How do I become a fitness writer?

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 3, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

If you have a passion for fitness and a talent for writing, becoming a fitness writer can be a fulfilling career path. From creating workout routines and nutrition plans to sharing inspiring stories and interviews with industry leaders, fitness writing can take many shapes and forms. But how do you get started becoming a fitness writer? In this article, we’ll dive into the steps you can take to become a successful fitness writer.

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Erica Nangle

Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

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Understanding the role of a fitness writer

Before you start pursuing a career in fitness writing, it’s important to understand what the job entails. As a fitness writer, you will be responsible for creating content related to fitness, including workouts, nutrition, health, and wellness. You may write for publications such as magazines, blogs, or websites, or work as a freelance writer creating content for various clients. Additionally, you may be required to conduct research, interview experts in the field, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news related to fitness.

As a fitness writer, you have the opportunity to help people achieve their fitness goals by providing them with valuable information and advice. Your writing can inspire and motivate readers to lead healthier, more active lives. Whether you’re writing about the benefits of strength training, the latest nutrition research, or the importance of self-care, your words can have a powerful impact on your audience.

Fitness Writer job description and responsibilities

Your primary responsibility as a fitness writer will be to create engaging and informative content for your target audience. This may include writing articles, blog posts, social media updates, and marketing materials such as product descriptions and sales pages. You may also be required to edit and proofread your own work and the work of others, maintain a content calendar, and collaborate with other writers and editors.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a deep understanding of your audience and their needs. You’ll need to be able to write in a way that is both informative and engaging, using language that resonates with your readers. You’ll also need to be able to work independently, managing your own workload and meeting deadlines.

Fitness Writer required skills and qualifications

How do I get into fitness writing? To become a successful fitness writer, there are a number of skills and qualifications you will need to cultivate. These may include:

Excellent writing and communication skills: As a fitness writer, you’ll need to be able to write clearly and concisely, using language that is accessible to your audience. You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with experts in the field.
A solid understanding of fitness, health, nutrition, and wellness topics: You’ll need to have a deep understanding of the topics you’re writing about, including the latest research and trends.
The ability to conduct research and interviews with experts: You’ll need to be able to find and evaluate reliable sources of information, and to conduct interviews with experts in the field.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy: Your writing will need to be accurate and free from errors, and you’ll need to be able to fact-check your work thoroughly.
An ability to meet deadlines and work independently: You’ll need to be able to manage your own workload and meet deadlines, even when working on multiple projects at once.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, or exercise science (preferred but not required): While a degree in a related field can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. What’s more important is your ability to write well and to understand the topics you’re writing about.

Potential career paths and opportunities

As a fitness writer, there are a number of potential career paths you can take. You may choose to work as a staff writer for a fitness publication, a freelance writer creating content for various clients, or an editor or content strategist overseeing a team of writers. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of fitness writing, such as nutrition, workout programming, or sports performance.

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to take the next step, there are plenty of opportunities available for fitness writers. With the right skills, experience, and passion for the field, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a fitness writer.

Building a strong foundation in fitness

How do I become a wellness writer? While you don’t need to be a certified personal trainer or nutritionist to become a fitness writer, having a strong foundational knowledge of fitness and wellness topics is essential. Here are a few ways to build your expertise:

Acquiring relevant certifications and education

There are a number of certifications and educational programs available that can help you gain a deeper understanding of fitness topics. These may include:

Personal training certifications such as NASM or ACE
Nutrition certifications such as Precision Nutrition or Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Health and wellness coaching certifications such as Wellcoaches or National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching
College courses in exercise science, nutrition, or kinesiology

Acquiring relevant certifications and education is an important step in building your expertise in fitness and wellness topics. These programs can provide you with a deeper understanding of the science behind exercise and nutrition, as well as practical skills for working with clients. Additionally, obtaining certifications and degrees can demonstrate to potential clients and employers that you are committed to your craft and have a strong foundation of knowledge.

Gaining practical experience in the fitness industry

While educational programs can give you a solid foundation in fitness, practical experience is equally important. Consider working part-time as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, or wellness coach. This will give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in a real-world setting, as well as gain valuable experience working with clients. You may also want to volunteer to assist with fitness events or attend professional development workshops or conferences. These experiences can help you build your network and gain exposure to new ideas and trends in the industry.

Staying up-to-date with fitness trends and research

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with new trends, research, and innovations. Subscribe to industry publications such as IDEA Fitness Journal or ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal and follow industry leaders and experts on social media. Attend workshops, conferences, and networking events to stay current and connect with other fitness professionals. This will help you stay informed about the latest developments in the industry and provide you with opportunities to collaborate with other experts in the field.

By acquiring relevant certifications and education, gaining practical experience in the fitness industry, and staying up-to-date with fitness trends and research, you can build a strong foundation of knowledge in fitness and wellness topics. This will not only help you become a more effective fitness writer, but also enable you to better serve your clients and contribute to the broader fitness community.

Developing your writing skills

As a fitness writer, you’ll need to have strong writing skills in addition to your fitness expertise. Writing is an essential aspect of communication, and it is crucial to develop your writing skills to express your ideas and thoughts effectively. Here are some steps you can take to improve your writing:

Writing courses and workshops

Consider taking writing courses or attending workshops to improve your craft. Writing courses can help you learn the basics of writing, such as grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. Look for courses specifically geared towards health and fitness writing, or explore general writing classes to improve your overall writing skills. Attending workshops can also be beneficial as they provide you with the opportunity to learn from experienced writers and receive feedback on your writing.

Practicing different writing styles and formats

Practice writing in different styles and formats to become a versatile writer. This may include writing articles, blog posts, social media updates, and marketing materials. Additionally, experiment with different tones of voice and writing styles to find what works best for you and your target audience. Writing in different styles and formats will help you develop your writing skills and enable you to communicate your ideas effectively to different audiences.

Building a writing portfolio

As you develop your writing skills, start building a portfolio of your work. This may include samples you create for class assignments, blog posts you write on your own blog, or articles you’ve written for publications. Having a portfolio of writing samples will be essential when you start looking for writing jobs or freelance work. Your writing portfolio will showcase your writing skills and demonstrate your ability to write in different styles and formats. It will also help potential employers or clients evaluate your writing abilities and decide if you are a good fit for their needs.

Improving your writing skills is an ongoing process, and it requires dedication and practice. By taking writing courses, practicing different writing styles and formats, and building a writing portfolio, you can improve your writing skills and become a successful fitness writer.

Finding your niche in fitness writing

Are you passionate about fitness and writing? Do you want to combine your interests and make a career out of it? Fitness writing can be a great way to share your knowledge and experience with others while also earning an income. However, with so many fitness writers out there, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you find your niche as a fitness writer:

Identifying your areas of expertise and interest

The first step in finding your niche as a fitness writer is to identify your areas of expertise and interest. Consider what type of fitness activities you enjoy and have experience in. Are you a weightlifting enthusiast who loves to share tips and tricks for building muscle? Or are you a yoga practitioner who can write about the mental and physical benefits of the practice? Maybe you’re a runner who can share training plans and nutrition advice. Whatever your area of expertise, focus on it and become an expert in that field.

Researching the fitness writing market

Once you have identified your area of expertise, it’s time to research the fitness writing market. Explore different fitness publications and websites to see what type of content they publish and what their target audience is. Look for opportunities to pitch articles or apply for writing jobs. You can also network with other fitness writers to learn about new opportunities and gain insights into the industry.

Tailoring your writing to your target audience

Finally, it’s essential to tailor your writing to your target audience. Consider who you are writing for (e.g., beginners, advanced athletes, wellness enthusiasts) and what type of content they are looking for. Use language and tone that resonates with your audience and provides value to them. For example, if you’re writing for beginners, you may want to avoid using technical jargon and focus on providing simple, actionable tips that they can incorporate into their daily routine.

Remember, finding your niche as a fitness writer takes time and effort. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and writing styles until you find what works best for you. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career as a fitness writer and inspire others to lead healthier, happier lives.

What is fitness blogging?

Fitness blogging involves creating and sharing content related to health, wellness, and physical fitness on a blog. The content can range from personal fitness journeys, workout routines, and diet tips, to product reviews and advice on staying motivated. Fitness bloggers often aim to educate, inspire, and engage their readers.

Can anyone start a fitness blog?

Yes, anyone can start a fitness blog. However, having a solid understanding of fitness principles, staying updated with fitness trends, and possessing a passion for health and wellness can greatly improve the quality of your content and the success of your blog.

How much do fitness bloggers make?

The income of a fitness blogger can vary widely. Some bloggers may earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others could make several thousand. It depends on factors like the amount of traffic the blog receives, how monetization is handled (such as through advertising, sponsored posts, or selling products and services), and how effectively the blog is marketed.

How do I create a fitness guide and sell it?

Creating a fitness guide involves compiling your expertise and knowledge into an organized, easy-to-follow format. Decide on a topic, outline your content, and then fill in the details. Make sure to include clear instructions, helpful tips, and engaging visuals. Once your guide is ready, you can sell it directly through your own website or a third-party platform. Exercise.com offers a comprehensive platform for creating, marketing, and selling fitness guides, making it a great choice for fitness professionals.

What is freelance health writing?

Freelance health writing involves creating content on health-related topics as an independent contractor. Freelance health writers may write for various clients like health magazines, medical websites, wellness blogs, or healthcare organizations. Their work can include writing articles, blog posts, newsletters, eBooks, and more.

How do you write a fitness eBook?

Writing a fitness eBook follows a similar process to creating a fitness guide. Choose a topic, outline your content, and then create the content, ensuring it’s engaging, informative, and helpful. Then, format it for eBook distribution, create an attractive cover, and prepare it for sale. With Exercise.com, you can easily sell your fitness eBook directly to your audience through your custom-branded fitness app.

How do I start an online fitness page?

Starting an online fitness page involves choosing a platform (like a website, a blog, or a social media channel), creating engaging fitness content, and regularly updating the page with fresh content. To grow your page, engage with your audience, collaborate with other fitness pages, and utilize SEO and social media marketing strategies. Exercise.com is a powerful tool that can help you start and manage an online fitness business, offering features like custom-branded apps, workout creation and delivery, e-commerce capabilities, and more.

If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.

Jimmy Myers

Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

Start Writing Fitness Content Now

Writing fitness content can seem like a daunting task, but by understanding your niche and target audience, staying informed, and choosing the right format, you can create content that is engaging, informative, and accurate. Remember to provide actionable tips, use storytelling, and collaborate with experts to add credibility to your content. By following these tips, you can create fitness content that inspires, motivates, and engages your readers.

So, what are you waiting for? You only get better if you start.

Put in the work, and start writing!

Want to get seeing how Exercise.com can help you get started taking your fitness business to the next level with software? Get a demo now!

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.

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