What is passive income in fitness? (27 Ways)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 6, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

Passive income in fitness is when you stop trading time for money and your assets (like your fitness business) generates income for you without requiring more of your time. Now, is anything truly “passive”? No, not at first, at least, because you need to create (or buy) the assets that will produce the passive fitness income in the first place, but if you are willing to work hard, and work smart, then you can join the thousands of fitness business owners who create passive fitness income over time. Here’s what you need to know to learn how to create passive income in the fitness industry.

I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!

Paul Fabritz

Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

If you’re in the fitness industry, you may have heard the term “passive income” thrown around before. But what exactly does it mean? Put simply, passive income refers to money earned without actively trading time for it. This is in contrast to active income, where you trade time for money, such as teaching a fitness class. With passive income, you can earn money while you sleep, take vacations, or focus on other areas of your fitness business.

In this article, we’ll explore 27 different ways to get passive income in fitness, and then be sure and use the best software platform around for growing and managing your fitness business. Part of building a truly passive income generating fitness business is using smart technology that allows you to work harder. With things like online workout groups that automatically release workout plans on a timed release drip schedule, marketing automations that automatically send out email, SMS, and in-app push notification messages, and much more, we help you create the passive income fitness business you’ve always wanted. Whether you need the best gym management software, the best personal training software, or the best fitness software for influencers, we’ve got you covered.

Want to see if you are a fit? Get a demo now!

Sell E-Books: Fitness professionals can write e-books on topics such as workout plans, diet tips, and health and wellness advice, then sell them online.
Online Fitness Courses: You can create and sell online courses, tutorials, or webinars. Topics could range from specific workout techniques to comprehensive fitness programs.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote fitness-related products on your website, blog, or social media channels. Each time a purchase is made through your referral link, you earn a commission.
Sponsored Content: Once you have a sizable online following, companies may be willing to pay for sponsored posts or reviews on your blog or social media.
Virtual Training Programs: Design and sell virtual workout programs that clients can purchase and complete on their own time.
Subscription Services: Offer a subscription service where clients pay a regular fee for exclusive workout videos, meal plans, personal advice, or any other service you can deliver digitally.
Fitness Apps: Develop a fitness app. This could include workout routines, diet tracking, or progress monitoring.
YouTube Channel: Create workout videos, product reviews, or health and wellness advice. Monetize the channel with ads once you meet YouTube’s eligibility requirements.
Sell Workout Merchandise: Design and sell fitness-related merchandise like T-shirts, water bottles, or workout gear.
Nutrition Coaching: Offer online nutrition coaching or meal planning services.
Ad Revenue: If you have a popular fitness blog or website, you can earn money through advertising revenue.
Fitness Photography: Sell fitness-related stock photos or video clips.
Speaking Engagements: As an expert in your field, you could be paid for speaking engagements or workshops.
Consulting Services: Offer your expertise to other fitness professionals looking to grow their businesses.
Licensing Workout Plans: License your workout plans or fitness programs to other trainers or fitness facilities.
Sell Branded Fitness Equipment: Create and sell your own line of fitness equipment or workout gear.
Fitness Modeling: With a fit physique, you might find opportunities in fitness modeling.
Fitness Podcast: Start a podcast on fitness topics and monetize it through sponsorships or advertising.
Patreon or Membership Sites: Offer premium content or services to members who pay a monthly fee.
Fitness Retreats: Organize and host fitness retreats or wellness vacations.
Fitness Book: Write a book about your fitness journey, training methods, or general fitness advice and sell it online or in bookstores.
Corporate Wellness Programs: Create wellness programs for corporations and earn recurring revenue.
Sell Fitness Meal Plans: Develop and sell nutritionally balanced meal plans catered to different fitness goals.
Brand Ambassador: Partner with fitness brands to promote their products in exchange for a fee or a percentage of sales.
Rent Out Studio Space: If you own a fitness studio, you can rent it out to other trainers or for fitness events when it’s not in use.
Fitness Mastermind Groups: Create a mastermind group where fitness enthusiasts or other trainers pay a regular fee to gain access to your advice, network, and resources.
Integration with Exercise.com: Using a platform like Exercise.com can help automate many of these income streams, from selling workout plans to offering subscription services. This platform can manage payments, client interaction, and other administrative tasks, making it easier to generate passive income.

“My custom-branded apps have made my life easier and helped streamline my online training, which in turn has transformed into a pretty awesome additional revenue stream for me and my family.”

Tony Gentilcore

Founder, Core Online

Want to learn more? Get a demo now!

Understanding passive income in fitness

Let’s dive deeper into the concept of passive income. Essentially, passive income can come from various sources, including rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, and online businesses. In the fitness industry, passive income could be generated from selling e-books, online courses, workout equipment, and more. The beauty of passive income is that you can create a product or service that will continue to earn you money for years to come, without requiring you to invest significant time and effort over and over again.

Defining passive income

Before we break down the opportunities available to earn passive income in the fitness industry, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what we mean by “passive income.” Essentially, it’s a type of income that you aren’t actively earning through traditional wage labor. Passive income can come from various sources, including investments and businesses that you own.

Passive income is a great way to earn money while you sleep. It’s like having a money tree that continues to grow and produce fruit without any additional effort on your part. The key to passive income is finding the right opportunity that fits your skills and interests.

For example, if you’re passionate about fitness, you could create an online course that teaches people how to get in shape or a series of workout videos that people can purchase and download. Once you’ve created these products, you can continue to earn money from them for years to come, without having to invest significant time and effort into creating new content.

How passive income differs from active income

Let’s consider the difference between passive income and active income. Active income is the money you earn through traditional work, such as a salary or hourly wage. With active income, you need to trade your time and effort to earn money. On the other hand, passive income is generated without continually trading your time for it. Once you’ve created a passive income stream, it can continue to earn you money for years to come, whereas active income requires continual effort to sustain your earnings.

Passive income can give you the freedom to pursue other areas of your life while still earning money. For example, if you have a passive income stream that generates $1,000 per month, you could use that money to travel, start a new business, or pursue a hobby that you’re passionate about. The possibilities are endless.

The importance of passive income in financial stability

Passive income can play a crucial role in achieving financial stability. When you’re relying solely on active income, your earnings are limited, and you’re tied to trading time for money. With passive income, you have the opportunity to diversify your earnings and increase your overall financial stability by creating multiple streams of income. This can provide you with the freedom to pursue other areas of your business or personal life without worrying about financial stress.

Passive income can also provide a safety net during times of economic uncertainty. If you lose your job or your business experiences a downturn, having a passive income stream can help you weather the storm and avoid financial hardship.

Passive income is a powerful tool for achieving financial stability and creating a life of freedom and flexibility. By finding the right opportunity and investing time and effort into creating a passive income stream, you can enjoy the benefits of earning money while you sleep and pursuing your passions without the stress of financial insecurity.Passive income opportunities in the fitness industry are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek to generate revenue without actively participating in every sale.

While there are many different ways to generate passive income within the fitness industry, some of the most popular include creating and selling online courses and programs, fitness e-books and guides, selling workout equipment and merchandise, affiliate marketing for fitness products, and creating and selling fitness mobile apps and subscriptions.

One of the most popular ways to generate passive income in fitness is by creating and selling online courses or programs. This could include creating a workout program, a nutrition plan, or a mindset coaching course. By creating content that people can purchase and access online, you can generate revenue without needing to be actively present.Another common passive income stream in fitness is e-book or guide sales. This could include creating a fitness guide, meal plan, or recipe book. Once you’ve produced the content, you can sell it repeatedly online without the need to actively participate in every sale.

If you have a passion for designing fitness equipment or apparel, you could create and sell your products online. This could include designing resistance bands, yoga mats, and other workout equipment, or branded t-shirts and other merchandise. You could then sell these products on your website or through an e-commerce platform like Amazon.

Affiliate marketing is another passive income stream that can be generated by promoting other companies’ fitness products and earning a commission for every sale that comes through your unique affiliate link. For example, you could promote a fitness brand’s workout supplements or workout equipment on your website or social media channels, and receive a percentage of the sale price for every product sold through your affiliate link.

Lastly, you could create and sell fitness mobile apps or subscription services, which can often be easily accessed and managed through a mobile app, allowing for passive income generation without the need for continuous active work. This could include a monthly workout plan subscription, personalized coaching services, or access to an exclusive workout community.In conclusion, there are many passive income opportunities in the fitness industry, and the key to success is finding the right fit for your skills and interests. Whether you choose to create and sell online courses, e-books, workout equipment, or mobile apps, the possibilities for generating passive income in the fitness industry are endless.

Exercise.com is amazing! Positively surprised by the efficiency at responding and helping out!

Erica Nangle

Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

Creating a successful passive income stream in fitness

If you’re interested in generating passive income in fitness, there are a few steps you can take to set yourself up for success. One of the first steps is to narrow down your niche and identify your target audience. By focusing on a specific type of workout or catering to a specific demographic, you can better tailor your content and products to meet the needs and interests of your potential customers.

Identifying your niche and target audience

When it comes to identifying your niche, there are a few things to consider. First, think about your own interests and expertise. What type of fitness do you enjoy the most? What type of fitness have you had the most success with? By focusing on a type of fitness that you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in, you’ll be better equipped to create high-quality content and products that resonate with your audience.

Another thing to consider when identifying your niche is the competition. Is there already a lot of content and products in the niche you’re considering? If so, is there a way to differentiate yourself and offer something unique and valuable to your potential customers?

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s important to think about your target audience. Who are you creating content and products for? What are their interests, needs, and pain points? By understanding your target audience, you can create content and products that are tailored to their specific needs and interests, which can ultimately lead to more sales and success.

Developing high-quality content and products

Once you’ve identified your niche and target audience, it’s time to start creating high-quality content and products. This could involve investing in a high-quality camera, software for editing and designing, or hiring a professional writer or designer to create your content for you.

When it comes to creating content, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Rather than churning out a lot of mediocre content, focus on creating a smaller amount of high-quality content that provides value to your audience. This could include workout plans, instructional videos, or blog posts that offer tips and advice on fitness and wellness.

In addition to creating high-quality content, it’s also important to develop high-quality products that people want to buy. This could include ebooks, online courses, or merchandise like workout gear. By investing in the quality of your content and products, you can increase the perceived value of your offerings and ultimately generate more sales.

Marketing and promoting your passive income source

Creating high-quality content and products alone is not enough to generate passive income. You also need to market and promote your offerings to attract customers and drive sales.

One effective way to market your passive income source is through social media marketing. By creating engaging posts and using relevant hashtags, you can attract new followers and potential customers to your social media accounts. You could also invest in paid advertising on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach a wider audience.

Email marketing is another effective way to promote your passive income source. By building an email list and sending regular newsletters or promotional emails, you can keep your audience engaged and informed about your latest offerings.

Building a strong online presence

To effectively market and promote your passive income products, you need to have a strong online presence. This could involve creating a website that showcases your products and content, building social media followings, or partnering with influencers in your niche to promote your products to their audiences.

When it comes to building a website, it’s important to make sure it’s user-friendly and visually appealing. Your website should clearly showcase your offerings and make it easy for customers to make a purchase. You could also consider starting a blog on your website to share additional content and engage with your audience.

Building a strong social media presence is also important for promoting your passive income source. By regularly posting engaging content and interacting with your followers, you can build a loyal following and attract new customers to your offerings.

Continuously updating and improving your offerings

Finally, to generate success with your passive income stream, it’s essential to continuously update and improve your offerings. This could involve seeking feedback from your audience and customers to improve your products, updating your content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant, or investing in new technologies or software to keep up with industry trends and changes.

By staying up-to-date and continually improving your offerings, you can stay ahead of the competition and continue to attract new customers and generate passive income in the fitness industry.

What does passive income mean in the fitness industry?

Passive income in the fitness industry refers to money earned that requires little to no daily effort to maintain. Some examples include income from e-books, online courses, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, virtual training programs, and subscription services.

How can a fitness professional earn passive income?

Fitness professionals can earn passive income in a number of ways. They can create and sell digital products like e-books, online courses, or workout programs. They can also earn money from affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or advertising revenue on their website or blog. Additionally, they can offer subscription services or develop fitness apps.

What is the benefit of passive income for a fitness professional?

Passive income can provide a steady stream of earnings without the need for constant work. It allows fitness professionals to diversify their income and not rely solely on one-on-one training sessions. This can provide more financial stability and free up time for other pursuits.

Are there any risks associated with generating passive income in fitness?

Yes, there are risks. Building passive income usually requires upfront time and money investment. There’s also no guarantee of success, so it’s possible to invest in creating a product or service that doesn’t sell as expected. That’s why it’s important to research and plan any passive income venture thoroughly.

How much passive income can a fitness professional expect to earn?

The amount of passive income a fitness professional can earn varies greatly depending on the income stream and the individual’s following, reputation, and marketing skills. Some might earn a few hundred dollars a month from passive income, while others can earn thousands or even more.

What’s the role of social media in generating passive income in the fitness industry?

Social media can play a significant role in generating passive income in the fitness industry. It’s a powerful tool for marketing digital products, services, and affiliate links. A strong social media presence can help build an audience that’s interested in the fitness professional’s offerings.

How can Exercise.com help fitness professionals generate passive income?

Exercise.com provides a platform that can help automate many passive income streams. Fitness professionals can use it to sell workout plans, offer subscription services, and manage client interactions. By taking care of administrative tasks, Exercise.com makes it easier to generate passive income.

What are some examples of successful passive income strategies in fitness?

Examples of successful passive income strategies in fitness include selling e-books or online courses, earning money through affiliate marketing or sponsored content, offering subscription services, and developing fitness apps. The key to success is typically providing high-quality content or services that meet the needs of a specific audience.

Is personal training passive income?

Typically, personal training is not considered passive income. It requires active, ongoing work, including planning sessions, working with clients, and staying updated on the latest fitness research and techniques. However, personal trainers can create passive income streams related to their field of expertise, such as selling fitness ebooks, online courses, or offering subscription-based online training programs.

How can I make $1,000 a month in passive fitness income?

Making $1,000 a month in passive fitness income might involve multiple income streams. You could create and sell digital fitness products, such as workout plans or ebooks, or you could set up a fitness blog with monetized content. You might also consider offering online courses, monetizing a YouTube channel, or affiliate marketing. Using Exercise.com’s platform can facilitate this by allowing you to sell products and manage your business efficiently. It’s important to note that building passive income takes time, effort, and often an upfront investment, and results can vary.

How can I make $10,000 a month in passive fitness income?

Making $10,000 a month in passive income from fitness would generally require a large audience or high-value products. You could create a premium online course or subscription service, develop a successful fitness app, or leverage a large social media following for sponsored posts or affiliate marketing. Again, using a platform like Exercise.com can streamline these efforts by providing an all-in-one solution for managing and selling digital products. As with any income goal, reaching $10,000 a month will take time and effort, and results can vary widely.

How can Exercise.com help me build a passive income fitness business?

Exercise.com can help you build a passive income fitness business by providing a platform where you can sell workout plans, online courses, and subscription services. You can also set up a blog and monetize it with Exercise.com’s ad and sponsored content features. Plus, the platform handles administrative tasks such as billing and scheduling, allowing you to focus on creating great content and growing your audience. In short, Exercise.com can provide the tools and automation needed to streamline the process of building a passive income fitness business.

Start Building Your Fitness Passive Income Business

Passive income is an attractive option for fitness professionals looking to diversify their earnings and increase their financial stability. By creating high-quality content and products that align with your niche and target audience, focusing on marketing and promoting your offerings, and continuously improving your product offerings, you can create a successful and sustainable passive income stream in fitness.

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

Want to see how Exercise.com can help your fitness business?

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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