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Posted by on October 26, 2023 — Updated on November 17, 2023
This list of the top personal trainer entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in the fitness industry includes the best and most famous personal trainer entrepreneurs like Jillian Michaels, Tony Horton, Kayla Itsines, and more.
The realm of fitness is graced by personal trainer entrepreneurs who have not just mastered the art of personal training but have also expanded into larger ventures, creating fitness empires. These top PT entrepreneurs have established themselves as stalwarts in this industry. Their innovative approaches to fitness, combined with a keen sense of how to start a personal training business with enormous scale, have inspired millions globally.
So whether you want to learn how to start a fitness business, how to become a fitness influencer, or you just want a big list of fitness business ideas, read on to get the inside track. They, like many other fitness professionals, have found that using platforms like Exercise.com can greatly enhance the way they run their business, providing an all-in-one solution for everything from their own custom branded fitness app to hosting exercise videos and selling workout plans online.
With the best software for fitness influencers to the best software for personal trainers and the best software for gyms, fitness entrepreneurs who want to make money with fitness have a business management platform to run their entire fitness business in one place.
| Name | Company/Organization | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Jillian Michaels | Jillian Michaels Fitness App | Jillian Michaels |
| Tony Horton | P90X | P90X |
| Kayla Itsines | Bikini Body Guide (BBG) | BBG |
| Shaun T | Insanity Workout | Insanity |
| Chalene Johnson | PiYo, Turbo Fire | Chalene Johnson |
| Ben Bergeron | CompTrain | CompTrain |
| Mark Lauren | You Are Your Own Gym | Mark Lauren |
| Brett Hoebel | 20 Minute Body | 20 Minute Body |
| Autumn Calabrese | 21 Day Fix | 21 Day Fix |
| Billy Blanks | Tae Bo Fitness | Tae Bo |
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A household name, Jillian Michaels is one of the best female personal trainer entrepreneurs in the world and has been transforming lives with her holistic approach to fitness. Her fitness app offers customized workout plans and nutrition advice.
Most Known For: “The Biggest Loser” and her comprehensive fitness app.
Website: Jillian Michaels
Read More: Best White Label Fitness App Software
Tony Horton’s P90X program has become synonymous with home workouts. His program’s effectiveness and versatility have made it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
Most Known For: Creating the P90X workout series (from BeachBody).
Website: P90X
Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide (BBG) took the fitness world by storm. Her program focuses on short, intense workouts that yield results.
Most Known For: Her globally recognized BBG program (now called High Intensity with Kayla Itsines after the name change).
Website: BBG
Shaun T’s Insanity Workout challenges participants to push their limits. His high-intensity interval training program promises transformation in just 60 days.
Most Known For: Developing the Insanity Workout (from BeachBody).
Website: Insanity
Want to get your own custom branded fitness app?
Chalene Johnson’s workouts, including PiYo and Turbo Fire, offer a mix of pilates, yoga, and high-intensity cardio. She’s known for her energetic routines and motivational coaching style.
Most Known For: Creating PiYo and Turbo Fire workout programs.
Website: Chalene Johnson
Ben Bergeron, the mastermind behind CompTrain, offers elite training programs for CrossFit athletes, helping many reach the CrossFit Games.
Most Known For: Establishing CompTrain for elite CrossFit athletes.
Website: CompTrain
Mark Lauren’s “You Are Your Own Gym” promotes bodyweight exercises as the ultimate fitness tool. His programs are designed for efficiency and effectiveness without the need for gym equipment.
Most Known For: Promoting bodyweight exercises through “You Are Your Own Gym”.
Website: Mark Lauren
Brett Hoebel’s 20 Minute Body program emphasizes the importance of short, effective workouts. His approach combines fitness with nutrition for holistic well-being.
Most Known For: Creating the 20 Minute Body program.
Website: 20 Minute Body
Autumn Calabrese introduced the 21 Day Fix, a program that combines portion-controlled eating with simple workouts. Her approach is designed for rapid results.
Most Known For: Designing the 21 Day Fix program (from BeachBody).
Website: 21 Day Fix
Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo Fitness combines martial arts with cardio workouts. His energetic routines have been popular since the ’90s and continue to inspire many.
Most Known For: Founding Tae Bo Fitness.
Website: Tae Bo
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Notable female fitness entrepreneurs like Kayla Itsines and Jillian Michaels have made significant impacts in the industry. They often focus on empowerment and community, using digital platforms to reach and inspire a broader audience.
Read More: Top Female Fitness Entrepreneurs
Male fitness entrepreneurs, such as Tony Horton and Rich Froning Jr., often diversify their business models to include training, product sales, and digital content. Utilizing comprehensive platforms like Exercise.com can support this diversification, offering solutions for various aspects of their fitness businesses.
Read More: Top Male Fitness Entrepreneurs
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For personal trainers looking to expand their reach, grow their business, and offer comprehensive solutions to their clients, Exercise.com is the go-to platform. From online booking to exercise video hosting, Exercise.com provides everything a fitness professional needs. Book a demo and explore the myriad features tailored for the fitness industry!
Yes, being a personal trainer can be profitable, especially if you build a loyal clientele, offer specialized training services, or expand to online platforms. The profitability often depends on location, specialization, and marketing efforts.
Read More: Can personal trainers become rich?
Earning 6 figures as a personal trainer requires diversification of income streams. This can include offering group classes, online training sessions, selling workout plans, or hosting workshops. Building a strong personal brand, networking, and investing in continuous education can also help increase rates and attract higher-paying clients.
Read More: How to make 6 figures as a personal trainer?
While exact figures can vary, celebrity personal trainers like Tracy Anderson and Gunnar Peterson are among the wealthiest in the industry due to their high-profile clientele and successful business ventures.
The pay for personal trainers can vary widely across companies. Premium fitness chains and luxury resorts often offer higher salaries and commissions. Companies like Equinox, Lifetime Fitness, and Gold’s Gym are known for competitive compensation for experienced trainers.
Many personal trainers face challenges like inconsistent income, long hours, and the need to constantly attract new clients. Burnout, a lack of business skills, and the physical demands of the job can also contribute to trainers leaving the profession.
Some drawbacks of being a personal trainer include unpredictable income, potential for long or irregular hours, the need for continuous self-promotion, and physical wear and tear. It’s also an industry where continuous education is vital to stay relevant.
Top personal trainers, especially those with specialized skills or celebrity clientele, can charge upwards of $100 to $500 per hour or even more in premium markets or locations.
Read More: What do most personal trainers charge per hour?
Becoming a celebrity personal trainer often requires building a strong reputation in the fitness industry, networking in circles where celebrities frequent, and delivering exceptional results. It’s also crucial to maintain discretion, professionalism, and adaptability to cater to high-profile clients’ needs.
The salary for a personal trainer can vary widely based on location, experience, and specialization. On average, personal trainers in the U.S. can earn between $30,000 to $70,000 annually, with top trainers or those with specialized niches earning even more.
Read More: How much do the best personal trainers make?
Personal trainers can thrive in various business models, including one-on-one training, group classes, online training platforms, fitness boot camps, or even wellness retreats. The best model often depends on the trainer’s expertise, target clientele, and market demand.
Read More: Personal Trainer Business Ideas
The title of “best” is subjective and can vary based on criteria. However, trainers like Joe Wicks, Kayla Itsines, and Jillian Michaels are among the most recognized and influential in the global fitness industry.
Exercise.com offers an all-in-one software solution tailored for personal trainers. The platform provides tools for client management, workout planning, progress tracking, scheduling, and payment processing. With its customizable features, trainers can offer clients a personalized experience, from tailored workout plans to real-time feedback. Additionally, Exercise.com’s integrations, insights, and marketing tools make it easier to grow and manage your personal training business, allowing you to focus on what you do best: training and transforming lives.
Tyler Spraul