Even before the world was taken over by the Coronavirus, virtual fitness was becoming a big fitness trend. 

Virtual fitness classes not only allow people to work out from the privacy and comfort of their living room but also train under the expertise of the best trainers in the industry. And over the past year, the appeal for virtual fitness has only grown more. 


Needless to mention, the pandemic has changed everything. You cannot walk into a gym and work out carefree like you used to. This has affected the fitness industry significantly, making it crucial for gyms and fitness centers to get into the online fitness business to stay afloat during these challenging times. 

The rise of virtual fitness classes 

Virtual fitness is not a new concept; at-home workout tapes first became popular in the 1980s. The only difference between then and now is access to more variety of videos and classes. Virtual fitness is no longer confined to a single regimen or workout. From cardio and strength training to yoga and Zumba, a wide variety of routines are accessible at your fingertips from different trainers and with different levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced-level athlete, there is something for everyone. Moreover, virtual personal trainer apps have made it easier for people to even work out with the personal trainers from their gyms.  

Virtual fitness started to become popular again by the mid-2010s. As per a survey, fitness and health app usage escalated 62% during the first couple of quarters of 2014 and has been increasing considerably since. 

Apart from the streaming apps, many fitness centers have recognized the importance of incorporating virtual fitness app and/or personal training management software to take their business online. In fact, over the last few years, fitness centers have launched their very own fitness apps or channels to provide personal training to their clients. 

 Here is how you can set up and grow your online fitness business

If you have been planning to take your fitness business online, there are a few things you need to know. 


  • Pick a channel where you want to provide your workouts or classes 

To decide which channel to use, there are certain factors to consider such as your budget, access to the equipment, and more. As we mentioned earlier, virtual fitness apps are becoming extremely popular. So if you already have a huge list of clients and experienced trainers, you can definitely benefit from a fitness app. You can also launch your website or even your YouTube channel to widen your horizon. 


  • Management of the trainers and classes 

Running an online fitness business is also no easy feat. You need to invest in personal trainer management software that allows you to manage your trainers effectively and track their performance.


  • Get the word out 

Now that you have everything set up, it’s time to ensure your clients know about it and are interested in taking advantage of it. Online marketing is a lot different than traditional marketing. Make sure you promote your new venture on your social media platforms or even your website to get as many people interested as possible. 

 

Setting an online business does require a lot of planning and organizing. That said, you start reaping the benefits immediately after it’s up and running.