healthcare Providers or Publications

1. Identify Potential Partners: • Local healthcare providers (physical therapists, obstetricians, geriatricians) • Fitness publications (online and print) • Health and wellness websites
2. Prepare Your Pitch: • Highlight your specialized knowledge and writing skills • Provide samples of your work • Suggest specific topics or article ideas
3. Network: • Attend health and fitness conferences • Join professional associations in your niche • Engage with potential partners on social media
4. Collaborate: • Offer to write guest posts or contribute to newsletters • Propose joint workshops or webinars • Consider co-authoring articles or guides

Maintaining and Growing Your Specialized Fitness Career

1. Stay updated with the latest research in your niche
2. Continuously improve your skills (both fitness and writing)
3. Seek feedback from clients and readers
4. Adapt to changing market needs and trends
5. Consider expanding into related niches as you grow

Specializing in a niche area of fitness and combining it with writing can set you apart in a crowded market. It allows you to become a recognized expert, potentially leading to higher rates for both your services and your writing.

Whether you’re helping new moms regain their fitness, assisting seniors in staying active, or writing about the latest rehabilitation techniques, you’re making a significant impact on people’s lives.

10. Become a Fitness Meal Preparer

Ever heard the saying, “Abs are made in the kitchen”? Well, as a fitness meal preparer, you’ll be the architect of those abs!

What Does a Fitness Meal Preparer Do?

• Create balanced, nutritious meals tailored to clients’ fitness goals
• Portion and package meals for easy consumption
• Provide nutritional information for each meal
• Cater to various dietary needs (vegan, keto, gluten-free, etc.)

Getting Started:

1. Get Certified: Consider obtaining a nutrition certification or culinary degree
2. Develop Your Menu: Create a variety of meal options catering to different fitness goals
3. Set Up Your Kitchen: Ensure you have the necessary equipment and meet local health regulations
4. Price Your Services: Research competitors and factor in ingredients, time, and overhead costs
5. Market Your Business: Use social media, partner with local gyms, offer tasting sessions

Pro Tips for Success:

• Focus on presentation: Instagram-worthy meals can be great marketing tools
• Offer customization: Allow clients to tweak meals based on preferences
• Provide education: Include nutrition tips with each meal to add value
• Stay updated: Keep up with the latest nutrition research and fitness trends
• Consider sustainability: Use eco-friendly packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious clients

As a fitness meal preparer, you’re combining culinary skills with nutritional knowledge to help people achieve their health goals. It’s a recipe for success that can be both financially and personally rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The fitness industry is booming, and there’s never been a better time to turn your passion into profit.

Whether you choose to train clients virtually, create digital products, or build a fitness brand, the opportunities are as diverse as your workout routine.

But, just like achieving your fitness goals, building a successful side hustle takes time, effort, and consistency. Start with one idea that resonates with you, and don’t be afraid to adapt as you grow.

Start your journey to becoming a fitness entrepreneur now.

Share your fitness side hustle goals in the comments below, and let’s motivate each other to turn those gains into cash!