How to Turn Your Physical Therapy and Fitness Instruction Skills Into a Profitable Business

Most individuals who invest in certification in the physical training and fitness industries do so because they are passionately invested in helping other achieve increased strength, flexibility, energy and satisfaction. In short they are enthusiastic about giving clients the gift of optimal health. Yet for the thousands who pursue a career of this sort, the question remains: how do I gain sufficient credibility to build a large client base without owning my own expensive gym, books or workout videos like the fitness juggernauts we see out there in the media? Below, we provide the top two fears for fitness entrepreneurs and the facts to supersede them to get your career booming!

FEAR: "What if I can't get clients in this economy to invest in big-ticket training packages?"

FACT: Taking care of one's physical health is not just a pampering treat but an indispensable investment. New clients, on the other hand, might need to see some stone cold facts to convince them. So educate clients on the importance of your services and use these little gems in your next business brochure or newsletter:

• More than 85% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight

• Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as routinely active people

• Approximately 20% of cancer in women and 15% in men are attributable to obesity

• Annually, there are 300,000 U.S. deaths due to obesity-related complications; one out of every eight deaths is caused by an illness directly related to being overweight or obese

• Forty-five states allow health insurers to use health status and obesity as a factor to deny coverage or raise premiums

• Severely overweight and obese children often suffer from depression, low self-esteem and isolation from peers

• Overweight people earn 1-6% less than non-overweight in comparable positions

Finally, remind potential clients that the MORE they invest in preventative care such as a fitness regimen, the MORE they will save on medications and in hospitals! Holistic business focuses on supporting individuals to achieve optimal health and well-being. Holistic business is a billion dollar industry, and fitness comprises a massive portion of this booming industry.

FEAR: "I'm worried that I won't be able to make a name for myself in the fitness industry without the credibility of a million dollar facility!"

FACT: It is hugely possible to carve out a profitable stake in the industry and go up against the gym giants! Use the following tips and data to motivate you to create the fitness business of your dreams:

With an estimated 84% of Americans not belonging to a gym, there remains a huge opportunity to attract and gain new members to creative fitness clubs.

Currently the largest sector of growth in the fitness industry is the 'small gym' category, notably '24-hour key-card' gyms that can be accessed by patrons at any time. These 'express' gyms are usually between 2,500-5,000 square feet, near office spaces, or in smaller communities. Since patrons and trainers can access these gyms personally (similar to a gym in a residence), the low overhead often means lower membership costs and franchise opportunities. Not only do 'turn-key' gyms offer convenience, they also provide a low cost location for professionals to train their clients.

Another important trend in gyms is the increase in 'niche fitness centers' that target very specific populations that aren't attracted by larger companies (the most notable example being Curves). The plus side to these environments is their intimate and non-threatening nature; and because they attract a demographic that has been generally ignored by the industry at large, there is an enthusiastic, built in audience.

Consider researching the niche gyms in your area. Look at the clients they serve (such as seniors, pregnant women, etc.) and consider creating a service package around that profile. What if you offered to bundle your services with a local niche gym, so that every one of their members received a discount off of a personal training package with you (such as "Augment your fitness! Add a personal training session to your membership at half off!") These gyms don't typically have in house trainers, so you are providing a service to them that doesn't already exist.