You cannot open a trade magazine or attend a conference where the Internet and Web-based training are not discussed. Doing business on the Internet is becoming increasingly popular. It is an inexpensive way to reach large numbers of people, and is a great way to leverage your time. People spend hours on their computers, making the Internet a great way to interact with present and potential clients. Over the coming years, Web-based training will likely increase in popularity and offer even more services. If you miss out on this wave of the future, you are limiting the potential growth of your business.

Web-Based Training

Web-based training involves either developing your own site, or subscribing to a pre-existing site in order to provide your clients with programs. You may choose to create your own site, but this is not really time or cost effective. For a small monthly fee, you can purchase subscription-based programs that allow you to offer much more. When you open an account with companies like Trainer Force or Fitness Generator, you will be able to:

• Create customized questionnaires and assessments

• Track your clients' workouts

• Create customized workouts and meal plans

• Keep clients current on the latest fitness research

• Link to your own Web site

You then give your clients a password so they can:

• Fill out the questionnaires

• Set goals

• View your customized programs

• See clips of the exercises being performed

• Log workouts

These services are available for $40–$50 per month and will allow you to train a significantly greater number of clients, as well as provide better service to the clients you already have. As Web-based training grows in popularity, there are an increasing number of companies offering this service. Due to competition, they are continually improving the services and benefits they offer and can help you generate a great deal of income if you utilize them properly.

Complementing Your Business with Online Training

Online training by itself can help you earn money. However, it is less effective alone than when you use it as a complement to your traditional training. Most people need the human component of support and accountability in order to stick with their programs and be successful. You can use your Web site to have your clients obtain their programs and log their workouts, and you can then require them to meet with you at regular intervals to check in. You can do it over the phone, but face-to-face meetings are best.

Personal training is more affordable for people when they only have to meet with you once or twice a month. Instead of training with you one to two times per week and spending $400 per month, they will pay $50 for the session with you and an additional $25–$50 for the Web service. A lot more people will be willing to pay $100 a month than they will be to pay $400. As a result, a greater number of people will utilize your services. You will also be freed up to help a larger number of people in the same amount of time you were working before.