Online personal trainer

People who want structure and accountability but prefer flexibility, including shift workers, parents and those living far from a good trainer.

Monthly coaching fees for programme and check-ins, plus higher priced live video sessions. You can serve more clients per hour than in person, but you need to attract them online.

• Recognised fitness qualification
• Clear written and spoken communication
• Programme design
• Basic social media and marketing

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance that covers online coaching, so check the policy wording
• Check client health screening and how you handle injuries or medical conditions remotely
• Take care with claims about results in your marketing, and check advertising rules
• Client health data needs careful handling, so check your data protection and privacy duties
• Standing out online takes time, so expect slower early growth

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on your qualification, software and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at £300 to £3,000, depending on how many clients you coach. Early growth can be slower.

Check that your professional indemnity and public liability insurance covers online coaching, and read the policy wording. Also check client health screening, how you handle injuries remotely, advertising rules on results claims, and your data protection duties for health information.

You need a recognised fitness qualification, clear written and spoken communication, programme design and basic social media marketing. Estimates suggest from around 6 hours a week. Standing out online takes time, so expect slower early growth.