While the most salacious secrets are whispered under high school bleachers, the most lucrative ones are sitting just below this paragraph — so lean in and listen closely as we give you the lowdown on the industry’s top 3 secrets to making more money as a certified PT.
1. Master Your Craft and Commit to Growth
In the fitness world, being a great personal trainer goes way beyond counting reps and spotting squats. You need to constantly improve — both as a coach and as a professional. Here’s how you stay ahead of the pack:
- Keep Learning: This industry changes fast. New workouts, new science, new trends. The more you know, the more you can help your clients crush their goals. Whether it’s new certifications, workshops, or just geeking out on the latest research, staying sharp is key. Your clients will feel the difference, and they’ll stick around because you bring fresh knowledge to the table.
- Show Up with a Work Ethic: Nobody respects a trainer who just coasts through. Be the one who’s always there, working hard, and totally engaged. Your energy sets the tone. You don’t have to be loud or obnoxious about it, but if your clients see you grinding and hustling for their progress, they’ll work just as hard. It’s about showing them you're in it 100%.
- Sell Like a Pro (Without Being Sleazy): We all know selling can feel awkward, but it’s part of the game. It’s not about hard selling, though; it’s about being good at explaining why people need you. Build real connections, listen to what your clients actually need, and then offer the right solutions. It’s just being confident in what you bring to the table. You’re the expert — so don’t be shy about it.
2. Get Results and Build Trust
Results speak louder than anything. Your clients’ progress is like your resume, portfolio, and referral system all rolled into one. So, make it count:
- Make it Personal: No one-size-fits-all here. Every client is unique, and if you treat them like they’re on some cookie-cutter plan, they’ll notice. Create programs that speak directly to their goals and challenges, and make sure they feel like they’re getting custom care. The more personalized you are, the better their results.
- Track It and Celebrate Wins: Keep track of everything — progress photos, weight lifted, milestones hit. And don’t be afraid to celebrate those wins! Even the small stuff matters. It’s motivating for them and shows you’re invested in their success. Plus, when they’re killing it, you’ll have plenty of success stories to share.
- Referrals, Baby!: When your clients are happy, they talk. Whether it’s to their friends, coworkers, or random gym-goers asking how they got in shape, word of mouth is your best marketing tool. Deliver results, and you’ll have an army of walking advertisements.
3. Price Smarter, Not Harder
Making more money doesn’t always mean working more hours. You need to work smarter with your pricing and client management. Here’s how to make your time (and expertise) worth more:
- Time to Up Your Rates: If you’re fully booked and still have people on a waitlist, it’s a sign you’re probably undercharging. Don’t be afraid to bump those rates up. It positions you as more exclusive, and let’s be real, you’re worth it. Your time is valuable, and people will pay for it — especially if there’s a line to work with you.
- Make the Waitlist Work for You: A waitlist isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s leverage. When demand is high, use that to justify a price increase. Give your current clients a heads-up about the upcoming rate change and offer them the chance to lock in the current rates before the bump. It shows you appreciate their loyalty while still capitalizing on your growing value.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, making more money as a personal trainer boils down to mastering your skills, delivering undeniable results, and being smart about how you manage your time and pricing. Focus on growth — for both yourself and your clients. When they win, you win. And remember, being passionate about what you do will naturally attract more clients and more success. Keep hustling, keep learning, and keep leveling up your business.