14 Aug 2025
Why becoming a Group Trainer is the ultimate side hustle.
If you love fitness and want to earn extra cash on the side, becoming a group trainer might be the perfect gig for you. These days, having a “side hustle” is more common than ever – around 6.5% of employed Australians hold multiple jobs (nearly 1 million people). For fitness enthusiasts, working as a group fitness instructor stands out as an ultimate side hustle that combines passion with flexibility and great pay.
What is a Group Fitness Trainer?
A Group Fitness Trainer (or Group Fitness Instructor) is a qualified fitness professional who leads exercise classes for groups of people. Think of the upbeat coach at your local gym’s spin class or the energetic instructor guiding a HIIT or yoga session. They take centre stage in a group workout, setting the vibe and motivating everyone in the room. Unlike a personal trainer who works one-on-one, a group trainer creates fun, inclusive workouts for multiple participants at once. Anything from choreographed aerobics classes to bootcamps in the park, group trainers bring people together to get fit and have a great time.
Group Fitness Instructors not only demonstrate exercises and routines but also ensure everyone is exercising safely and effectively. They might specialize in certain class types (for example, indoor cycling, Zumba or circuit training) and adapt exercises for different fitness levels so that both beginners and seasoned gym-goers can benefit. Their role is equal parts coach, cheerleader and community-builder, making exercise enjoyable and accessible for all.
Why Group Training is the Ultimate Side Hustle
Taking on work as a group fitness trainer can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some key reasons why becoming a group trainer is an ideal side hustle:
Flexible Schedule and Work–Life Balance
One of the biggest perks of group training as a side hustle is the flexible schedule. You aren’t stuck in a 9-to-5 routine – instead, you can teach classes at times that fit around your full-time job or studies. Many group fitness classes are held early mornings, evenings or weekends, which means you can keep your day job and teach fitness on the side without conflict. You have the freedom to choose how many classes you instruct per week and can often arrange sessions to suit your availability.
This flexibility also helps you maintain balance with your personal life. You could coach a 7am spin class before heading to the office or run a Saturday afternoon bootcamp after finishing your weekday commitments. Since roughly 68% of fitness instructors in Australia work part-time, it’s clear that many people successfully do this role alongside other pursuits. By setting your own hours, group training as a side hustle lets you earn extra income without burning out, and even leaves room to schedule your own workouts and family time.
Extra Income Doing What You Love
Another big draw is the extra income you can earn as a fitness trainer. Personal training and group exercise instructing are often considered well-paid side jobs, with rates that vary depending on your experience, location and the type of classes you lead. Just a few classes each week can provide a noticeable boost to your income while letting you share your passion for fitness with others.
Fitness training ranks among the top-earning side hustles in Australia. A recent analysis found that personal training consistently appears as one of the most profitable part-time roles across multiple states, showcasing the strong demand for qualified instructors. Whether you’re leading group classes or training clients one-on-one, you have the potential to turn your love for fitness into a rewarding and sustainable side hustle - and unlike many other jobs, this one keeps you healthy and active at the same time!
Stay Fit and Inspire Others
Being a group trainer isn’t just about the money. It’s also a chance to stay fit and do what you love. If you’re passionate about exercise, this side hustle lets you integrate your workouts into your work. Teaching classes regularly will keep you active and accountable to your own fitness goals. Instead of sitting at a desk for a second job or driving rideshares, you’ll be on your feet moving, which is a fantastic bonus for your health and wellbeing.
Group training is deeply rewarding. You get to share your love of fitness with others and inspire people to lead healthier lives. As an instructor, you’ll witness participants improve week by week, smash their fitness goals, and have fun doing it. Seeing your class members sweat, smile, and thank you after a great workout session can be incredibly fulfilling. This sense of making a positive impact on others’ lives is a huge motivator and a reason many trainers say they find the job personally satisfying. You’re not just earning extra cash – you’re doing meaningful work, building confidence in others and creating a supportive community.
Build Community and Expand Your Network
When you become a group fitness instructor, you join a vibrant community and open the door to new networking opportunities. Teaching classes puts you in contact with lots of people: class participants, fellow instructors, gym owners and other health professionals. Over time, you’ll get to know regular attendees and form connections with like-minded folks who share your enthusiasm for fitness. This social aspect can be a lot of fun – your side hustle could introduce you to new friends or even future clients for personal training if you choose to expand later.
Networking in the fitness industry can also benefit your main career or future opportunities. For example, through instructing you might meet gym managers who could offer you more class slots or a foot in the door for a full-time fitness job if you ever want one. You may collaborate with other trainers to run special bootcamp events or wellness workshops, further increasing your experience (and earnings). In short, being a group trainer plugs you into a positive community and broadens your professional network – something few other side hustles offer.
How to Get Started as a Group Trainer
Ready to turn your passion for fitness into a side hustle? Here are the steps to get started as a group fitness trainer in Australia:
1. Get Qualified:
First, you’ll need to obtain the right certification. In Australia, that means earning your SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. A nationally recognised SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness gives you the skills and knowledge to safely plan and lead group exercise sessions. This course (often called a Group Exercise Instructor certification) covers essentials like exercise programming, anatomy, supporting healthy eating and conducting classes for all fitness levels. You can complete the certification through flexible study options – many training providers offer online theory combined with practical workshops. Once you have your Certificate III qualification, you’ll be legally qualified to work as a gym or group exercise instructor in gyms, studios, or even run your own bootcamps.
2. Earn Your First Aid and Insurance:
To work with clients in any fitness setting, it’s important (and usually required) to have a current First Aid and CPR certificate, as well as appropriate insurance. A first aid certification ensures you can handle any minor injuries or emergencies in class, keeping everyone safe. Public liability insurance is also crucial, especially if you’re contracting or teaching independently – it protects you in case something goes wrong during a session. These are relatively quick to obtain (First Aid courses are often one-day workshops), and they give you and your participants peace of mind.
3. Start Gaining Experience:
With your qualifications in hand, it’s time to teach! Many new instructors start by offering classes at their local gym, community centre or even outdoors at a park. You might team up with an established fitness club or studio that’s looking for group instructors – this is a great way to get experience with built-in support. Some instructors begin by shadowing experienced trainers or co-teaching classes to build confidence. You could also advertise a small group training session for friends or colleagues to practice your class planning and leadership skills in a comfortable setting. As you gain experience and positive feedback, you can take on more classes or diversify the types of classes you teach. Remember, every class is an opportunity to learn and improve. Over time, you’ll develop your own teaching style and loyal followers who keep coming back for your sessions.
(Bonus Step: Upskill Further)
As you establish yourself, consider expanding your expertise. For instance, obtaining the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness can qualify you as a personal trainer and broaden the services you can offer. With a Certificate IV in Fitness, you could train individual clients one-on-one in addition to group classes, unlocking even more income potential. Many successful fitness professionals do both – they teach group classes as a side hustle and also take personal training clients. This combo can turn a part-time gig into a pathway for a fuller career in fitness if you ever decide to make it your main job.
Ready to Launch Your Fitness Side Hustle?
A side hustle as a group fitness trainer can tick all the boxes – flexible hours, extra income, personal fulfillment and fun! You’ll stay fit, meet fantastic people and develop valuable skills, all while earning money doing what you love. It’s no wonder so many fitness lovers are grabbing a microphone headset and getting in front of a class.
If you’re excited to get started, the first step is obtaining your qualification. Learn more about AIPT’s nationally recognised fitness courses (like the Certificate III in Fitness) to kickstart your journey. With the right training and support, you’ll be ready to lead amazing group workouts and turn your passion for fitness into the ultimate side hustle.
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