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Making six digits is a financial milestone akin to your first paycheck and finally filling your piggy bank up to its snout. But how attainable is that goal in the fitness industry? $100,000 is a big number. A number more often seen on odometers at used car lots than in a personal trainer’s bank account. In fact, the average certified personal trainer salary in the US is only 40,000. But before you get discouraged, remember that you're not the average personal trainer.

The average personal trainer is half-heartedly counting reps and dismissing their clients’ needs. You are reading, learning, practicing, and improving. Because of that, making a six-figure salary isn't only doable, it's inevitable if you take the right actions.

So, why do so many personal trainers fall short of their financial goals? And how do we make sure we're not one of them? Let's get into it.

1. Leaving a box gym too soon.

You'll always hear the statistic about 80% of trainers giving up after the first year. And it's not for the reasons you think. They don't quit. Actually, it's the opposite. They reach for too much too soon.

Once you find your rhythm working for a big gym, it's tempting to go solo. But going solo too soon is what costs most people. Until you're the best at your gym and understand how to build a business, get leads, and close sales, it's okay to work for someone else.

Big gyms provide resources and clients. Stepping away too soon means losing that support.

2. Not knowing the math.

If you want to make 100k per year, you need to know how you'll get there. How many clients would you need? How many leads would you need to get those clients? How many sessions or packages would you need to sell? What would you need to charge?

This might sound overwhelming at first, but this is the mindset you need to adopt if you want to be a high earner in this field. Remember, you’re not just training people; you’re running a business. You need to know when to put down the barbell and pick up the calculator.

3. Scared to sell.

You can't be scared to sell. Sales are the lifeblood of your business. Instead of seeing it as a chore, view it as an opportunity to connect with clients and show them how your services can improve their lives. This mindset shift will make all the difference in your income.

4. Not building a personal brand.

A strong personal brand sets you apart from the competition and draws clients to you. Building a brand isn't just about social media followers—it's about reputation, client testimonials, and your unique approach to fitness. A well-established brand can command higher rates and create a steady stream of referrals.

How to Make Sure We Don’t Fall into This Trap

1. Stay with a big gym until you're truly ready. Big gyms offer a built-in safety net. Use this time to not just learn the ropes, but to excel at them. Get to the point where you’re not just surviving but thriving. When you're consistently the go-to trainer, consider stepping out on your own.
2. Do the math and break it down. Knowing how much you need to make is just the first step. Next, map out how to get there. Break it down into daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Goals without a plan are just wishes.
3. Don’t focus on selling your services. Instead, sell a better life. Selling isn’t about pushing products or services—it’s about offering solutions. Show potential clients how their lives will be better because of what you do. This approach makes selling easier and resonates more deeply.
4. Build your personal brand. Your brand is your reputation. Focus on delivering consistent, high-quality results and creating a strong online presence. A strong brand builds trust, and trust is the foundation of a successful business.

Hitting that 100k mark is a huge milestone and something you should be very proud of. But the lessons learned on the journey will have even more value than the paycheck. Take these tips and continue to grow your earnings, but remember that the number one goal is helping your client. If you lose sight of that, the money means nothing.