Retention Beats Acquisition for Trainers in 2025, Per Report
A new report from TrueCoach provides actionable insights for personal trainers and health coaches looking to level up in the new year — especially those navigating a competitive market
Now, more than ever, personal trainers and fitness coaches are presented with significant opportunities to expand their business — especially with a new year quickly approaching.
We’ve seen the stats: Gen Z loves group fitness, millennials adore personal training and older people are active but less likely to hit the gym. But in 2025, trainers and coaches (either seasoned or just starting out) need to adapt to new trends and more, according to a new report from TrueCoach, which analyzed data from TrueCoach users and surveyed coaches on its platform.
Here are some key takeaways from the personal trainer software platform’s 2025 Personal Trainer Trends and Strategies report:
With Pilates, group fitness and HIIT projected to be three of the most popular fitness modalities in 2025, integrating these workout formats into training services can offer significant rewards, according to TrueCoach.
Similarly, leveraging peak booking times—found to be 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.—can prove to be an ideal window for targeting promotions or incentivizing clients to book a session.
And while trainers and coaches may want to focus on acquiring new clients in 2025, TrueCoach suggests that client retention should take priority in competitive markets, as it often leads to greater long-term engagement.
For those looking to expand, incorporating new offerings like nutrition tracking or mindfulness coaching can provide added value. TrueCoach highlights its Habit-Tracking feature, which allows trainers to set personalized daily goals for clients in areas like movement, nutrition, hydration, recovery and sleep — health pillars that have become increasingly important to wellness-seeking consumers.
Additionally, building a sense of community can benefit trainers and coaches aiming to grow in 2025. As TrueCoach recommends, cultivating a sense of community can be achieved through group training sessions, private social media groups for clients or monthly challenges.
While the number of consumers booking personal trainers in 2025 remains uncertain for now, it’s reasonable to expect an increase given the growing emphasis on personalization and pivot towards health-supporting practices.
