Let’s be real: online fitness training isn’t just a passing trend—it’s THE number one way to scale your business, reach more clients, and create the ultimate coaching experience.

And, gone are the days when personal training only happened in the gym. No, these days, clients want flexibility, convenience, and results—and online coaching gives them just that.

However, let’s be honest… Navigating the world of online fitness training can feel overwhelming. For example, what’s the best way to structure programs? How do you keep clients engaged? Most importantly, how do you actually make money doing it?

The good news? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just getting started, this guide will walk you through everything you need to build, market, and grow your online fitness business.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Online Fitness Landscape

First, it’s no secret that the fitness industry has gone fully digital, and trainers who embrace online coaching are thriving. To get started, let’s break down your options:

Live Virtual Training

Think Zoom, Google Meet, or ABC Trainerize video calls—real-time coaching where you correct form, provide feedback, and keep your clients accountable.

On-Demand Workout Programs

Then, try incorporating pre-recorded workouts or structured programs that clients can follow at their own pace. These work great for subscription memberships or one-time program sales.

Hybrid Coaching (The Best of Both Worlds)

Next, consider blending in-person training with online check-ins, workouts, and progress tracking. This hybrid coaching model is perfect for keeping clients engaged while maximizing flexibility.

Online Group Coaching and Communities

Additionally, bootcamps, fitness challenges, and private coaching groups (via ABC Trainerize, Facebook, or Discord) help create a strong sense of community and accountability—a must for long-term retention.

💡 Pro Tip: The secret to online success? Finding your niche. So, whether you coach busy professionals, new moms, or endurance athletes, a focused approach makes marketing 10x easier.

Check Out: How to Find Your Niche as a Personal Trainer

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Online Coaching Business

Remember that your coaching platform is the foundation of your business. The right tools make online coaching a breeze, while the wrong ones? Well, let’s just say you don’t want to be managing workouts through Google Sheets forever.

What to Look for in an Online Coaching Platform

Here are some top features to consider:

• Workout and habit tracking: First, clients need to log progress easily.
• Messaging & check-ins: Next, keeping clients engaged ensures long-term retention.
• Video integration: Let’s be honest, form correction and demos are essential.
• Payment processing: Finally, getting paid should be hassle-free.

Creating Engaging and Effective Online Fitness Training Programs

Moving forward, online coaching isn’t just about delivering workouts—it’s about creating an experience that keeps clients motivated, accountable, and excited to train. Here are our top three tips:

#1: Make Your Workouts Client-Friendly

First things first, a well-structured workout plan should be:

• Progressive – Therefore, create structured phases so clients keep improving.
• Flexible – Next, offer options for home workouts, gym sessions, and travel.
• Goal-driven – Finally, clear milestones increase client motivation.

#2: Use Video and Coaching Cues

Additionally, form is everything. So, using video demos and voice messages helps guide your clients effectively.

#3: Keep Clients Accountable

Most importantly, accountability is key. Be sure to include:

• Weekly check-ins (automate them in Trainerize!)
• Goal tracking (workouts, habits, macros)
• Personalized feedback (review client form videos)

💡 Pro Tip: And remember, the more engaged your clients are, the longer they’ll stick around. That’s why ABC Trainerize makes engagement effortless with automated reminders, progress tracking, and in-app messaging.

Marketing Your Online Fitness Business

Now that your programs are ready, let’s get you some clients. Here’s how:

Step #1: Build Your Brand

First, if you want to grow your online fitness business, you need to start by building a brand that stands out. Define who you help and how you help them. Whether it’s busy professionals, new moms, or athletes looking to level up, defining your niche will make it easier to connect with the right clients.

Step #2: Use Social Proof

Nothing sells your coaching better than real results. So, share client success stories, testimonials, and progress pictures to show exactly what’s possible when people train with you.

Step #3: Rank on Google (SEO Basics)

Similarly, do you want clients to find you? Then, make sure they can. That’s why optimizing your content for search engines is crucial. Use keywords like “online fitness training,” “how to become an online fitness trainer,” and “virtual personal training” to boost visibility.

Why ABC Trainerize is Your Best Bet for Online Coaching

• Build and deliver custom workout plans (with built-in video demos).
•  Track client progress (workouts, steps, habits, macros—you name it).
• Automate check-ins and reminders (because client accountability = retention).
• Get paid, stress-free (subscriptions, one-time payments, and upsells).

Ready to take your coaching business online? Start your 30-day free trial today.