It’s been five years since the Covid-19 pandemic forced many fitness businesses to add virtual training to their service offerings. Remember when it had everyone wondering how to offer virtual fitness training – like, right now?
But even before that crisis, the roots of the trend were getting stronger. The pandemic just accelerated the development of widespread online training as countless fit pros learned how to offer virtual fitness training seemingly overnight.
And even now that it might not be seen as essential to staying in business, like it did then, many gym owners still wonder about how to offer virtual fitness training.
They have good reason. Even without the stress of a global health emergency possibly destroying your business, you can see many good reasons to have an element of online training available.
· You can reach a much broader audience. People from different communities all around the world – and even those who have a difficult time coming into your brick-and-mortar gym, or who travel frequently.
· You can future-proof your business in case another disaster strikes.
· You can diversify your revenue streams.
· You can even hire trainers from anywhere – just like you can help clients anywhere.
“It gives you a huge advantage in the marketplace,” says fitness business consultant Jonathan Goodman.
Why Virtual Training Matters
A lot of people might see virtual training as just a reaction to the pandemic. But virtual training is no mere trend. It has become a cornerstone of the industry, and how to offer virtual fitness training is a universal concern.
Read, “Workouts on Demand: Selling Virtual Fitness Services”
The global online fitness market is projected to reach $59 billion by 2027, driven by the demand for convenience and accessibility. In 2019, the last year before Covid, it was about $6 billion.
Clients value the ability to work out anytime, anywhere, and virtual training eliminates geographical limitations.
For gym owners, this shift means an opportunity to:
· Reach clients beyond your local area.
· Offer flexibility to clients with busy schedules.
· Reduce barriers to entry for beginners intimidated by the gym environment.
· Create a scalable business model that’s not tied to physical space.
Steps to Add Virtual Training to Your Offerings
1. Assess What You Can Do
Before diving into virtual training, think about how to offer virtual fitness training and certain things you might need, such as:
· Technology: You’ll need a high-quality camera, microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
· Space: Can you dedicate a quiet, visually appealing area for filming or live streaming?
· Staff: Are your trainers comfortable with technology and confident on camera?
If you’re starting from scratch, begin with minimal investments and scale as needed. Many successful virtual trainers began with nothing more than a smartphone and a good attitude – under unprecedented duress.
You don’t have to have top-tier production right away, although visual and audio clarity are key.
2. Choose the Right Platform
Selecting the right platform is critical, with options such as:
· Zoom or Microsoft Teams: Ideal for live classes and interactive personal training sessions.
· YouTube or Vimeo: Great for pre-recorded classes and on-demand content.
· Specialized fitness platforms: Tools like Trainerize, My PT Hub, or Mindbody can help you manage scheduling and more in one place.
There might be a lot of platforms offerings similar services. Try to pick one that integrates with your management software; it’ll make things easier.
3. Decide on Your Offerings
When considering how to offer virtual fitness training, think about what kinds of virtual training you want to provide. Videos of workouts available online? One-on-one training via the Internet? Small group sessions that people can “attend” from home?
Choose what will best align with your brand, clientele, and needs of the market.
Some options include:
· Live Classes: Simulate the in-person experience with real-time group workouts.
· On-Demand Classes: Record sessions clients can access anytime.
· One-on-One Personal Training: Provide customized workouts and feedback tailored to individual needs.
· Hybrid Programs: Combine virtual and in-person training for a more comprehensive approach.
How to offer virtual fitness training? Tailor your offerings to your audience. For example, if your gym focuses on functional fitness for older adults, offer virtual sessions that emphasize mobility, strength, and injury prevention.
“Getting somebody’s attention and maintaining somebody’s attention is harder than ever because there are more things competing for their attention than there have ever been,” fitness business coach Pat Rigsby says.
“You have to be better than you’ve ever been at narrowing and making sure that you’re getting a, a small group of people’s attention,” rather than thinking you can market yourself to the infamous “everybody.”
4. Develop High-Quality Content
Quality content sets you apart from competitors. Invest time in planning your sessions:
· Structure: Keep it familiar for folks. Start with a warm-up, progress through the workout, and finish with a cool-down.
· Engagement: Use clear instructions, motivational cues, and modifications for different fitness levels.
· Visuals: Ensure the camera angle captures movements clearly, and the setting is free from distractions.
Experiment with different styles. Themed workouts? Sure! Short tutorials? You bet, if that’s what gets the best engagement from your clients.
5. Set Up Pricing Options
Virtual training should be a profitable addition to your business, but how to offer virtual fitness training at the right price? Remember that you don’t have to price it at a deep discount just because people aren’t coming into your gym.
You’re still providing a valuable, premium service. Don’t be afraid to charge for it.
Decide on pricing models, such as:
· Subscription plans for on-demand access.
· Pay-per-class options for live sessions.
· Bundled packages combining virtual and in-person services.
Make it easy for clients to pay through integrated systems on your website or app.
Remember that most people who seek training don’t want programming as much as they want accountability and encouragement, Pat Rigsby says.
You can still offer video recordings of workouts – even on your gym’s own app – that members can use while they’re out of town, as Alloy Personal Training does.
The app is an added value for members.
“Take a vacation? Here’s a workout to do,” says Alloy CEO and founder Rick Mayo.
6. Market Your Virtual Services
Promote your new offerings to both existing clients and potential customers. Be sure they know about the full range of “hybrid” options allowing various service options, like all-online or online with some face-to-face benefits.
The idea is to broaden your appeal and usefulness to as many people as possible.
· Social Media: Share clips, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes footage. That’s a key component of how to offer virtual fitness training.
· Email Campaigns: Inform your email list about the benefits of virtual training and include exclusive offers.
· Local Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses or community groups to expand your reach.
· Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website with keywords like “virtual fitness classes” or “online personal training” to attract organic traffic.
7. Measure and Improve
Track key metrics on client retention, revenue and more so you can see what’s working.
Gather feedback from clients to identify areas for improvement. Regularly update your content and adapt to trends to stay competitive.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Technology can be intimidating at first, but practice makes perfect. Run test sessions, invest in troubleshooting resources, and consider hiring a tech-savvy assistant if needed.
And remember how quickly many gym owners adapted during the pandemic.
One day, most people had never heard of Zoom – and by the end of the week, we were all using it.
So, it’s all relative when asking how to offer virtual fitness training!
Remember to focus on building and strengthening relationships with clients and a sense of community at your gym.
You can encourage interaction through live Q&A sessions, private Facebook groups, virtual challenges, and posting on social media.
Keep highlighting what makes your gym special – your niche market, your unique expertise, or your peerless personal touch.
The Future of Virtual Training
As technology evolves, virtual training will become even more immersive and engaging. Trends like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-driven fitness coaching are going to explode.
By starting your virtual training program now, you position your gym to take advantage of these advancements.
And, as we learned five years ago, it’s best to be prepared for anything and keep an open mind about solutions to unexpected challenges.
Final Thoughts
Adding virtual training to your fitness business is an investment in growth, resilience, and relevance.
By thinking about how to offer virtual fitness training and personal training, you can meet clients where they are — physically and digitally — and create a more inclusive and scalable business model.
Embrace the possibilities, and you’ll not only expand your reach but also deepen your impact as a fitness professional.
Learn more top-level tips about running a great business at our free Naamly Online University.