Being accessible online can have a huge impact on your success. Whether it’s a knock-on effect from the pandemic, a sudden realization about the importance of caring for our health and well-being, or simply a desire to have access to comprehensive fitness options at our convenience, even the most successful fitness businesses are enjoying a boost from adding online services to their offering.
The numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, the online and virtual fitness industry sky-rocketed from $15.65 billion in 2022 to $21.82 billion, with the live-streaming fitness market expected to follow suit, increasing by 35% yearly till 2026. While a surge in virtual content doesn't mean traditional live classes and workouts will become a thing of the past, it shows a combination of in-person sessions, online classes, and video content is proving to be the best formula for many facilities and their clients.
The rising success of virtual content
In 2023, the Online Fitness Market size is estimated to register a CAGR of over 32% between 2024 and 2032. The reason digital works so well is because of the flexibility it offers. With work, studies, family, and life in general, it can be tough to find the time and enough motivation to convert healthy living into a steady habit.
Enter digital fitness.
A report from Statista notes: “Consumers are increasingly seeking convenience and accessibility in their fitness and healthcare routines, leading to a growing demand for digital fitness and well-being solutions. The ability to access personalized workout plans, virtual classes, and remote consultations with healthcare professionals is becoming more appealing to individuals with busy lifestyles.” No more commuting to and from the gym, choosing between that spin class and an overdue catch-up with friends, or feeling guilty about working late at the office last night instead of doing laps at the pool. Clients simply log into your website or app and choose a workout that suits their fitness level, time availability, and budget. They feel better about themselves, and you maintain a healthy cash flow.
Designing and monetizing your virtual content
A healthy mixture of class recordings and new content is a real game changer, keeping things fresh and bringing your clients the flexibility to choose how they want to engage and—even better—it doesn't have to be time-consuming or costly to make!
There are two main areas you can dive into:
On demand - On-demand fitness content typically consists of class recordings and pre-recorded videos, which can include anything from workouts, meditations, extra classes, demonstrations, instructional videos, and more.
Live classes - Hosting online classes lets members feel part of the community, even when they’re not physically at your facility. It’s also an excellent solution for beginners or people healing from an injury who are nervous about keeping up the pace in person.
Once you’ve identified the online formats that will work best for your audience, consider the different ways to package and sell your online content, from complementing existing memberships, offering one-off purchases, subscriptions, and even introducing tiered memberships, to allow different audiences access to specific types of content.
Reaping the multiple benefits of going virtual
Providing thoughtful content that your members can watch or participate in when they can't make it to class encourages customer loyalty and satisfaction. It complements your current offering, removes the risk of clients searching for alternative fitness options, and enables you to earn more without having to add classes to your already packed schedule.
Offering a wider variety of content also empowers your staff to grow and experiment with new format and dramatically increases your reach, attracting clients who live further away or who are unable to attend class regularly. What's more, with online fitness program subscriptions predicted to reach 320 million by 2026 , it’s a real opportunity to strengthen your community outside your facility and grow your brand. You’ll even gain insight into what your customers want and enjoy most —feedback you can use to improve your in-person offering, too.
For detailed steps on boosting your facility’s online presence, download TeamUp’s free guide to Creating and Monetizing Your Virtual Content . You’ll get top tips on producing high-quality online content, discover the multiple benefits virtual content brings to your business, and maximize engagement to give your clients a comprehensive, flexible fitness experience—all without breaking the bank!
Download now and get ready to take your online content to the next level. Lights, camera, action!
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