Jan. 21 2025

Careful financial planning has a direct effect on your monthly revenue

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The passion for movement and wellness is often the driving force behind our careers. But in order to sustain a thriving business in this competitive industry, it is essential to manage finances prudently. What follows is a typical monthly budget and expense breakdown for professionals in these fields, emphasizing how careful financial planning can enhance both personal and professional growth.

Before diving into expenses, it’s important to recognize the various revenue streams available — class fees, personal training sessions, workshops, special events, merchandising, online classes and programs. It’s not just about performance but more about our net and what we are creating to help support our future and ensure continuity. Times are changing. Spend some time learning the different avenues to generate revenue and collaborating with others to maximize growth and opportunities.

To illustrate the financial landscape, let’s assume a fitness professional has the following monthly revenue projections:

● Personal Training (10 sessions per week at $50 each): $2,000
● Workshops (teaching 2 group workshops per month at $100 each): $200
● Online Classes (5 classes per month at $40 each): $200
● Merchandising: $100
Total Monthly Revenue: $2,500

Now, let’s explore the various costs associated with running a movement-based business, like yoga, Pilates or dancing. It’s essential to be resourceful and creative in finding ways to lower expenses, whether through partnerships, bartering services or seeking out cost-effective solutions for studio space, equipment or marketing.
1. Studio Rental Fees: Renting space for classes is often one of the largest expenses. Fees can vary significantly depending on location and facility quality. A typical studio rental might range from $300 to $1,000 per month. For this example, we’ll estimate it at $600.
2. Marketing and Advertising: In today’s digital age, promoting services through social media, website maintenance and local advertising is crucial. A reasonable budget for marketing might be around $200 monthly.
3. Insurance: Liability insurance is a necessary expense to protect against potential claims. Depending on coverage, this could cost approximately $100 per month.
4. Equipment and Supplies: Around $150 per month allows for equipment upkeep and new purchases.
5. Professional Development: Setting aside $100 a month for professional development is a smart investment.
6. Transportation: $100 monthly accounts for gas and vehicle maintenance.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses: $50 is reasonable for any unforeseen costs.

To illustrate the financial landscape, let’s assume one is only focused on fitness and yoga for monthly revenue projections:

Class Fees (4 classes per week at $60 each): $240
Personal Training (10 sessions per week at $50 each): $2,000
Workshops (2 workshops per month at $100 each): $200
Merchandising: $100
Total Monthly Revenue: $2,540

Now, let’s calculate the total monthly expenses based on the breakdown provided:

● Studio Rental Fees: $600
● Marketing and Advertising: $200
● Equipment and Supplies: $150
● Professional Development: $100
● Insurance: $100
● Transportation: $100
● Miscellaneous Expenses: $50
Total Monthly Expenses: $1,400

With our revenue and expenses calculated, now let's go over the profit margin:

Total Monthly Revenue: $2,590
Total Monthly Expenses: $1,400
Monthly Profit: $2,590 - $1,400 = $1,190

This profit margin reflects the potential earnings available for reinvestment into the business or personal living expenses. The following is a list of ideas that can help provide you with better security and widen your net.

1. Diversify Income Streams: Relying on multiple revenue sources can provide financial stability. Expanding into online classes or workshops can help generate additional income.
2. Optimize Marketing Efforts: Utilize social media platforms and email marketing to reach more clients without incurring high costs. Engaging content and promotions can attract new students and retain existing ones.
3. Review Expenses Regularly: Conducting a monthly review of expenses can identify areas to cut costs or adjust budgets, leading to improved profit margins.
4. Build Client Relationships: Fostering strong relationships with clients can lead to higher retention rates, referrals and a more stable income base.
5. Invest in Professional Development: Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques enhances service quality and can justify higher rates for classes and personal training sessions.

The world of fitness instruction, personal training, yoga, dance, etc. is not only about passion and movement; it is also a significant business venture that requires astute financial management. By understanding revenue streams, meticulously tracking expenses and implementing effective strategies, professionals in these fields can achieve financial success while pursuing their passion. A well-structured monthly budget serves as the foundation for sustainable growth, allowing dancers, fitness instructors and personal trainers to focus on what they love most — empowering others through movement.

Alayne Wadsworth is a dynamic Art Director with 13+ years of experience in the modeling, acting and design industries. Currently leading the creative team at Younique, she oversees campaign production, talent management and cross-departmental collaboration. Alayne is also the owner of Vibrant Ballroom, a world title ballroom dance champion and ambassador for the Spine Health Foundation. Her credits include appearances on Dancing With The Stars, America's Got Talent, and World of Dance. Known for her resilience, having overcome scoliosis surgery, she uses her journey to inspire others, while continuing to excel in leadership, choreography and creative direction.