The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Personal Training / Fitness Coach
Starting a side hustle as a personal trainer or fitness coach in New Zealand is a fantastic way to share your passion for wellness and earn extra income. Whether you’re coaching clients in Auckland gyms or offering online sessions to busy Wellingtonians, this guide provides practical, Kiwi-friendly tips to grow your client base while balancing your full-time job.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Know Your Local Fitness Market
Different regions in NZ have unique fitness cultures - Auckland might boast bustling gyms, while smaller towns foster intimate training groups or outdoor fitness clubs.
Weirdly enough, clients often seek trainers who understand local lifestyles and specific community interests, like surfing fitness in Raglan or hiking prep near Queenstown.
Tailoring your services to local preferences helps you connect and build trust quickly.
2. Create a Profile on Yada
Yada is a growing Kiwi platform connecting fitness specialists to local clients without lead or success fees, perfect for side hustles.
Its rating system rewards consistency and quality, helping you get better job matches and more visibility.
The mobile-friendly app makes managing bookings and client conversations convenient between sessions.
3. Offer Flexible Training Options
Provide a mix of in-person, outdoor, and virtual training sessions to cater to diverse client needs and busy schedules.
For instance, an online bootcamp before summer became a hit with clients across Auckland and Wellington.
Flexibility broadens your market and allows you to manage your time efficiently.
4. Advertise on Local Fitness Directories
Besides Yada, get listed on local gym bulletin boards, sport club websites, and community Facebook groups searching for trainers.
Clear info about your qualifications, training styles, and rates builds client confidence.
Visibility on multiple platforms keeps client inquiries flowing.
5. Collect and Highlight Testimonials
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and share progress stories.
A Christchurch personal trainer grew bookings significantly by posting client success stories and positive feedback on social media and Yada.
Real testimonials boost trust and motivate new clients to sign up.
6. Network with Complementary Health Businesses
Partner with physiotherapists, nutritionists, and wellness centres for cross-referrals and collaborative offers.
A Dunedin trainer expanded her side hustle through alliances with a local health food store and sports rehab clinic.
Networking builds a support system that feeds new client opportunities.
7. Build an Accessible Website or Portfolio
Create a simple, mobile-friendly website using Wix or Google Sites to showcase your services, client testimonials, and contact options.
Keep content fresh with updates on training tips and upcoming sessions.
A professional web presence reassures clients and eases onboarding.
8. Share Practical Fitness Tips Online
Post quick workout advice, motivational quotes, and nutrition tips on Instagram or Facebook to engage your audience personally.
Weirdly enough, authentic, no-fuss content resonates more with Kiwis than polished advertisements.
Regular, helpful posts keep you top of mind among potential clients.
9. Manage Scheduling and Communication
Use Yada’s messaging and scheduling tools or apps like Calendly to coordinate client sessions efficiently.
Setting clear availability helps balance your personal training with your full-time commitments smoothly.
Good communication maintains professionalism and client satisfaction.
10. Keep Learning and Adapting
Stay up to date with new fitness trends, exercise science, and personal training certifications through courses and workshops.
Joining NZ fitness networks offers support and growth opportunities.
Continual improvement keeps your coaching fresh and clients returning.