Blog summary

When you step into the world of fitness, it’s like entering a realm filled with its own language. From AMRAP and HIIT to BCAA and GPP, these fitness acronyms can initially leave your head spinning. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you decode the fitness jargon and empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate your fitness journey confidently.

Here’s the list

1. AMRAP: As Many Repetitions (or Rounds) As Possible
AMRAP is a workout format that challenges you to complete as many repetitions or rounds of a specific exercise or set of exercises within a set time frame. It’s a fantastic way to push your limits and boost your endurance.

2. HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training
HIIT is all about efficiency. It involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief rest periods. This training method maximizes calorie burn, improves cardiovascular fitness, and can fit into even the busiest schedules.

3. WOD: Workout of the Day
If you’re into CrossFit, you’ve likely come across the term “WOD” frequently. It simply stands for Workout of the Day, and it’s the daily workout that CrossFit enthusiasts tackle.

4. RM: Repetition Maximum
Your RM signifies the maximum amount of weight you can lift for a specific number of repetitions. For example, your 1RM is the maximum weight you can lift for a single repetition.

5. DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
DOMS is that satisfying post-workout muscle soreness that typically kicks in 24 to 48 hours after intense exercise. It’s a sign your muscles are adapting and getting stronger.

6. BMI: Body Mass Index
BMI is a numerical value calculated from your height and weight. It helps assess whether your weight falls within a healthy range based on your height.

7. BMR: Basal Metabolic Rate
Your BMR represents the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions at rest, without any additional activity.

8. PR: Personal Record
Your PR is your best performance in a specific exercise or activity. It’s a benchmark to beat as you strive for progress.

9. RPE: Rate of Perceived Exertion
RPE is a subjective scale that helps you gauge the intensity of exercise, with 10 being the highest level of exertion.

10. TDEE: Total Daily Energy Expenditure
TDEE accounts for your total daily calorie burn, considering your BMR and physical activity. It’s vital for managing your nutrition.

11. 1RM: One Repetition Maximum
Your 1RM represents the maximum weight you can lift for a single repetition of a specific exercise.

12. CICO: Calories In, Calories Out
CICO simplifies weight management, suggesting that weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than you expend.

13. HRM: Heart Rate Monitor
An HRM is a device or technology used to measure and monitor heart rate during exercise, helping you optimize your workouts.

14. LISS: Low-Intensity Steady State
LISS is a cardio workout involving a consistent, low-intensity pace over an extended duration—ideal for fat burning.

15. PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP therapy promotes healing and recovery by injecting a concentrated form of your own platelets into an injured area.

16. BCAA: Branched-Chain Amino Acids
BCAAs are essential amino acids crucial for muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

17. RDL: Romanian Deadlift
This weightlifting exercise targets the hamstrings and lower back, emphasizing a straight back and slightly bent knees.

18. EMOM: Every Minute on the Minute
EMOM workouts challenge you to perform a specific exercise or set of exercises at the start of every minute for a designated duration.

19. TUT: Time Under Tension
TUT refers to the amount of time a muscle is under strain during an exercise, impacting muscle growth and strength.

20. GPP: General Physical Preparedness
GPP represents your overall fitness and preparedness for various physical activities and challenges.

Now that you’re armed with this fitness acronym knowledge, you’re ready to conquer your fitness goals with confidence. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep pushing your boundaries. The fitness world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore!

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The Game-Changing Benefits of Cold Exposure

Cold exposure involves subjecting your body to cold temperatures, and it’s not just for the sake of shivering. The physiological responses it triggers can have a profound impact on your athletic journey.

1. Boosted Metabolism: One of the first things you’ll notice when you dip your toes into cold exposure is an increase in metabolic rate. Your body works overtime to generate heat, which means you burn more calories. If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, cold exposure might just be the boost your metabolism needs.

2. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can do wonders for your heart and circulation. When exposed to cold, your blood vessels constrict and then dilate when you warm up, essentially giving your cardiovascular system a workout. Over time, this can lead to improved cardiovascular endurance and better overall heart health.

3. Recovery on Fast-Forward: Perhaps one of the most enticing benefits for athletes is the accelerated recovery. Cold therapy reduces muscle inflammation, which means less post-workout soreness and a quicker return to peak performance. This can be a game-changer for athletes who need to train intensely day in and day out.

4. Mental Toughness: Embracing the cold requires mental fortitude. The initial shock of cold exposure can be intense, but as you adapt, you’ll find that you’ve developed mental grit. This mental toughness can carry over to your workouts, helping you stay focused, disciplined, and resilient in the face of challenges.

5. Increased Endorphins: Ever heard of the “cold high”? Cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins, those feel-good hormones. After a cold session, you’ll likely experience a sense of euphoria and heightened mood. It’s a natural high that can leave you feeling ready to conquer the world.

6. The Science Behind It: While cold exposure’s benefits are still being explored, researchers are uncovering fascinating insights. Studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity, increased production of brown fat (the metabolically active fat that burns calories), and even potential benefits for mental health.

Safety First

Before you jump headfirst into cold exposure, it’s crucial to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional. Cold exposure can be intense, and there are risks involved, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions. It’s essential to have a plan and understand your body’s limits.

In conclusion, cold exposure has the potential to be a powerful tool in the arsenal of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It can boost metabolism, improve cardiovascular health, accelerate recovery, enhance mental toughness, and even trigger a natural high. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and safety should always be a priority.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of cold exposure, consider incorporating it into your fitness routine gradually and under the guidance of a knowledgeable coach or healthcare provider. As with any aspect of fitness, the key is to find what works best for you and aligns with your goals. Embrace the cold and elevate your athletic game – the chill might just be the thrill you’ve been looking for!

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Researchers Find Human Coaches Enhance the Effectiveness of AI Health Apps

Automation struggles with accountability.

The future of personalized training blends the precision of AI with the compassion of humans.

What’s fresh: In an extensive study encompassing over 65,000 users, a team of Stanford researchers has revealed that AI-driven weight loss apps yield superior results when supplemented with human coaches.

Participants in programs combining AI with human coaching experienced a remarkable 74% greater weight loss compared to those on AI-only regimens.

Individuals who had human coaches also exhibited higher goal-setting tendencies, maintained more consistent food tracking habits, and diligently recorded their weight changes.

In summarizing their discoveries, the research team emphasized the significance of personalized approaches and highlighted the limitations of standardized advice, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all strategy might not be the most effective.

AI vs. Humanity

As advancements in AI continue to gain momentum, the ongoing debate about technology’s role as a substitute for or complement to human expertise intensifies.

AI’s algorithmic recommendations address challenges such as personalization, accessibility, and the risk of healthcare provider burnout, yet they lack the intangible qualities of human connection.

On the other hand, human coaches guide individuals through the emotional hurdles of lifestyle changes, offering vital accountability and emotional support.

Human presence matters. The study indicates that the primary obstacle to behavioral transformation is not knowing what needs to be done but maintaining the motivation to actually do it, an area where human coaches excel and AI falls short.

As the prevalence of weight loss programs and interventions grows, sustaining behavioral change remains as challenging as ever. Bridging the gap between concrete data and interpersonal skills, human coaches will play a pivotal role in translating highly customized metrics into tangible achievements.

With an increasing number of consumers seeking one-on-one coaching to achieve their objectives, companies that provide accountability-as-a-service, seamlessly combining in-app content and health data with human interaction, will likely set the new standard across various domains, including fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mental health.

Bottom line: AI has democratized access to health insights, but the human touch brings unparalleled value. Empathetic coaches equipped with accurate AI tools, wearables, computer vision, and digital progress reports are poised to redefine the landscape of personalized training.

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Research Reveals the Accuracy

Research conducted by Stanford University School of Medicine compared seven distinct wrist-worn fitness trackers. Surprisingly, the most accurate calculation of energy expenditure (referring to calories burned) had an error margin of 27 percent, while the least precise deviated by a staggering 93 percent. The study’s findings were clear: none of the devices yielded energy expenditure estimates deemed “within an acceptable error range,” as concluded by the researchers.

How Heart Rate Tracking Works

Smartwatches and fitness trackers ascertain heart rate by analyzing blood circulation in the vicinity of your wrist. This is accomplished by emitting LED light onto the skin. The color green is chosen for this purpose due to its effective absorption by our red blood cells. As a result, optical sensors can provide a more precise assessment of blood flow and heartbeat frequency.

Chest Strap vs. Wristwatch

If your training regimen relies exclusively on heart rate tracking or you’re observing a heart-related issue (for the latter, it’s important to consult your doctor first), a chest strap provides superior accuracy point-to-point.

The Steps You Take

Pedometers and other wearables are gaining popularity for tracking daily steps and promoting activity. Studies reveal wrist-worn devices can overestimate steps by 10% to 35% during everyday activities, but underestimate by 35% to 95% during activities without wrist movement (like pushing a shopping cart, wheelchair, or stroller).

VO2 Max and Fitness Zones

VO2 max, short for “maximal oxygen consumption,” is a measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It’s a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Fitness zones, often categorized as different heart rate zones, are specific ranges of heart rate intensity that correspond to various training goals.

The Gamification of Workouts

From virtual challenges to earning rewards for hitting those step goals, gamification adds an exciting twist to your workout routine. It turns sweat sessions into engaging quests, making every rep and every move count towards unlocking new achievements. Who knew getting fit could be this much fun?

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, fitness trackers have revolutionized how we approach our health, providing real-time insights into our activities and progress. While they might not be perfect, their ability to motivate, track, and enhance our fitness journeys is undeniable. So, yes, fitness trackers do work, and the buzz around them is well-deserved. As technology continues to advance, we can expect these devices to become even more accurate and integrated into our daily lives, empowering us to take charge of our health in exciting new ways.

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Blog summary

The personal trainer software market is full of software, platforms, and apps designed to help personal trainers & coaches run their online fitness business more efficiently. We know that you can easily get lost in this sea of opportunities and that it is hard to find a solution just right for your specific needs.

We know that we’re biased. But in this post, we will list 10 reasons why PTs & coaches should choose Lean On to grow their online fitness business and how we can help their brand reach full potential. So let’s dive into it!

10 reasons why PTs & Coaches should choose Lean On

• Custom branded app

• Your app placed on App Store & Play Store

• Library of 500+ exercise videos

• Programs, workouts and exercises templates

• Easy-to-use program builder

• Scheduler & messenger

• Live streaming

• Nutrition & macro tracking

• Branded landing page

• In-app & web purchases

#1 Custom branded app

Custom branded apps are the core of our offer and the biggest asset for your online fitness business. Unlike personal trainer platforms like Trainerize, TrueCoach and WeStrive where you use their app, with Lean On you get your app that represents you, your values, and your brand.

But what does the word branded in the sentence “Custom branded app” really mean? It means that your custom branded app has:

• Your logo

• Your app icon

• Your color palette

• Your images

• Your workout & nutrition content

Your branded app can help you gain more credibility, stand out from the competition and acquire more clients than ever! Pretty cool, right?

#2 Your app placed on App Store & Play Store

We cannot think of a better way to give your brand greater exposure than to place it there where everybody will see it. But what is that place? Of course, we are talking about the app stores.

When developed (in less than a week), your branded app is placed on the App Store and Play Store and is ready to be downloaded by thousands of potential clients. If you want to be even more recognizable, choose our All-star plan that allows you to publish your app on App Store & Play Store under your developer accounts.

#3 Library of 500+ exercise videos

You are an expert in your specific fitness niche, and we know it. Your clients also know it, and that’s why they want to follow your guidance and expertise. What if you want to scale your business and increase your presence but haven’t had the time to record all those exercise videos and demos? Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered!

After you sign up for your branded app, Lean On provides you with more than 500 high-quality in-studio recorded exercise videos. These videos are:

• Recorded by certified personal trainers

• Recorded in 3 camera angles

• Covering all types of workouts

#4 Programs, workouts and exercises templates

As we mentioned in the previous point, maybe you want to start an online fitness business but feel like you are still not ready. Or you did not have time to translate your knowledge into the programs, workouts and exercises. Don’t worry: we’ve all been there.

That is why we at Lean On prepared templates to help you get that ball rolling until you feel ready to create your own expert content. When you sign up for your branded app, you get the instant access to the ready-made:

• Exercises

• Workouts

• Workout programs

• Recipes

• Nutrition programs

#5 Easy-to-use program builder

Our program builder lets you create new programs without any difficulties. Once you open Lean On program builder, you can define:

• Goals that your clients will achieve with these programs

• Whether this program is for beginners or advanced trainees

• Workout environments that are best suited for this program

• Muscle groups that your clients will activate during the workouts

As we’ve already said, you can utilize our database of over 500 workout images and videos shot by certified personal trainers.

One more thing you can do is attaching a questionnaire to the program so you can better customize it for your clients after learning more about them and their habits.

#6 Scheduler & messenger

Lean On scheduler allows simplified booking of your workouts, classes, consultations, and sessions. Do your clients want to schedule a 30-minute goal-setting session or a 15-minute workout consultation? Not a problem. They can easily do it within the in-app calendar that shows all scheduled events.

A crucial aspect of working with your clients is efficient and constant communication. Our messenger represents an easy way to stay in touch with your clients and provide them with all the additional information and advice on their workouts, nutrition, and overall progress.

#7 Live streaming

So, you are a fitness trainer looking for new ways to engage your audience. Imagine you can connect with them in real-time by streaming your workout live. Sounds great, right?

Lean On platform allows you to record each live session and automatically upload it online. Your clients can access the live streams directly from your branded app, and you can even make exclusive access, so only the people who have purchased the subscription for your branded app can access these live streams.

#8 Nutrition & macro tracking

Everyone striving to live a healthier life knows that a significant step towards that goal is to implement new eating habits. The best way to do so is to have a specialized nutrition plan designed by the professional according to the needs and conditions of the clients. Because of that, personal trainers like you pay special attention to this segment.

From custom meal plans, recipes, and diets for healthy weight loss, to nutrition plans designed to fasten the process of gaining muscles, you can create and upload anything you want to. Additionally, you can set macronutrient goals and define daily intake values for proteins, carbs, fat, sugar, fiber, and water to help your clients stay on track and follow their nutrition habits as precisely as possible.

#9 Branded landing page

Nowadays, everything is happening online, and everyone who wants to stay ahead of competitors and stand out from the crowd has to find the best possible ways to present their brand in the digital world.

That is why Lean On creates your branded landing page without additional cost to help you attract more clients, showcase your programs and promote your branded app. If that isn’t enough, your clients can buy subscriptions or individual programs directly from your landing page using the web purchasing option.

#10 In-app & web purchases

If you are passionate about your online fitness business, investing time and effort to create valuable pieces of content is probably your daily routine. As a personal trainer or fitness instructor, you are constantly finding new effective ways to motivate your audience and provide them with valuable information from a knowledgeable and experienced individual like yourself.

We share a common goal with you: to see your online business grow. That’s why we included another useful feature in your branded fitness app – a possibility to monetize your content. To allow you to grow your business as fast as possible, we are providing you with two ways to sell your content:

• In-app purchases (through your branded app)

• Web purchases (through your branded landing page)

Conclusion

In this post, we listed 10 reasons why PTs & coaches should choose Lean On to save time, increase revenue and reach more clients than ever before. But don’t just take our word for it: try Lean On for free for 14-days to see if our platform is the right fit for your fitness business.

Of course, this list can also include support for your clients, options to sell both subscriptions & individual programs, progress images, blogs & posts, cast to TV option, and much more. If you want to learn more about Lean On we encourage you to visit our website. And of course, stay tuned for more posts like this one.

The post 10 Reasons Why PTs & Coaches Should Choose Lean On appeared first on LON - App For Personal Trainers.

A recent UNiDAYS survey showed that 93% of the Gen Z population believes brands have an obligation to take a stand on environmental issues. Millennials are not far behind – 75% of them are willing to pay extra for sustainable products.

As today is Earth Day, the topic is hotter than ever. So, you can use the momentum to green up your fitness business and advise your clients on how to do more eco-friendly workouts.

You’ll help them do their part in protecting the environment, and they’ll love you for it!

Focus on sustainable equipment

When offering online fitness programs, you’re aware that most people don’t own expensive workout equipment.

So instead, focus on workouts that can be done with pieces of furniture or items we all have at home.

For example, you can use a sturdy chair for tricep dips, the wall for wall push-ups, or milk gallons filled with water or sand as weights.

Another option is to focus on exercises that require only the client’s bodyweight. This can be anything from push-ups, squats and lunges, to burpees and stair-stepping.

If your training program does require some equipment, try to find manufacturers that are eco-friendly. You can even collaborate with them in a mutual promotion.

Let your clients know they can use second-hand and sustainable gear

There are many sustainable alternatives in fitness, even when your clients use minimum equipment.

From time to time, you can remind them in a video or newsletter to seek out those alternatives, such as:

1. Clothing – when your clients buy fitness clothes, advise them to choose sustainable fabrics, or brands that use sustainable production processes. For example, cotton T-shirts aren’t that great even though they’re made of natural material. Believe it or not, it takes 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton T-shirt.
2. Mats – Yoga mats can be greener, too. Natural rubber or jute yoga mats are more sustainable than those we can usually find at stores.
3. Second-hand gear – Instead of buying all-new gear, your clients can check out their local second-hand shops to find quality workout clothes and sneakers. Likewise, instead of throwing away their old workout gear, they can donate it to their local Goodwill or Salvation Army. That way, the workout gear and exercise equipment won’t end up in landfills.

Healthy and green eating

Making green food choices can make a big difference in the amount of food waste, but also gas emissions and cold storage energy consumption.

Advise your clients to buy greens, fruits, nuts and seeds at their local farmer’s markets. They will both eat more sustainably and support their local small business economy.

You can even create seasonal meal plans, which include fruits and vegetables that are available at different times of the year.

If your clients like to take supplements and protein powder, advise them to look for healthy ones.

Organically produced powders can be found at almost any supplement store. Quality supplements usually don’t have any fillers, added sugars, or unhealthy additives.

For example, hemp powder is quite healthy – it’s full of protein and has a flavor similar to nuts. This type of powder also requires less water to produce than other sources of protein.

Avoid or completely ditch plastics

As you know, plastic is one of the biggest enemies of the environment. To this day, the world has produced over 8 billion metric tons of plastic, half of which is for single use.

So, instead of using plastic water bottles, your clients can use reusable water bottles or tin canisters.

Remind them that companies that sell bottled water only produce plastic bottles, and not water. Most people have drinking-quality tap water at home and don’t have to pay much for it anyway.

If your clients still want to buy water, there are bad plastic bottles and ones that are a bit better. PET plastic bottles are recyclable and thinner, saving a lot of PET resin. The average weight of a 16.9-ounce PET bottle was reduced by 51% from 2000 to 2014, according to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

Plogging

There is a new trend called ‘plogging’ – picking up litter while jogging. It’s a great way to combine fitness workouts with earth-friendly endeavors.

The idea came from the Swedish running group Plogga, but quickly spread across Europe and the US. It has been adopted by various running groups, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.

To prepare for plogging, runners only need:

• Gloves
• Trash bags

You can even organize a challenge for your clients to see who can pick up the most trash and award those who did best.

You can treat them to a personal session, a one-month free subscription, or something small and symbolic like reusable bags.

Working out at home is already greener!

By giving your clients a home workout program, you’re already giving them an eco-alternative to going to the gym.

They save gas and reduce fuel emissions, as well as conserve electricity by not using gym equipment such as treadmills.

Applaud your clients for making more eco-friendly fitness choices and encourage them to continue doing so.

If you haven’t taken your business online yet, check out our blog on how to transition your fitness business to a hybrid model. You’ll learn about all the tools and platforms available for running your online fitness business.

Motivate and support your clients’ green efforts

When you start making greener business decisions, trust us – you’ll feel great. And so will your clients!

Keep in mind that learning about green alternatives but not making any changes can actually make your clients feel bad.

So, let them know that every small change in their everyday behavior adds up if enough people make them. Compounded efforts can make a huge difference in preserving the Earth.

Motivate them to continue on their green fitness path by offering them eco badges, discounts, or similar.

A virtual hive-five is always a cool way to start!

The post Green Up Your Fitness Business by Making Workouts More Eco-Friendly appeared first on LON - App For Personal Trainers.

With most restrictions now being lifted, gyms are reopening as well. However, people have realized they can ditch the commute to the gym, while still getting the expertise of a fitness professional. Online fitness programs are also cheaper than 1-on-1 gym sessions with a personal trainer.

Still, many people prefer seeing their trainer face-to-face. So, it’s unlikely that this model of personal training is going away anytime soon.

Online workout sessions and videos can’t replace the connection you build with your clients in person. So, online fitness programs don’t need to be a replacement for in-person sessions, but an expansion of your overall offering.

A hybrid personal training model lets you combine in-person training with online training. This allows you to offer your clients the best of both worlds.

The idea is to create personal training packages that include:

• A certain number of in-person sessions per week or month,
• A certain number of live online sessions,
• Videos, workout programs and other content that clients can follow on their own between their sessions with you.

If set up properly, this is a win-win situation for both you and your clients.

They get a more affordable option to work out more frequently, but still have the benefits of meeting with you in person for a certain number of sessions.

You maximize your time and open space for new in-person clients, while at the same time building up your online offering. This can open the way for huge revenue opportunities. Growing your online fitness business to a certain level will ultimately gain you more personal and financial freedom.

There are various ways to structure your hybrid personal training programs. It’s up to you to find a combination that will work for both you and your clients.

It’s important to find the right online channels to deliver your content and services and leverage the power of software to your advantage.

In this article, we focus on the tools and platforms that are available for running your online fitness business. We cover the benefits and drawbacks of each type of solution, as well as their costs.

Platforms and tools for running your online fitness business

You may be just starting a fitness business, or you already have clients that you train in person. Or you already hold virtual workout sessions, but are looking for ways to expand your services and grow your online fitness business.

Whatever your situation may be, there is a range of online platforms and tools available to take your fitness business to the next level.

Your own personal trainer website

A website can be the foundation of your online fitness business. The main difference between other online channels such as social media is that your website is owned and operated solely by you.

This means that you have full control over the content and how your clients and visitors interact with it.

Benefits of a personal trainer website

Your clients can book your services directly on your website. You can also sell PDF training courses and videos on demand that your clients can follow on their own. This can be done as ecommerce, or with a paid membership section where clients can log in to access your content.

Your offer is discoverable online 24/7. Most people use Google when searching for a product or service. A well-optimized website puts you in a position for people to find you online organically.

A website increases your credibility and builds trust. People usually research their options before making any sort of purchase. A well-designed website will help you build your brand and make you look more professional.

Having a website also enables you to build a mailing list of clients and leads. You can run promotions or offer free content in exchange for email addresses. This allows you to follow up with prospects and clients and nurture relationships.

Drawbacks of a personal trainer website

Many people choose to build their website on their own. This can be a much cheaper option than hiring a professional designer. But this can become a slow process, taking valuable time away from other aspects of your business.

If you hire a web designer to create your website, you will still need to invest time into creating new content. Your website needs to be updated and maintained regularly to rank on Google and bring in new traffic.

Costs of a personal trainer website

Depending on the complexity of your website and how you choose to build it, the cost can vary wildly.

If you want to build it yourself, there are DIY website builders such as Wix or Squarespace. They will cost you from $14 to $49 per month, depending on your website’s features.

The main downside here is that you don’t fully own your website. You have ownership of all your content, but the website is run on their platforms similar to a social media page. This means that if anything were to happen to these companies, you would lose your website.

Your second option is to build a WordPress website and buy a fitness template. This will cost you anywhere up to $100, plus the cost of your domain and web hosting. You will need some WordPress knowledge to build and maintain the website yourself.

Otherwise, you can hire someone to do it for you. You can find freelance web designers on platforms such as Upwork for anywhere up to $500.

Your final option is to hire an experienced web designer who specializes in the fitness industry. You will get a full-feature website with anything from an ecommerce store to a paid membership section. This is the most expensive option that can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Video conferencing tools for online fitness training

Video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Skype are the quickest and easiest way to hold online fitness training sessions. They are simple to use and allow you to stay in touch with clients from anywhere in the world.

Benefits of video conferencing tools for online fitness training

Zoom and Skype are user friendly tools that are simple to download and install. Most people are already familiar with them in their own line of work.

Zoom lets you schedule meetings in minutes and invite people to join them by simply clicking a link. This means that your workout sessions can be accessed from any device.

Zoom has a free version that enables unlimited 1-on-1 sessions. You can also host up to 100 participants in a single session for a maximum of 40 minutes.

Zoom allows you to share your screen for any detailed presentations or consultations. If you hold group sessions, your clients can also interact with each other for additional motivation and support.

You’re also able to record your sessions and repurpose them into video content for your website or social media.

Drawbacks of video conferencing tools for online fitness training

The main drawback of using Zoom or Skype for your online fitness training is that you have to manually organize everything.

This means you have to use Word documents and PDFs to deliver workout and nutrition plans. You will also need to use spreadsheets to organize schedules and keep track of clients’ progress. This can become overwhelming as your business and client base grows.

Another downside of video conferencing tools are potential connectivity issues. Poor Wi-Fi connections can ruin a virtual workout experience.

Cost of video conferencing tools for online fitness training

Zoom and Skype offer free versions that can work fine for 1-on-1 sessions, as well as group sessions up to a certain number of people.

If you need more capacity, Zoom also offers different paid plans for up to $240 per year per license, along with other additional options.

Progressive web apps for personal trainers

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are web applications that look and feel like native mobile apps, but they run within a web browser. They are basically a mobile-optimized version of a website. This means that they are accessed via a URL just like a regular website.

Benefits of progressive web apps for personal trainers

Progressive web apps can be built to include a whole range of features necessary for running an online fitness business.

This includes a client management system that allows you to create reports and keep track of all your clients’ data. You can build custom workout programs and recipe libraries. You can also offer video on demand, as well as other tools to help your clients along their fitness journey.

Since PWAs run within a web browser, they work on any device and operating system without installation. This means they don’t need to be downloaded from an app store. They do also have the option to be installed on a device and work in full-screen mode like a native app.

An advantage of PWAs over native apps is that they are indexed by search engines and use SEO. This means they can be discovered organically. They’re also easily shared by simply providing a link.

PWAs are faster than regular websites and provide increased security with HTTPS protocol. They’re also faster and cheaper to build than a custom native app, and they don’t need to be updated.

Drawbacks of progressive web apps for personal trainers

PWAs have slower load speed, responsiveness and performance than native mobile apps. They have limited access to device features such as calendar, camera or microphone. They also cannot be integrated with other third-party apps.

PWAs have less functionality than native apps, and limited functionality when used offline. They also use more computing power and cause higher battery consumption of the device they’re used on.

Cost of developing a progressive web app

Developing a progressive web app is faster and cheaper than building a custom native app. However, you would still need to hire a development team. Building a PWA can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 or more depending on its features and complexity.

SaaS fitness platforms

There is a range of fitness tech companies on the market that offer software-as-a-service solutions for fitness businesses.

SaaS is a software licensing model in which you pay to use the cloud-based software on a subscription basis. You don’t own the software, but instead have unlimited access to it for a monthly or annual fee.

They are online platforms that provide gyms and personal trainers with tools to run their fitness business.

Benefits of SaaS fitness platforms

This type of software usually has a built-in CRM system that helps you track all your clients’ data. It reduces your administrative workload by automating processes such as scheduling and memberships.

Many fitness platforms offer workout templates you can share with your clients for specific types of exercises. This means you don’t have to create your own videos, but can use the ones they have available in their database.

They also offer workout builders that let you create custom workout plans, exercise videos and other content.

They allow for direct messaging with your clients, as well as exchange and storing of documents, photos or videos. Most of them support payment processing, so you can sell any of your content or offer monthly subscriptions.

They enable you to hold virtual 1-on-1 or group sessions. You can also record the sessions to sell them as part of your on-demand offering.

You don’t have to worry about updates or maintenance of the software, and you have access to support for any technical issues. Most of these platforms can be integrated with third-party apps.

You can also get listed as a personal trainer on some of these platforms. This means you can get discovered on the platform by potential clients who open an account.

Drawbacks of SaaS fitness platforms

Complicated interfaces with many features can be confusing for you and your clients. Some of the platforms have a steep learning curve and can be difficult to set up and get used to.

Not all platforms offer all the above-mentioned features. It’s important to research your options to find a solution that best fits your area of expertise.

Some platforms focus more on workouts and offer limited features for nutrition. Some don’t allow for third-party payment options such as PayPal or Stripe. Others don’t have scheduling features, which means you have to organize your sessions and clients on your own.

Cost of SaaS fitness platforms

SaaS fitness platforms offer different pricing depending on your number of clients. Their prices range anywhere from $5 per month for 2 clients, up to $599 per month for an unlimited number of clients.

Custom developed fitness app

Creating your own custom fitness app means hiring a team of developers to build it from scratch. This includes market research, idea validation, UX/UI design, prototyping, design and development. This is followed by testing, improvement, and regular maintenance.

Benefits of a custom fitness app

You can customize your fitness app with any type of features and branding when you build it from scratch. If well-designed and unique, a custom fitness app can set you apart from your competition.

Native apps are faster than any other solution, including websites and PWAs. They work directly on the device and make full use of its processing power. They offer the highest responsiveness and performance, which translates into a better user experience.

Native apps have access to all the device’s features and hardware, and they provide better and safer in-app payments. They can also be integrated with other third-party apps.

Drawbacks of a custom fitness app

The main drawback is that you must hire a full team of developers to build a custom fitness app. Custom app development is a longer, more complex and more expensive process than any of the other solutions we covered.

It requires a huge upfront investment without any way to test the solution until it is developed. You also need ongoing support with updates and maintenance.

Cost of developing a custom fitness app

This is by far the most expensive option for running your online fitness business. Developing a minimum viable product can cost around $25,000 to $30,000.

Developing a fitness app with a full set of features can cost anywhere from $60,000 to $160,000. This is not including the costs of regular updates and maintenance of your app.

White label apps for personal trainers

White label apps are generic apps built by development companies for a particular industry. They are then resold to other businesses that customize and brand them as their own.

Benefits of white label fitness apps

The most obvious advantage of white label apps is their cost-effectiveness. Using a white label app comes at a fraction of the cost of building your own custom app.

With a white label app, there is no need to be involved in the development and project management process. You are covered with design, quality assurance, maintenance and support. White label apps are also reliable because their code is already tried and tested.

At Lean On, we build white label fitness apps for all types of instructors and personal trainers. We’ve taken great care to develop all the necessary features you could need to run and grow your online fitness business.

Your app includes a content management system that lets you handle everything in one place. You can build custom workout and nutrition plans. You can create exercise videos, as well as live steam your workouts with a cast to TV option.

Your fitness app includes a messenger for an easy way to stay in touch with your clients.

You’re able to write blogs and share other useful content, as well as track your clients’ progress with progress images.

You can monetize your content by offering your clients subscription plans or selling videos on demand. All payments are made directly within your app.

You also get a scheduling system where clients can book workouts and sessions, all organized within an in-app calendar.

You can get your app branded, customized, and available for download on the App Store and Play Store in a matter of days.

Drawbacks of white label fitness apps

White label apps can have some drawbacks depending on the quality of the vendor that builds them.

They can have issues with code quality and offer limited functionality. They can also have limited scalability or a lack of updates that can put a ceiling on the growth of your online business.

Finally, they run the risk of being rejected from app stores if they are not adequately built and customized.

We’ve made sure to eliminate these potential challenges by building our fitness apps according to the highest industry standards.

Cost of our white label fitness apps

At Lean on, we offer three pricing plans that range from $200 to $600 per month. Learn more about all the features included in each plan by visiting our pricing page.

Choose a solution that best fits the needs of your fitness business

As you can see, there are many options available for taking your personal training business to the next level.

It’s important to determine your specific needs and budget before committing to any of the available solutions.

The goal is to choose a solution that will help you grow your fitness business, while offering the best possible experience to your clients.

The post How to Transition Your Fitness Business to a Hybrid Model appeared first on LON - App For Personal Trainers.

You may be considering a career in the fitness industry. Specifically, you want to become a personal trainer. But as you already know, it’s not enough to just learn the essential exercises and start telling people what to do.

That’s why we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you get a head start. We break down the skills, certifications, and steps needed to launch your career and become a great personal trainer. So, keep reading!

What it takes to be a personal trainer

Being a personal trainer may appear simple at first glance. You come up with a series of exercises and show your clients how to do them. Then you just stay at their side to make sure they do them correctly and motivate them to follow through. Right?

Well, it’s a bit more complex than that. A great personal trainer needs a range of skills to prosper and truly help their clients reach their fitness goals. Let’s take a look at what they are.

1. A love of fitness and helping others achieve their goals

If you want to be successful in any career choice, you need to have passion and love what you do.

You need to be a fitness enthusiast who loves working out and taking care of your own body. You should also enjoy helping others achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

Loving what you do will drive you to keep improving yourself and the services you offer. Enthusiasm tends to rub off on other people, so it will help you motivate your clients to give their best effort.

The fastest way to your own success is helping others succeed. If you can also find joy in it, this creates a positive feedback loop that benefits you both.

2. Great people skills

Being a personal trainer requires strong communication and social skills. Above all, you need to be able to listen!

The whole point of someone hiring a personal trainer is to get workout regimes and nutrition plans that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

A client may have some health issues that need to be considered, or an old injury they never completely recovered from.

You need to be able to listen and understand their particular situation. This enables you to create workout and nutrition plans that will ensure their safety and give them the best results.

The goal is to communicate well with your clients and make them feel comfortable around you. This is how you build a strong network of loyal repeat clients.

3. Educational skills

As a personal trainer, you’re also responsible for educating your clients on how to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

You need to make sure that your clients understand:

• what they are doing,
• why they are doing it,
• and the long-term benefits of their exercise plan.

Having some educational skills will be of great help. This includes being able to break things down to your clients’ level of understanding. It also means having patience until they learn and get it right.

4. Fitness skills

Personal fitness is one of those professions where you must lead by example.

Your fitness skills and knowledge must be impeccable if you’re going to instill confidence in your clients to put their trust in you.

Your fitness expertise is what you’re being paid for, so you must be and act like an expert at all times.

This is not only about knowing the physical motions of each exercise. It’s about knowing their effects on cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, strength and stamina. It’s also about being able to adjust certain workouts to your clients’ capabilities.

5. Nutrition and health knowledge

Nutrition is an indispensable part of reaching one’s fitness goals. Whether it’s losing weight, building muscle or improving overall health, nutrition is key.

Deep knowledge of nutrition will enable you to create meal plans that are best suited for your clients’ body types. Certain foods have a better effect on weight loss, while others improve muscle gain. It’s important to understand your clients’ goals and know what’s right for them.

Some of your clients will most likely be vegetarians or vegans. So, you will need to know what substitutes they can incorporate into their diets for best results.

Others will need help developing healthy eating habits to achieve long-term success.

6. Psychology knowledge

Motivation is something we all struggle with from time to time. You need to have a good grasp on human psychology to help your clients develop the right mindset to succeed.

A good understanding of psychology will also help you adapt to the different personality types of clients. Each client is unique and may need a different approach.

Some clients will be easy to work with and some will be difficult. Some will ignore your instructions and then blame you for their lack of results. Others will cancel appointments at the last minute or simply not show up.

People also have different motivations for hitting the gym. Some want to improve their health. Some want the mental benefits of a great workout. Others just want to look good. It’s important to understand where each client is coming from to be able to motivate them the right way.

Having some psychological tricks up your sleeve will make your life easier. It will enable you to get through to your clients to help them achieve the best results.

7. Business-related skills

If you wish to build your own fitness business, you will need to develop some business skills as well.

This includes the ability to:

1. network
2. sell your services to potential clients
3. market your services, build a strong online presence and a recognizable brand.

Running your own business also means you need to be able to handle money and finances. You need to balance your expenses and revenue and maintain clean records.

You will need to determine pricing of your services and handle billing. You will also need to make decisions on reinvesting your profits to grow your business.

8. Organization & time management

This is a big one. To run your own fitness business, you need to be organized and manage your time well. This includes maintaining your clients’ records and tracking their progress and overall performance.

You also need to be able to optimize your work schedule. Not only to be reliable with your appointments, but to maximize your profits as well. As in any other service-based industry, time is money.

What personal trainers do and where they work

In a nutshell, personal trainers support their clients with workout and dietary advice that is based in science. They help them achieve their fitness goals and improve the quality of their life.

Main responsibilities of a personal trainer

Your primary role as a personal trainer is to guide your clients through a workout program that is tailored to their specific fitness goals. This is most often done through one-on-one sessions.

You demonstrate how to do each exercise and then observe the client to make sure they use proper form. You also track their progress and adjust their regimes as they move closer to achieving their goals.

With a strong knowledge of nutrition and wellness, you can also create personalized meal plans. This helps accelerate your clients’ fitness goals and improves their health.

Finally, you’re there to motivate and inspire your clients to be accountable and give their best effort. You also monitor their physical condition during the workouts to ensure their safety.

Working hours & locations

Unless you’re a full-time employee at a gym or fitness center, you will rarely be working 9 to 5 as a personal trainer. The reality is, your main working hours will revolve around your clients’ schedules and availability.

This mostly means early morning sessions before regular office hours or late afternoons. It also means evening sessions when your clients get off from work, and weekends. As an independent personal trainer, you will need to use the time in between to market your services, network, and look for new clients.

As far as workplaces go, a self-employed personal trainer has the luxury of being able to work practically anywhere. Depending on the type of training you offer, you can even organize sessions out in nature or at a public park. Or you can do it in digital spaces like social media and apps.

If you have adequate space at home, you can do one-on-one sessions at your place, or you can visit your clients’ homes. As an alternative, many trainers opt to rent out a space and open their own fitness studio. Others simply work at a local gym or health center.

Last but absolutely not the least, you have the option of holding online workout sessions. In fact, the virtual fitness market is projected to grow by up to 33% annually over the next 6 years! This can be a huge opportunity to get your fitness business off the ground.

Benefits of working as a personal trainer

Working as a personal trainer can have many perks and benefits.

First of all, when you’re your own boss, you have the freedom to set your own schedule. It’s also up to you to charge how much you feel you deserve for your services.

Helping others improve their health and lifestyle can be very emotionally rewarding. The satisfaction of helping your clients reach their goals pushes you to keep improving yourself and your services.

A career as a personal trainer offers many opportunities for growth. It’s also great for meeting new people and building relationships that can benefit other areas of your life.

How to become a personal trainer

As with any other career choice, there is an ideal path and set of steps you should take if you want to become a successful personal trainer.

1. Decide what you want to specialize in

First off, you need to decide on the area of expertise you want to focus on.

This can be anything from yoga and pilates to bodybuilding, performance training or sports nutrition.

Focusing on a specific niche can be much more lucrative than offering one-size-fits-all fitness programs.

2. Decide what kind of programs you want to offer

Next, you should decide whether you want to hold one-on-one sessions or group sessions up to a certain number of people.

You can also choose to offer weekly, monthly, or longer workout and nutrition programs.

3. Decide what kind of clients you want to have

Knowing what type of clients you want to focus on will make it easier to create tailored workout and nutrition plans. It’s also easier to market your services when you know your ideal customer.

You can work with younger people, seniors, athletes, or people who want to lose weight. You can also work with special groups such as prenatal or postpartum women.

4. Decide where and how you want to work

This can be any place ranging from your local gym or health center to various bootcamps or fitness studios. You can also work outdoors, at your place or at your clients’, as well as online.

5. Find quality courses and educate yourself

Once you have decided on all the above, it’s time to get busy studying and expanding your knowledge.

If you have the time, you can get a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, physical education or exercise science.

If not, there are various online courses for personal trainers where you can learn everything you need to get started.

6. Find a mentor

Finding someone to mentor you is the best way to hone your skills and gain valuable experience.

You can ask to volunteer at the local gym or fitness center where you usually work out. This is a great approach if you already know the people who work there.

Shadowing experienced trainers can give you great insight into the tricks of the trade.

7. Get certified

There is no legal requirement to have a university degree or a certificate to help people achieve their fitness goals.

But as in any other line of work, it’s a matter of credibility and upholding industry standards.

Having an accredited certification will legitimize your personal training services. More importantly, it will open many other employment opportunities in the fitness industry.

Corporate gym chains, health centers and cruise ships only hire certified personal trainers. If you decide not to get certified, you will be limiting your employment options to a great degree.

8. Create a business plan

If your goal is to launch your own fitness business, it is crucial that you come up with a solid business plan first.

This includes:

• analyzing your competition,
• defining the prices of the services you plan to offer,
• defining your ideal customer and how you plan to reach them,
• developing an actionable marketing plan,
• determining your costs and expenses and how many clients you need to land to break even or make a profit,
• making an honest assessment of the risk involved.

9. Develop your personal brand

Building an online presence and marketing your services is much more effective when you create a personal brand.

Invest in a professional logo and an attractive website. Dedicate time to building a strong social media presence.

It’s important to be consistent and engage with your audience as much as you can.

10. Execute

Building a business relies on the same principles as achieving your fitness goals.

You need to stay focused on your goal, be consistent, and follow through on your plans even when it gets tough!

How to get certified as a personal trainer

A certificate proves that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective fitness programs to your clients.

Prerequisites to apply for certification

You need to:

1. be 18 years or older
2. have a high school diploma or GED
3. possess Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CRP) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certifications. You can get these certifications through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Available personal trainer certifications

There are several ways to get certified and a range of professional associations that offer personal training certification. It’s important to understand the difference between them before deciding which one to pursue.

The available certification options include:

1. A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a university
2. A vocational college course
3. Certification from an organization that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)
4. Unaccredited online courses
5. Unaccredited gym programs that train you for employment at their facilities

Many people don’t have the time and resources to get a degree or take a vocational college course. If you’re among them, it’s best to get certified through one of the following accredited personal trainer organizations:

• The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
• The American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Fitness Mentors (FM)
• National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
• National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT)
• National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

How long it takes to get certified as a personal trainer

Getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a university takes 4 to 6 years. A vocational college course can last anywhere between 6 months and 2 years. So, your best option is to get certified through one of the accredited bodies we listed above.

Depending on the certification you’re aiming for, you should set aside at least 3 to 6 months to prepare for the exam. This means you should plan on dedicating up to 100 hours of effective preparation.

Before you buy and schedule any of the exams, consider how much time you can dedicate to studying. Take into account your other obligations before deciding and be honest with yourself. Most of the exams have an expiration date from the day that you make a purchase.

So, you want to make sure to give yourself enough time to study. The last thing you want to do is waste money on an exam you don’t end up passing.

Time requirements for the certification exams

• NASM: You must complete the exam in under six months from the date of purchase.
• NFPT: You must pass the exam within 1 year after making the purchase.
• ACE: You can schedule the test within 6 months of your purchase date, but you must complete it before the end of 9 months.
• NSCA: You must take the exam within 120 days after registering.
• FITNESS MENTORS: The recommended study time for this certification is 80 hours.
• NCSF: You must complete the exam in under 6 months from the date of purchase.
• NCCPT: The recommended study time for this certification is 80-100 hours.
• NESTA: You must pass the exam within 90 days of making the purchase.
• ACSM: Available options include exam terms of 3, 6, 12, or 24 months.

Employment options for certified personal trainers

When job hunting as a personal trainer, you should first decide on the type of setting that works best for you. Then, decide whether you want to hold one-on-one sessions or larger group classes. Finally, consider the available pay ranges offered by different employers.

The median annual income of personal trainers in the US is close to $60K. The top 10% of personal trainers make over $80K per year.

There are many different employment options you can consider as a personal trainer. Below are some of the most popular ones.

Commercial gyms

Large, corporate gym chains such as 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness and Gold’s Gym are always accepting applications for new personal trainers.

If you’re certified, this is the fastest route to employment, but also offers the lowest rates.

Corporate fitness

Various companies specialize in providing personal training packages for businesses and corporations. You can work with corporate employees to help them overcome the health challenges of a sedentary lifestyle.

Hospitals and healthcare centers

As a certified personal trainer, you can work at healthcare facilities with people who are recovering from severe injuries or illnesses that require rehabilitation.

Local community centers

These are great places where you can get in touch with local clubs that are in search of personal trainers for their group activities.

Fitness studios

Small, privately owned fitness studios are a great place to work if you prefer working one-on-one or holding smaller group sessions.

Country clubs and resorts

Top tier country clubs and resorts offer personal training services to their guests as part of their all-inclusive packages. They can be a nice opportunity for you to work in a fancy, high-class setting.

Cruise ships

Are you feeling adventurous and willing to spend a few months at a time away from home? A cruise ship could be a great option to work as a certified personal trainer.

Self-employment

For most personal trainers, this is the ultimate goal. With an accredited certificate, the right set of business skills and adequate resources, you can very well make it your primary goal.

How to grow your fitness business

Are you ready to embark on the journey of building your own personal trainer business? You can increase your chances of success by focusing your time and effort on activities that will make the biggest impact.

1. Build your personal brand and a strong online presence.
2. Build your network of clients at various gyms and on social media. Consider teaming up with other fitness brands and professionals for cross-promotion opportunities.
3. Do your best to create satisfied clients. Offer them referral programs to recommend you to their acquaintances. This is a great way to attract new clients.
4. Offer at-home training sessions to clients who like working out at home but prefer the presence and support of a personal trainer.
5. Offer your training on the go with your own branded fitness app.
6. Automate your processes and scale your business.

Seize the opportunity and launch your personal trainer career the right way

Personal fitness is becoming essential for an increasing number of people. They are also moving away from the traditional fitness venues such as gyms and wellness centers. Instead, they are turning to personalized workout programs that are accessible on the go wherever they are.

There is great opportunity in becoming part of the rapidly growing fitness industry. However, you should do it wisely and well prepared. It may look easy at first glance. But it takes constant self-development, dedication, and adaptation to industry trends and changes.

The post How to Become a Personal Trainer: An In-Depth Guide appeared first on LON - App For Personal Trainers.

The fitness industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and it can be difficult to stand out and cut through all the noise on your own. So, partnering up with brands in a mutually beneficial relationship can provide you with some extra credibility and exposure, and give you the boost you need to rise above your competition.

What Is a Fitness Brand Ambassador?

Being a brand ambassador is similar to influencer marketing, but it takes it a step further. While influencer marketing boils down to short-term collaborations that include paid posts and promotions, becoming a fitness brand ambassador is an opportunity to become the face of the brand you’re teaming up with.

It involves establishing a long-term relationship based on shared values to achieve mutual growth, while embodying and maintaining the brand identity of the company you are promoting.

The fitness world is full of interesting products that you can promote. It can be anything from smart watches and gadgets that measure your heart rate, cycling and running apps, earbuds, weights and workout equipment, to supplements, sports and training gear, or massage guns for post-workout recovery. And that is only scratching the surface.

As a fitness brand ambassador, you’re practically a combination of a sales representative and a spokesperson, but also a direct user of the products you are promoting.

This puts you in a unique position to reap the benefits of using the products yourself, as well as to share first-hand experiences, quality insights and recommendations that provide tried and tested value to your own followers on social media and beyond.

A brand ambassador’s role is to boost brand awareness through word-of-mouth marketing, to engage their followers on social media and build hype around the products, as well as to promote the brand at any events within the fitness community.

There are many brand ambassador programs out there, with different types of arrangements that benefit both the company as well as their representative. If the terms of the ambassadorship are set up correctly, it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.

How Does Becoming a Fitness Brand Ambassador Help You Grow Your Own Personal Brand?

Obviously, the first question that comes to mind is, what’s in it for you? Well, it depends on the company you decide to team up with, but it can include any of the following, and more.

Financial Compensation

For starters, it’s a direct way to earn money from your own social media following. Different brands offer different means of compensation for their brand ambassadors.

It can be a salary, a fixed-term contract, sponsorship deals, affiliate marketing commissions, or simply compensation in the form of free products that you are promoting.

Special Perks

Striking up an exclusive brand ambassador deal can also bring with it some unique perks, which can even extend to your nearest and dearest. Some companies offer personal discount codes you can share with your friends and family. Others give you free stuff, exclusive event invitations or insider access.

Some give you the opportunity to be the first to get your hands on the newest products before the general public, or even to participate in their testing and development.

Increased Exposure and Publicity

Being a brand ambassador involves writing blogs, creating social media posts, product reviews, photos, videos and other types of content for the brand that you are promoting. In addition to your own fitness services and content, promoting other products or brands gives you an opportunity to offer additional value to your followers, and even expand your reach to a new broader audience.

You help each other build social currency, because as you promote the brand you’re partnering with, they also promote you. As you grow, they grow, and vice versa.

Networking Opportunities

Many brands organize different promotional events, contests, product launches, parties and gatherings, both in-person as well as virtually. And who’s going to be one of their VIP guests? The face of their brand, of course.

An exclusive brand ambassador deal can open many doors for you, and broaden your social and professional network tremendously.

Valuable Experience and Credibility

There’s no industry in the world that doesn’t value the power of a strong portfolio. A successful brand ambassadorship can not only provide you with immediate benefits and gains, but it can also be leveraged for your future success.

A proven track record as a brand ambassador is a valuable addition to your resume, and it will increase your chances of securing future contracts and collaborations with other brands.

So, now that you know all this, we have a very special offer to make you!

Become the Exclusive “Lean On Brand Ambassador for 2022”!

At Lean On Digital, we create white label fitness apps for all types of instructors, personal trainers and fitness professionals.

We are looking to partner up with a dedicated fitness professional with an established social media following, who is passionate about growing their online fitness business further and taking their brand to the next level.

We wish to establish an exclusive brand ambassador deal with an individual who will become an advocate for the Lean On Digital brand, who will promote us across their social media and other channels related to the fitness industry, and help our brand grow together with their own.

In return, we will build you your very own branded fitness app for iOS and Android, along with a 2-year Premium plan contract that includes early access to new features and a paid app launch campaign!

If you think we’re a match, join our contest for a chance to become the “Lean On Brand Ambassador for 2022”.

Apply now

The post Become a Fitness Brand Ambassador and Grow Your Own Personal Brand! appeared first on LON - App For Personal Trainers.

In this article, you will find the ultimate guide for promoting your Online Fitness Business on TikTok.

So, you’ve set up your online fitness business, created your Instagram page or YouTube channel, uploaded your videos and tutorials, and the money should be pouring in like a tropical rainstorm. Right?

Unfortunately, like many fitness professionals who are trying to grow their online business, you may have started to realize that it’s not as easy finding and landing new clients as you may have initially thought. You’re not alone here.

But no need to get doomy and gloomy, because the online fitness market is actually experiencing a staggering growth rate.

The Online Fitness Industry Is Projected to Grow by Up To 33% Annually Over the Next 6 Years!

The global online fitness industry is currently worth over $10.7 billion, and it has grown an astounding 77.3% since 2019 before the pandemic. It is projected to continue growing at a yearly rate of up to 33% to reach a total worth of $59 billion by 2027.

Statistics and research indicate that since the beginning of 2020 until now, in the US alone, the demand for personal trainers and nutritionists has gone up by 47.5%. At the same time, the number of physically active adults who have switched over to online fitness content and subscriptions for their daily workouts has grown by a whopping 134.7%.

That’s where you come in! You just have to tap into the right online channels to promote your fitness business and get your cut of all that cash.

But you’ll have to get a little creative to stand out from the crowd, in order to reach the right people and draw them in to actually pay for the expertise you have to offer.

Meet TikTok!

If you’re new to TikTok, it has taken the world by storm in recent years as one of the fastest-growing social media platforms with an estimated 732 million active users. This is not including China, which has its own version of the app called Douyin.

It is also the most downloaded app for the second year running with a total of around 2.6 billion downloads worldwide, beating out all the other most popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Some view it as the successor of the old Vine app, because it’s designed for creating short looping videos with special effects and graphics, with mostly funny, playful and entertaining content.

TikTok can be an absolute monster for boosting your brand’s reach, so in this article we’re going to cover what TikTok is all about and what type of audience you can reach on it.

We’ll also go over some useful features of this growing social media platform, some tips and tricks you can use to make your videos captivating and entertaining, as well as some specific ideas for your next video to promote your online Fitness Business on TikTok.

Let’s go!

So, Who Can You Find on TikTok?

When the app first came out globally as TikTok back in 2017, its main target audience and early adopters were teens and tweens. In other words, users between the ages of 10 – 19, and this has remained its reputation to this day as a social media platform for young people.

However, TikTok’s demographics have slowly changed over the last few years and it has seen a rapid growth of older users across the world.

There are a few different estimates of the distribution of TikTok users in the US in 2021, and they range as follows:

• The initial user group of ages 10 – 19 now makes up 25% – 32.5% of total US users,
• Ages 20 – 29 make up 22.4% – 29.5%,
• Ages 30 – 39 make up 16.4% – 21.7%,
• Ages 40 – 49 make up 13.9% – 20.3%,
• Users over the age of 50 account for between 7.1% and nearly 11% of total US users.

So, the youngest audience still makes up the majority of the total US users on TikTok. If you’re able to produce fun content that can get them to fall in love with you, you have a potential source of young followers and perhaps even future clients.

But as you can see, all the other age groups are not far behind and are now also represented in similar numbers. This means that the TikTok market has opened up to a whole range of businesses that now have a chance to reach older audiences with less competition.

And you know what? Not that many of them are doing it yet, because they’re still under the impression that TikTok is just for kids.

That’s your chance! Jumping in right now as a fitness professional, personal trainer or nutritionist could actually mean getting a good head start on a lot of your competition.

TikTok’s Features for Creators

At first glance, TikTok appears similar to many of the other social media platforms out there, and in many ways it is. But it also has a few advanced features that make it stand apart.

Video Creation

Videos are the core of TikTok’s platform. You can record your videos directly within the app, or you can upload videos that you’ve created and edited outside of TikTok. The maximum length of videos used to be 15 seconds, then it grew to 60 seconds, and as of this year you can create videos up to 3 minutes long.

Video Editing

You have a whole range of editing tools available that let you flip, crop or rotate your videos, as well as change their playback speed. You also have a huge soundtrack library available to add background music and sound effects to all your videos.

Filters and Effects

TikTok’s video editor also has a ton of fun filters and visual effects that you can add to your videos, from stickers and animations, to filters that add virtual elements to your face or change your physical appearance.

Likes and Comments

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, and it works just like on any other social media platform. The more people like and comment on your content, the better your reach and chances of going viral.

Social Sharing

TikTok has a built-in feature that lets you link all your social media channels. It’s a great tool for easily sharing all your videos everywhere else you may have a personal profile or business page.

Hashtags

You can use hashtags on TikTok the same way as on other platforms, but here they have another function as well. People mostly use them to tag other users and invite them to participate in different challenges and trends.

Reaction Videos

This is probably one of TikTok’s most interesting features. It lets you watch another video and record your own reaction to it directly within the app. The result is that your video includes the recording of the original video as you are watching it, so everyone can see it along with your reaction.

Duets

This is also one of TikTok’s most popular features. It lets you create a shared video with anyone on the app where you both appear side by side on the same screen. The biggest benefit of this feature is that you both practically share your followers with each other and can potentially double your reach.

More on some ideas with these last two features further below, so keep reading.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Creating TikTok Videos for Your Fitness Business?

Seeing as how TikTok is a fast-paced platform with a seemingly endless amount of content being created daily, it’s just too easy for users to swipe to watch the next video. So, there’s a few things you should take into consideration when creating your fitness content if you want it to perform well on TikTok.

Grab the Viewer’s Attention in the First 3 Seconds

TikTok has more than 1 billion video views every day! Yup, you read that correctly. One billion, one day. This means that you have to get your viewers hooked within the first 3 seconds of your video or they’re gone.

Keep It Short

Let’s be real. Most people’s attention spans these days have become shorter than a snake’s legs. It’s not necessarily anyone’s fault, it just seems to be the result of the overstimulating online world we have created with so many distractions. So, although TikTok has increased its video length limit to 3 minutes, you want to keep most of your videos in the goldilocks zone between 20 and 40 seconds.

Sure, 3-minute videos can be great for demonstrating a particular workout routine or sharing a nutrition plan with those who already follow you, but if you’re trying to build your audience and want to maximize your reach, shorter videos are the way to go. They’re more consumable and easily shared, and they have a much better chance of increasing your exposure.

Be Authentic

Don’t be a rip-off or a copycat. If you lack originality, you’ll have a harder time standing out from all the other fitness brands competing for your potential clients’ attention. TikTok’s algorithm also loves and promotes unique content and authentic creators who bring something different to the table.

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

While other platforms may require you to maintain a professional image and reputation, TikTok is a great place where you can let your guard down, be yourself, and even get silly. Many “serious” companies are picking up on this opportunity to show a different, behind-the-scenes side of themselves with relaxed and quirky videos of their employees and office antics. It’s a great chance for people to see you as approachable and relatable.

If You’re Funny, Let It Shine!

If you have it, a great sense of humor is your biggest advantage on TikTok, because most people on the platform are just looking for a good laugh. Everyone knows that being funny is one of the most useful personality traits you can have. It’s why the least handsome dude in the room, but who can make people roll on the floor laughing, can get a date with a girl way out of his league. People love to laugh. Period.

Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s Some Trendy Ideas for Your Next Fitness TikTok Video

TikTok is all about trends. If you can be quick to identify new trends and catch a ride on them, the sky could be the limit for your fitness content. For starters, give some of these ideas a shot.

Yup, Nope Videos

These are videos in which you react to different things that you mention or show in the video with “yup” and “nope”. They could be simply stickers with certain words, photos or short videos. A great idea for a fitness “Yup, nope” video could be different dos and don’ts of fitness or nutrition. It could be the dos and don’ts of particular exercises, good vs. bad form, or anything similar.

Before and After Videos

TikTok has a popular “morph” feature that lets you combine photos by morphing them into each other and creating a single video. It can be awesome for creating impressive and inspiring before-and-after videos of your clients, or even of your own fitness journey. You can also share and create videos of your own life before and after starting your online fitness business.

Get to Know Me Videos

Don’t be afraid to show your true colors on TikTok. The most successful content on the platform are videos in which people are silly, poke fun at themselves, and let people get to know them. You can address a common question you may get a lot, or joke about a celebrity lookalike if you have one, or simply share some cool stuff about yourself and your fitness journey.

Videos on Trending Topics

TikTok has a Discover page, similar to the Explore page on Instagram. Go to the Discover page and check out which hashtags are currently trending, and then try to incorporate that topic into your own fitness style or a creative workout video. If you can jump on the wave of a trending hashtag, it can greatly increase the chances of your video going viral. That’s the ultimate goal!

Dance Videos

Let’s face it, TikTok is mostly about entertainment. You’ve probably seen dance videos of just about anybody, from doctors and nurses in hospitals to your neighbor’s grandma. If you can combine your own unique workout moves with a killer tune, or even mix it up with some sizzling dance moves, there’s a pretty good chance people will love it.

Challenge Videos

Participate in fitness, dance, or any other types of challenges. Most TikTok challenges come with their own specific hashtags, so you can always find what’s currently hot and create a video with your own personal spin on it. Or better yet, come up with your own unique challenge and start a new trend!

Reaction Videos

You know better than anyone that there’s an incredible amount of false information floating around on the internet when it comes to fitness and nutrition. There are tons of self-proclaimed gurus sharing useless and even harmful advice with people who don’t know any better. If you’re an expert in your field, you can create reaction videos to set the record straight on what works and what doesn’t, what’s good and bad workout form, good and bad nutrition advice, and so on.

Duets

As already mentioned, the Duet feature lets you create split-screen videos with other TikTok users with both of you side by side in the same video. This can be a great tool for doing collabs with other fitness professionals, synchronized workout routines, or simply exchanges of useful information.

How Can You Increase the Chances of Your Fitness Videos on TikTok Going Viral?

Everybody’s dream is to trick any platform’s algorithm into getting their videos to go viral. But there’s a key difference between TikTok and other platforms. While YouTube and Instagram have a few different algorithms controlling the content flow on different parts of their platforms, TikTok only has one.

This means that it’s currently easier to make a video go viral on TikTok than on any other social media platform out there. It’s also because the algorithm shows your videos to a wider range of users than just your followers or even your primary target audience.

This is one of the ways the algorithm actually tests out users’ engagement to see what they like and don’t like, by always offering them something new along with the regular type of content it already knows they like and engage with.

If your content is fun and captivating and new people react to it positively, either by liking or watching your video till the end without swiping to the next one, TikTok’s algorithm will automatically start showing it to more new people. The more people engage with your video, the more new people it will continue showing it to on the “For You” section of their newsfeeds.

If you can tap into such a positive loop, it can skyrocket your video views, get you more likes and followers, and increase your brand’s reach tremendously.

Use Famous Soundtracks

Using trending songs in your videos can increase your views significantly, because TikTok’s algorithm has an automatic listing of the tracks’ names underneath your videos. Oftentimes, one video with a particular song or sound effect goes viral, and then more people start creating their own version of a video with that song. If TikTok’s algorithm sees that people are engaging with videos with a particular song, there’s a greater chance it will show them your video as well if you use it.

Create Catchy Standalone Content

All of your videos should be watchable and shareable as standalone content. Many creators have shared their experiences that TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t seem to prefer serial videos on the same topic where you have to watch the entire series in order to understand each video. Each video should make sense on its own, even if it is part of a series.

Use Vertical Videos

Creating videos in portrait mode is a huge recommendation, because it has practically become the norm. With the complete takeover by smartphones when it comes to consuming online content, horizontal landscape videos are slowly becoming a thing of the past. So, forget about turning your phone sideways.

Cross-Promote

Make use of TikTok’s built-in feature that lets you directly link your Instagram, YouTube channel and other social media platforms. You can increase your reach significantly by easily sharing all your TikTok content on other platforms where you have an account.

Collaborate With Others

Consider teaming up with other personal trainers, nutritionists, fitness models, influencers, supplement brands, or even clothing companies. Just make sure to do some analysis on the demographics of their audience. If you’re going to be promoting your fitness business and services to their audience, you want to make sure it fits well into your own primary target group.

Learn From Other Fitness Professionals Who Have Achieved TikTok Success

There are already many great examples of fitness success stories on TikTok. Study their profiles a bit to see what type of content they’re creating. Some of the names you should definitely check out are Demi Bagby, Antonie Lokhorst, Ulisses World, Jennifer Tavernier, Rebecca Louise, and Stevie Prince. Look them up on TikTok, and you’ll notice that they all share different types of fitness and nutrition content with their own unique style that makes their followers love them. Try to find out what ideas could work for you, but make sure to give them your own special touch.

Well, There You Have It!

We’ve gone over many useful things to consider if you want to use TikTok to promote your fitness business, expand your reach and get new clients. It’s up to you decide if it’s the right fit for you, and all that’s left to do is sign up for an account and start creating content.

There is one more thing you can do as a fitness professional to monetize your expertise and take your online fitness business to the next level.

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