Many people head to the gym or a private studio to get their workouts in, but what if you could bring them to the customer? Mobile fitness businesses are increasing in popularity as people want the convenience of at-home exercise.
What does this mean for wellness enthusiasts with an entrepreneurial spirit? If a mobile fitness gig sounds up your alley, here are five steps for starting this business.
1. Find A Niche
While mobile fitness businesses may be sparse in your area, you likely aren’t the only personal trainer offering services. These fitness professionals have developed a reputation and acquired clientele in the city, so how can you stand out?
The best way to attract customers is to find a niche and hone in on it with your marketing. For example, your selling point could be specializing in fitness for women or older adults. Do your sessions focus on cardio, strength training or both? Some clients may desire morning yoga before going to work. Market research is critical at this stage because it will give you an idea of what clients want.
2. Acquire Your Equipment
After determining your niche, it’s time to gather equipment. Your targeted exercises will significantly influence your fitness tools, but there are some things you’ll need for any session.
For example, portable mats are a versatile tool for cardio, strength training, yoga and other fitness regimens. Foam rollers are another option for functional equipment, as they’ll assist your clients with post-workout recovery.
Resistance training should include dumbbells because they offer freedom and flexibility and are easy to transport between sessions. Strength training can also include resistance bands, kettlebells and other easy-to-manage equipment. Trainers should keep a plentiful cleaning supply to cleanse everything between clients.
3. File The Necessary Paperwork
Paperwork may seem time-consuming and tedious, but it’s integral for starting any company. First, you’ll likely need to acquire a business license, depending on how you set up your operation. The city and state where you operate will also determine how much the license costs, with the average between $50 and a few hundred dollars.
Regardless of the licensing requirements, you should pay close attention to the insurance element of a mobile fitness business. Liability insurance should be your first objective because it protects you if something happens to a client, such as an injury. While personal trainers obtaining liability insurance is standard in the industry, you should ensure your coverage lets you conduct business in clients’ homes.
Additionally, opening a separate bank account for your mobile fitness business is wise to make tax records easier to track. Consult an attorney to draw up client contracts, ensuring you and your customers know what to expect in each session.
4. Prep Your Vehicle
A mobile fitness business requires a car to deliver home services for clients. Prioritize prepping your vehicle because you’ll need it daily, regardless of how far you drive. It will carry you and all the equipment you need for your sessions, so regular inspection is essential for smooth rides every time. For example, keep your tire pressure between 32 and 35 pounds per square inch (psi) and check fluid levels.
If you have a lot of equipment, consider using a trailer for hauling. Your fitness materials will weigh down your car, compromising fuel efficiency and making your vehicle work harder. For a small mobile fitness business, an enclosed trailer is typically best as they provide versatility and safety, protecting items from the weather and preventing them from falling out on the highway.
5. Stay Current With Marketing Tactics
Mobile fitness businesses are more challenging to advertise because you don’t have a physical location with signs. Pedestrians can’t walk by your business as they peruse other stores, so you’ll need to get creative with your marketing tactics.
Social media should be your primary focus for marketing because most websites let you sign up for free and are easy to use. Research shows over 4.5 billion people use social media, so investing time into making posts will pay off. Ask your clients if they want to be a part of your videos so prospective customers can watch a typical session.
Take advantage of the various apps to broaden your reach. For example, YouTube is an excellent website for long-form content if you want to make instructional videos. TikTok is better for short videos and is easier for reaching people directly. Plus, it’s one of the fastest-growing social media apps, with 1.1 billion users worldwide.
Starting Your Mobile Fitness Business On The Right Foot
Many people want to exercise but don’t know where to start or have enough time for the gym. This demand creates an opportunity for health and wellness enthusiasts wanting to start a mobile fitness business. Before starting, check out these five tips for launching your next successful enterprise.
Author Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about health, fitness and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work.
