Which Type of Business Model Best Describes Your Coaching Business?
Renting Space, Emerging Online
Renting gym space offers flexibility and low overhead, but balancing in-person sessions with an online presence brings its own challenges—client management, pricing structure, and scaling sustainably.
Eric Feigl’s journey demonstrates how to overcome these obstacles. Starting with in-person coaching in a rented gym, he steadily grew his business through personalized service and strategic pricing. Over time, he expanded into online coaching, using a subscription model to maintain predictable income and balance his workload.
His success shows how blending these two models can create a sustainable and adaptable coaching business.
Multi-Location Gym and Online Coaching
Running a gym with multiple locations requires balancing client progression, pricing strategies, and operational scalability. Many gym owners face challenges such as managing class structures, staff, and maintaining profitability while delivering quality service.
Jordan Stanton has tackled these challenges head-on. Starting with a small garage gym, he grew his business into two successful locations—Next Level Barbell and Strength Union. His approach involves structured programs for different client levels, from beginner group classes to scalable small-group coaching for intermediates. Clear pricing tiers and a focus on community have allowed him to sustain growth while maintaining profitability.
Jordan’s story highlights how gym owners can scale their business without compromising service or community values.
Scaling Online Coaching
Online coaching offers the potential to reach a wide audience, but many coaches struggle with challenges like standing out in a crowded market, maintaining strong client relationships, and scaling their operations efficiently.
Anthony Diehl’s journey shows how these obstacles can be overcome. Starting with a niche in Strongman coaching, Anthony shifted to a broader online focus, leveraging both his network and in-person events to create a thriving, community-driven business. By transitioning to premium pricing and offering value beyond typical coaching services, he increased client retention and reduced churn. His streamlined operations and consistent client communication have allowed him to scale without sacrificing quality.
Anthony’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, community, and delivering a high-value experience in online coaching.
Brick and Mortar Gym and Online Coaching
Transitioning from a home gym to a full-fledged business presents challenges in pricing, scalability, and maintaining client relationships, but Cameron Cox has navigated these hurdles successfully.
By implementing structured scheduling, upgrading equipment for efficiency, and shifting to a flat monthly pricing model, Cameron stabilized his income while providing high-quality coaching. His move to The Strength Club marked a bold step forward, offering small group training with a strong sense of community and leveraging technology for streamlined operations.
Cameron’s story highlights the power of strategic pricing, smart scheduling, and client-first service in building a sustainable, thriving gym business.
In-Person Transitioning to Online Coaching
Online coaching provides flexibility and scalability, but many coaches struggle to balance in-person sessions, transition clients online, and maintain a sustainable workload.
Matt Fever’s approach demonstrates how to overcome these challenges. By integrating online coaching with his in-person training, he reduced burnout, maintained strong client relationships, and created a scalable business model. His flexible pricing structure, strategic upselling of online coaching, and personalized client pathways have allowed him to grow without rigid systems or excessive hours.
Matt’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, smart scheduling, and offering clients the right mix of in-person and online services for long-term success.
Blending Physical Therapy with Strength Coaching
Transitioning from physical therapy to strength coaching presents unique challenges, from balancing rehab clients with training programs to building a sustainable business model.
Jeremy Bradford’s approach shows how to navigate this shift successfully. By gradually reducing clinic hours, leveraging mentorship, and refining his pricing strategy, he built a thriving strength-focused gym while maintaining quality client care. His model integrates physical therapy and strength coaching, creating a seamless experience for clients while ensuring steady revenue growth.
Jeremy’s journey underscores the importance of strategic transitions, relationship-building, and adapting business models to blend rehab and strength coaching effectively.
