Whether you’re running a gym, offering personal training, or managing an online coaching business, the key to long-term success lies in strategic adjustments that maximize profit and minimize burnout. In this blog post, we’ll highlight three crucial strategies shared by Jaime Filer and Isaac Miller on the latest episode of the Trainer Revenue Multiplier Podcast. These insights come from real-life stories of gym owners who transformed their businesses with these actionable steps.
Compensation models can be a double-edged sword for fitness businesses. While a percentage-based model may initially seem beneficial for trainers, it can limit the owner’s ability to invest in the business. Isaac Miller explains how shifting from a percentage split (like a 70/30 split favoring trainers) to an hourly rate or semi-private session structure can be a game changer.
Why does this work? With an hourly rate or a semi-private model, you maintain a larger share of the revenue generated, which allows you to reinvest in the business. This strategy ensures that your team is still well-compensated, but now you have the resources to grow—whether that’s through marketing, events, or hiring additional support staff. This shift not only increases profit margins but also creates opportunities for sustainable business expansion.
Fitness business owners often find themselves juggling multiple roles—from trainer to manager, marketer, and everything in between. This can quickly lead to burnout and stagnation in business growth. Isaac highlights the importance of transitioning from being a hands-on, “do-everything” business owner to a strategic leader who delegates lower-level tasks.
By empowering your team to take on specific responsibilities like social media management or client onboarding, you free up valuable time to focus on high-level tasks that move the business forward. These include strategic planning, business development, and building new partnerships. When you prioritize working on the business rather than being stuck in it, you set the stage for exponential growth.
One of the most significant challenges for brick-and-mortar gyms and personal trainers is inconsistent cash flow. To combat this, Isaac advises switching from prepaid packages to a recurring payment model (bi-weekly or monthly). This shift stabilizes your income, ensuring a consistent cash flow that minimizes financial fluctuations caused by external factors like seasonal changes or economic events.
By implementing a subscription or recurring payment model, you not only create stability but also build a predictable income stream that allows you to invest confidently in marketing campaigns, community events, and new service offerings. This strategic change lays the foundation for growth, providing the buffer needed to expand your business sustainably.
By restructuring compensation, delegating effectively, and creating consistent revenue streams, you can transform your fitness business from a hustle to a thriving, sustainable enterprise. Ready to implement these strategies and take your business to the next level? Tune in to the full episode of the Trainer Revenue Multiplier Podcast for a deep dive into these transformative steps.