Intro:
Estimates show that the American fitness industry has a market share of $33.25 billion.
In 2022, the industry accumulated 64.19 million gym members. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the population has an interest in fitness. The data shows plenty of room for freelancers who want to start a fitness business.
Freelancers can hold outdoor exercise classes, upload online fitness sessions, or become meditation coaches. The freedom to follow a training regimen passion is the beauty of the venture.
We outline how to start a fitness freelance business.
Find a Niche
To start a freelance fitness business, find a niche. You might have dreams of opening a gym or center that offers an array of exercise options. However, to reach that point, start small.
Some training ventures require an upfront investment. Unless you already have clients lined up, it’s best to start with a specialty and build on it.
For example, freelancers can start as yoga instructors and add meditation. They can also begin as outdoor exercise instructors and move into cycling classes after raising the capital to purchase the equipment.
Selfgood offers additional tips for freelancers who want to start a freelance CycleBar instruction business.
Invest in Equipment
Eventually, freelancers must invest in fitness equipment and lease exercise spaces or studios.
Renting space can cost $250 to $500 hourly. Leasing can run $10,000 monthly or $50,000 with the furnishings.
Popular equipment to invest in includes:
- Treadmills
- Dumbbells
- Exercise bicycles
- Rowing machines
- Kettlebells
- Yoga mats
- Resistance bands
Thus, ensure that you invest in the equipment that clients expect. It’s also good business sense to invest in increments.
Establish an Online Presence
Freelancers must procure their clients. Establishing an online presence is a cost-effective way to build a client roster.
Build and upload a website to the internet. Then, open relevant social media accounts, such as Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Consider hiring professionals to optimize digital assets through LocalSEO best practices for offline services and search engine optimization for online options.
An online presence also helps entrepreneurs obtain client reviews, which can bolster the venture’s credibility and rating.
Set Up a Payment Processing System
Freelancers must establish rates for their services. Then, entrepreneurs must take and process payments for clients.
Therefore, set up a payment processing system. The good news is that several payment processors exist entering 2023 that simplify the process.
You can pick:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Square
It’s also worth consulting with your bank that services your business account. The financial institution can provide additional guidance.
Register the Business
As you put the pieces of your venture together, remember to register it with the appropriate government authorities.
In addition, freelancers must apply for and obtain the proper business licenses and permits to operate the venture.
Most business permits and licenses serve tax purposes. The local authorities use the information to collect sales taxes while the federal government collects taxes and funds for disability, worker’s compensation, and unemployment.
Purchase Insurance
Purchasing insurance for a freelance fitness business is the next important step. You’ll need to buy the following:
- Professional liability
- Commercial property
- Business owner’s policy
- Equipment coverage
- Business interruption
Insurance for fitness businesses is particularly essential. If a client slips and falls on the property, the freelancer becomes liable on two fronts.
First, a client might claim that the instructor didn’t give proper guidance and caused the injury. A client can also argue that the freelancer didn’t maintain a safe environment, which led to the injury.
Thus, fitness professionals must carry enough insurance to protect their assets and business.
Market Your Services
After completing the legal aspects of starting a freelance fitness business, freelancers can start marketing their services.
Establishing an online presence is one component of a modern marketing plan. Rolling out marketing campaigns is another. For example, you can upload sample fitness sessions to YouTube and snippets to Instagram.
Freelancers who plan to open a studio also benefit from offline marketing, such as handing out flyers or partnering with neighboring businesses.
Conclusion
Some freelancers will find it satisfying to start a fitness business. It’s a great way to stay in shape while helping others achieve their goals. As your client list grows, reinvest in the business to keep clients happy and loyal.