How to Become a Fitness Coach on Sweatty
If you're a certified fitness professional, Sweatty's coach marketplace lets you build an independent coaching business — set your rates, manage your schedule, and grow your client base without gym revenue sharing.
Free resource: We turned the key insights from this guide into a pt evaluation scorecard. Grab it free below ↓
Coach bookings aren't open yet. When they open, you set your own prices and are paid through Stripe, and Sweatty's commission is published before then. Here's exactly how to apply and what to expect.
Who Can Apply
Minimum requirements:
- Accredited fitness certification (ACE, NASM, NSCA, ACSM, CIMSPA Level 3+, or equivalent)
- Current professional liability insurance
- Current first aid/CPR certification
- Government-issued ID for verification (in build, not yet active in the pilot)
- Based in a launch market
What we check:
Every coach is approved by the Sweatty team before they appear in the marketplace. Nothing checks a certificate, insurance or first aid, so be ready to show clients yours.
PT Evaluation Scorecard
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The Application Process
Step 1: Create Your Profile (10 minutes)
- Name, photo, bio (up to 2,000 characters)
- Specialisations (select from: strength, cardio, HIIT, yoga, boxing, rehabilitation, weight loss, sports performance, pre/post-natal, mobility)
- Years of experience
Bio tip: Be specific. "Certified personal trainer with 5 years' experience" is generic. "ACE-certified trainer specialising in HIIT and functional strength for busy professionals. 300+ clients trained, average client stays 8 months" tells a story.
Step 2: Keep Your Documents Ready
There is no document upload: the app doesn't collect certificates, insurance or first aid documents, and nothing checks them. Keep them ready to show clients. ID verification is in build and not yet active in the pilot.
Step 3: Set Your Rates
- Hourly rate for 1:1 sessions (you decide)
- Group rate per person (optional — if you offer small group training)
- Maximum group size (default: 6)
Pricing guidance: Check our personal trainer pricing guide for market rates in your area. Most coaches on marketplace platforms price 20-30% below gym rates while earning more per session (no 40-60% gym cut).
Step 4: Set Your Availability
Weekly recurring slots:
- Select available days (Mon-Sun)
- Set time blocks per day (e.g., 7am-12pm, 5pm-8pm)
- Block off unavailable dates
Once bookings open, clients can only book within your available slots. You control your schedule entirely.
Step 5: Approval
The Sweatty team reviews your profile for completeness and professionalism, and approves you before you appear in the marketplace. Certificates, insurance and first aid aren't checked.
You'll receive an email: approved, rejected (with reason), or "more information needed."
After Approval
Your Coach Dashboard
Once approved, you get:
- Booking management — accept, decline, or reschedule requests, once bookings open
- Client list — see your active clients, their session history, and notes
- Earnings tracker — revenue this week, this month, all time
- Payout history — your payments through Stripe
- Rating and reviews — see what clients say about you
The First Booking
Once bookings open, when a client books you:
- You receive a notification with their name, activity, date, time, venue
- You have 2 hours to confirm or suggest an alternative
- Once confirmed, both of you see the session in your calendars
- On session day, both check in at the venue via GPS
- After the session, the client rates you (1-5 stars across 4 dimensions)
Building Your Reputation
Your success on Sweatty depends on:
- Show up on time. Every time.
- Deliver results. Clients who improve leave 5-star reviews.
- Communicate proactively. Confirm sessions, provide post-session notes.
- Be professional. Respect boundaries, maintain certifications, carry insurance.
Coaches with 4.5+ ratings and 50+ completed sessions earn a "Featured Coach" badge — priority placement in coach discovery results.
The Economics
Commission
Sweatty's commission is published before coach bookings open. You set your own session prices, and you're paid through Stripe.
Compare to gym employment: gyms take 40-60%. A £60 session at a gym earns you £24-36. More on coach earnings.
FAQ
Can I coach on Sweatty part-time? Yes. Set your availability to whatever hours you want. Some coaches list 5 hours/week as a side hustle. Others list 40+.
Do I need my own equipment? For gym-based sessions: no (use the venue's equipment). For outdoor or home sessions: basic equipment (resistance bands, kettlebells, mats) helps but isn't mandatory.
What if a client doesn't show up? Once bookings open, clients who no-show without 2 hours' notice will be flagged, and repeated no-shows will lead to account warnings. Your time is respected.
Can I bring my existing clients to Sweatty? Yes, once bookings open. Invite them to book through the platform. They get safety features and scheduling convenience. You get trust score growth from verified sessions.
Start coaching on your terms. Apply to Sweatty's coach marketplace — a profile approved by the Sweatty team, full schedule control. Coach bookings aren't open yet; Sweatty's commission is published before they open. Join the waitlist.