“Can I really make money training clients online? Will people pay for remote coaching? Where do I even start?”
If you’ve ever had those thoughts, you’re not alone. I was asking the same questions a few years ago.
According to Statista, the revenue in the Digital Fitness & Well-Being market is projected to reach US$16.51bn in 2025. User penetration will be 57.63% in 2025 and is expected to hit 65.04% by 2029.
That’s not a trend—that’s a shift. And it means now is a great time to launch your career as an online personal trainer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get started, where to find online personal trainer jobs, how much you can earn, and the tools that have helped me coach clients virtually with confidence.
What Does an Online Personal Trainer Actually Do?
Before we dive into certifications or salary, let’s get real: What does this job even look like?
An online personal trainer is a fitness professional who delivers customized workout plans and coaching remotely using digital platforms. This might include:
- Live 1-on-1 video calls
- Custom workout programs
- Group Zoom classes
- Coaching through apps like Trainerize or TrueCoach
- Tracking client progress and giving feedback via voice notes, emails, or DMs
You're still a coach—just not standing next to them in a gym. And trust me, it works. Some of my clients get better results online than they ever did in person.
You can specialize too: weight loss, mobility, strength, postpartum, athletes, busy professionals—you name it.
How to Become an Online Personal Trainer: The Beginner’s Path
Here’s the honest truth: You don’t need a fancy gym job to start. But you do need to know your stuff and deliver real results.
Step 1: Get Certified (It Helps—A Lot)
Most clients will ask about your credentials. Here are some solid options for personal training classes online:
- NASM CPT: One of the most respected. Great for online trainers.
- ACE Certification: Another widely accepted one.
- ISSA Online Training: Very popular and 100% online.
CPT stands for Certified Personal Trainer — a fitness professional certified to assess, design, and implement exercise programs for clients (definition based on American Medical Association).
These courses teach you the essentials—anatomy, program design, assessments, client safety, and behavior coaching.
If you're not certified yet, don’t panic. You can start with content creation or simple coaching and earn while you learn.
Step 2: Pick a Niche
Don’t try to train everyone. Pick a group of people you understand and love to help. For me, it was busy professionals with limited time. That changed everything.
Step 3: Set Up Your Digital Presence
Start small:
- Instagram or TikTok for fitness tips
- Linktree or simple website for discovery
- Use Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime for sessions
- Start building your community with valuable content
Step 4: Set Up Your Tech
If you’re running classes or 1-on-1 coaching on video, a clean setup makes you look professional. (How to Create a Successful Online Course)
I started out using just a basic webcam and sometimes even my phone for live sessions. I can coach 3–4 clients back-to-back with one charge. When I started adding group sessions, I upgraded to the VM20 4K camera. The zoom feature is insane for movement demos. Total game changer.
Paired with their AWM25T wireless mic system, the sound is crisp even when I’m 10 ft away. This wireless mic can connect effortlessly to various devices from smartphones to computer and other devices with USB-C audio inputs.
Seriously, good tech helps your coaching feel premium.
Online Personal Trainer Jobs: Where to Find Work (and Clients)
This is the big one: How do you actually find remote virtual coaching jobs?
Option 1: Work for Online Fitness Platforms
Some of the big names hiring trainers remotely include:
- Future Fit – Offers online training jobs plus learning resources.
- Kickoff – Matches you with clients for daily coaching.
- Trainiac – Lets you build custom fitness plans through their app.
- FlexIt – Focuses on live 1-on-1 virtual training sessions.
These platforms give you a client base, tools, and structured pay. Most take a cut, but it’s great for getting experience.
Option 2: Freelance (Build Your Own Brand)
This is where the magic happens. You set your rates, choose your clients, and run the show. You can:
Pro tip: Record high-quality class samples with tools like NearStream’s All-in-One Green Backdrop Kit VK40. It instantly upgrades your videos.
Option 3: Hybrid Coaching
Some trainers do both in-person and online. Others do Zoom + pre-recorded content + weekly check-ins. Your style, your choice.
Best Personal Training Classes Online (Top Certs + Learning Resources)
If you’re looking for online personal trainer certifications that can launch your career, here are the top 3 in my book:
1. NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Well-rounded, respected, and online-friendly. They also have CEUs for online coaching.
2. ISSA Elite Trainer
Great for entrepreneurs. It combines CPT + nutrition + online business skills.
3. Precision Nutrition Level 1
Not a trainer cert, but if you’re coaching people on habits or fat loss, this is gold.
Other great platforms: ACE, NCSF, and AFAA.
Tip: Pair these with a free Zoom account and solid gear (again, check NearStream if you’re serious about video work).
What’s the Real Online Personal Trainer Salary?
Let’s talk numbers.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience and business model:
Experience Level | Monthly Clients | Avg. Rate/Client | Estimated Monthly Income |
Beginner | 5 | $100 | $500 |
Intermediate | 10 | $150 | $1,500 |
Advanced | 20+ | $200+ | $4,000+ |
Source: Based on independent coaching trends aggregated from Trainerize 2023 Coach Income Survey.
Some trainers go beyond $10K/month with group coaching, online courses, and private clients.
How? Great results + solid marketing + a setup that looks legit.
Tools That Make You Look Like a Pro Online Coach
Let’s be real: If your video is laggy and your audio sucks, clients won’t stick around.
Here’s what I use and recommend:
- Camera: NearStream VM20, a 4K DSLR-Quality Optical Streaming Camera
- Microphone: AWM25T Wireless Mic, all-In-One Lavalier Wireless Mic for iPhone/Android/PC
- Backdrop: Green Backdrop Kit VK40 for pro-looking videos
- Lighting: I use a ring light + the included stands in the NearStream kits
These are plug-and-play. No tech headaches. Just better client experience.
Why Remote Virtual Coaching Jobs Are the Future
The demand is only growing. Why?
- More people want convenience
- Remote work is normal now
- Clients like flexible options
- You get work-life balance
According to Statista's prediction, user penetration will be 57.63% in 2025 and is expected to hit 65.04% by 2029.
For me, coaching online means I can live anywhere, work with dream clients, and grow my income—without burning out in a gym 40 hours a week.
And honestly? I feel more connected to my clients now than I did in person.
FAQ: Online Personal Trainer Edition
Q: Do I need a license to coach online? No official license, but a credible certification helps you get clients and protect yourself legally.
Q: Can I be a personal trainer without working at a gym? Absolutely. Many coaches today go fully remote and never step in a gym.
Q: What should I charge starting out? Anywhere from $50–$150/month depending on service. Start lower to build confidence, then raise rates.
Q: How do I deliver workouts? Google Docs, PDFs, fitness apps like Trainerize, Loom video walkthroughs, or even group Zoom calls.
Q: Is live streaming a good way to get clients? Yes! Platforms like Instagram Live, TikTok, or even private Zoom workouts can show your style and bring in leads. Use a good camera like NearStream to stand out.
