Tips to Grow Your Personal Training Side Hustle: Long Island Trainers’ Guide
Whether you’re just starting out as a personal trainer or already working full-time elsewhere, building a personal training side hustle can be a great way to grow your skills, help more clients, and increase your income. For trainers across Long Island, the challenge is often balancing a side hustle with work, school, or other commitments while still delivering quality results for clients.
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can grow your side hustle into a thriving business—or even transition into a full-time career in personal training. Here are some practical tips that Long Island trainers can implement today to grow their side hustle successfully.
1. Leverage Your Network
One of the most effective ways to grow your side hustle is through networking. People are more likely to hire a trainer who comes recommended by someone they trust. Start by letting friends, family, and colleagues know about your services. Attend local fitness events, community gatherings, or wellness expos in East Meadow, Massapequa, and Oyster Bay.
Pro Tips for Networking:
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Offer free workshops or mini sessions to showcase your skills.
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Partner with local businesses like health food stores or physical therapy clinics.
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Use social media to highlight client results and success stories.
Networking not only builds your client base but also establishes your reputation as a trusted trainer in the Long Island community.
2. Offer Small Group Training
Small group training is a fantastic way to grow your side hustle because it allows you to train more clients at once without sacrificing quality. Unlike large group classes, small groups of 4–8 clients give you the chance to personalize workouts, track progress, and ensure proper form, all while maximizing your earning potential.
Benefits of Small Group Training:
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Increased revenue per hour
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Ability to impact multiple clients at once
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Builds a sense of community among clients, increasing retention
Small group training is also attractive to clients who want the benefits of personal training but at a more affordable price point.
3. Use Technology to Track and Share Progress
Modern clients expect accountability and measurable results. Use tools like fitness apps to track client workouts, progressions, and milestones. Documenting results not only motivates clients but also helps you showcase your expertise.
Pro Tips for Tech:
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Record workouts, weights, and progressions digitally.
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Share weekly updates or progress photos with clients.
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Use online scheduling to make booking sessions easy.
For trainers looking to scale, these tools save time, keep clients engaged, and allow you to manage multiple clients efficiently.
4. Build a Social Media Presence
Social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow a side hustle. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to showcase your expertise, connect with potential clients, and build credibility. Share tips, client transformations, and behind-the-scenes content to engage your audience.
Social Media Tips:
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Post consistently and share value-driven content
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Use local hashtags to target Long Island clients (#LongIslandTrainers, #MassapequaFitness)
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Engage with followers by answering questions and commenting on their posts
Social media helps potential clients discover you organically, creating a pipeline of leads for your side hustle.
5. Create Referral Incentives
Word-of-mouth remains one of the strongest marketing tools for personal trainers. Encourage existing clients to refer friends or family by offering incentives such as a free session or discounted package.
Pro Tips for Referrals:
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Offer small rewards that motivate clients
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Track referrals and thank clients personally
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Combine referrals with social media shout-outs for added recognition
Referrals not only bring new clients but also strengthen your relationships with current clients.
6. Focus on Your Professional Development
Even as a side hustle, investing in your growth is critical. Additional certifications or specialized training can make you more attractive to clients and help you charge higher rates.
Consider entry-level certifications such as:
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NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine
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ACE – American Council on Exercise
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ISSA – International Sports Sciences Association
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NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association
Remember, certifications are just the start. Practical experience, mentorship, and business skills are what turn a side hustle into a sustainable career.
7. Partner With AB Fitness to Grow Faster
For Long Island trainers who want to focus on coaching rather than sales, AB Fitness provides the perfect platform. Our system allows trainers to work with a steady stream of clients, gain mentorship, and access tools like our Results App for tracking workouts and progressions.
At AB Fitness, you’ll enjoy:
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Guaranteed schedules and consistent pay
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Ongoing training and professional development
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Small group programs to help clients efficiently
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Paid vacations and holidays
Joining AB Fitness lets you focus on training clients, grow your skillset, and scale your side hustle into a full-fledged career.
Apply Today to Join AB Fitness
If you’re a personal trainer in East Meadow, Massapequa, or Oyster Bay looking to grow your side hustle into a sustainable career, AB Fitness is the place for you.
https://www.abfitnesstrainer.com/career
Contact Us for More Information
Call 516-303-9157 or visit https://www.abfitnesstrainer.com/career
Locations:
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East Meadow: 514a East Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554
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Massapequa: 4150c Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758
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Oyster Bay: 5 Shore Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771