Creating a digital fitness program lets you reach clients everywhere. An online fitness program is simply a structured workout routine delivered over the internet – through live classes, on-demand videos, or a mix of both. It empowers trainers to connect with students remotely, fitting busy schedules.
The market is booming: in 2023 the global online fitness market was estimated at $15.3 billion and growing ~32% annually. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in home workouts and virtual classes, making at-home and on-the-go exercise more popular than ever.
With these trends, now is a great time to launch your own virtual workout program. Platforms like OneStream Live make it easy to stream workouts, manage schedules, and engage a global audience.
In this Article:
What Is An Online Fitness Program And Why Launch One?
An online fitness training program packages your workouts into video content that clients can follow anywhere. It might include live-streamed classes (yoga, HIIT, strength training, etc.), on-demand workouts, and supplemental resources (like nutrition tips or community groups).The goal is to deliver a flexible, accessible exercise routine – trainers can stream live video and clients can watch recordings at their convenience, without commuting to a gym.
Going digital transforms your fitness brand into a live video distribution model. According to industry data, people increasingly prioritize digital fitness options.
They also allow fitness businesses to stay open 24/7: in fact, OneStream Live even supports 24/7 YouTube streaming, so your program can run continuously without breaks. By moving online, trainers and gym owners can build a subscription or membership model, recording recurring revenue while delivering high-quality workouts across any distance.
What Are People Looking For In Online Fitness Classes?
Clients have high expectations for virtual workout programs. Commonly, they want flexibility and convenience to exercise anytime, anywhere. They expect high-quality instruction – clear video and good audio – so they feel guided and motivated.
Variety is also key: offering different class types (yoga, cardio, strength, dance, etc.) helps keep participants engaged. A sense of community and interaction is crucial too: people want to feel seen and connected even in a virtual setting. This is why many turn to a broadcast platform or livestreaming company to deliver reliable experiences.
- Flexibility & Convenience: Participants want to work out on their own schedule without the need to commute. Emphasize that your online fitness classes can be joined live or replayed on-demand.
- Quality Instruction: People expect expert guidance and clear communication. Good lighting, clean sound, and an attentive instructor make clients feel the class is professional.
- Variety of Workouts: Offering a range of formats (HIIT, yoga, Pilates, dance, etc.) prevents boredom. This keeps members excited and coming back for new challenges.
- Community & Interaction: Even online, clients crave connection. Use live chat, Q&A, or social groups so participants can ask questions, share their progress, and feel motivated together.
- Easy Sign-Up & Affordability: A smooth registration process and reasonable pricing are expected. According to fitness industry experts, “affordability is a key part of the value people are looking for” (trainerize.com). Also, offering online workouts with minimal equipment means more people can join (not everyone has a home gym).
How to Create a Fitness Program?
Creating your online fitness program involves planning content, schedule, and format. Here’s a roadmap to get started:
- Define Your Goals and Audience:
Decide who your program is for (beginners, seniors, athletes?) and what goals you’ll help them achieve (weight loss, strength gains, mobility, etc.). Tailoring workouts to a clear audience builds engagement. - Plan Your Workouts:
Structure your fitness program as a series of sessions or modules. Use a workout builder tool (like Trainerize or Exercise.com) to design routines in advance. Even if you don’t use professional software, sketch out each session’s exercises, reps, and equipment. - Mix Live and On-Demand:
Live classes are great for real-time energy and community, but pre-recorded videos let people join anytime. Plan a schedule of live workouts (e.g., livestream on Monday/Wednesday/Friday) and also prepare on-demand content (e.g., recorded yoga class, pre-filmed HIIT).You can schedule playback so that on-demand videos drop at key times. OneStream Live lets you queue and loop recorded videos – you can even schedule up to 60 days in advance (using playlists and repeat) to automate your content delivery.
Read Blog: Pre-Recorded Streaming vs. Live Video Streaming: Pros and Cons
- Create Engaging Content:
Beyond exercises, add variety and personality. Include warm-ups, cool-downs, and fun segments (dance, core blasts, etc.). Consider inviting guest trainers for specialty classes (OneStream Live Studio supports up to 16 guests on-screen!) or record nutrition/health tips to supplement workouts. Authentic, unique content will make your program stand out. - Set Up a Production Schedule:
Treat your program like a TV schedule. Decide on class times, lengths, and frequency. Consistency builds habits – clients will know when to log in.You can batch-produce some content (record a week’s classes in one day) to streamline. The key is to have a pipeline: for example, film new workouts on weekends and schedule them for the coming week.
What Equipment And Setup Do I Need To Start Streaming Fitness Classes?
The barrier to entry is low – you can begin with just a laptop or smartphone – but a few gear upgrades greatly improve quality:
- Camera:
Use the best camera available. A modern smartphone or webcam works to start.
For higher quality, a mirrorless/DSLR camera or a dedicated video camera is ideal. Key things to look for are continuous autofocus and at least 720p–1080p output, so the camera can track you as you move.
Read Blog Ideal Camera Settings for Shooting Live Videos - Microphone:
Audio quality is crucial. Bad sound frustrates viewers. You can start with a good headset mic, but for the best audio, use a lapel (lavalier) mic or a hot-shoe mic on your camera.
Read 6 Ways to Improve Your Live Stream Audio Quality - Internet Connection:
A stable, high-speed upload connection is a must for live streaming. Use Ethernet if possible, or a strong Wi-Fi signal. - Lighting and Space:
Ensure your workout area is well-lit (natural light or softbox lamps) so viewers clearly see your movements. Film against a tidy, uncluttered background. OneStream Studio even supports virtual backgrounds if needed, but good real lighting is better. - Streaming Software/Encoder:
For simple streams, OneStream Live works straight from a web browser (no software). If you want more production control (overlay graphics, multiple camera angles, scene switching), you can use tools like OBS or Streamlabs.
OneStream Live integrates with those via RTMP. For example, you can send an OBS stream into OneStream Live to multistream it. - Optional Props: If your classes use equipment (dumbbells, bands, etc.), set them up in advance. Keep any workout gear visible and handy.
How Can I Broadcast My Fitness Program Classes To Multiple Platforms And Devices?
To maximize your reach, stream on all the platforms your audience uses. Multistreaming (simulcasting) is key:
1. Multistream to Social Media
OneStream Live can broadcast your live or pre-recorded workouts to 45+ platforms simultaneously. For example, you could stream the same fitness class live on Facebook Live, YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, LinkedIn, and more all at once. This way, followers on different channels can tune in to the class.
2. Make a Dedicated Fitness Program Web Landing Page
Besides social sites, you can stream to a custom web page. OneStream Live lets you send your stream to a Hosted Live Page (your own branded landing page).
Even without a website, clients can watch workouts on your Hosted Page. You simply pick a domain (like myfitness.onestream.live or your own domain) and OneStream Live handles the hosting.
3. Embed Fitness Program Videos On Your Website
If you have a fitness website or blog, use OneStream Live’s Embed Player. The “Universal Embed Player” auto-updates with each new event, so members can always see the next class on your site.
Or create an Event-Specific Embed for one-off sessions. Embedding your live stream ensures anyone visiting your site can stream live video of your workout from there.
4. Portrait Mode for Mobile
Many fitness users watch on mobile. OneStream Live Studio allows switching to portrait (vertical) mode easily, which is perfect for Instagram Live or TikTok-style classes. Use this when you know most of your audience is mobile-first.
If you’re wondering how to live stream on iPhone, OneStream Studio makes it seamless. It also addresses Instagram live issues like orientation and resolution on mobile.
5. On-Demand Library
All recordings of your streams (both live and pre-recorded) can be saved. You can build an on-demand library that people can access anytime.
Embed those workout videos on your site or let OneStream Live playlist them in your Hosted Page schedule. This way, latecomers or people in different timezones can still follow along.
How Can OneStream Live Enhance My Online Fitness Program?
OneStream Live is a comprehensive streaming platform that provides all the tools you need for a professional virtual fitness program. Here’s how it helps:
1. Pre-Recorded Streaming & Scheduling
You can upload your workout videos to OneStream Live’s cloud and schedule them to play when you choose. For example, record a 30-minute yoga session and set it to auto-play on your site at 7:00 AM every weekday.
OneStream Live supports playlist streaming and auto-loop, so you can queue multiple workouts in advance. This frees you from having to be live for every session.
2. High-Quality Live Studio
OneStream Live Studio lets you go live with polished production. Stream in HD, add your custom background or logo, and use built-in intros/outros and countdowns to look pro.
You can invite guests (e.g., guest trainers, nutritionists, or even a client for a Q&A) and show them on screen at once. An online teleprompter can help you present confidently, and multi-camera input (up to 4 feeds) lets you switch angles (like showing a close-up on form). Essentially, you can create TV-quality workouts from your browser.
3. Multistreaming to 45+ Destinations
As mentioned, OneStream easily connects to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, LinkedIn, custom RTMP channels, and more. You just select all the platforms (and your website/Hosted Page) before going live, and OneStream Live streams to all of them in real time.
No extra setup per platform is needed – it’s all in one place. You can stream on both YouTube and Twitch at the same time, and even go live in a Facebook group or stream to Instagram. OneStream also supports RTMP server integrations for advanced users.
4. Hosted Live Pages
If you don’t have a website, OneStream Live lets you build one in minutes. A Hosted Live Page is a fully customizable webpage (no coding) on which you can stream and schedule content.
You control the fonts, colors, layout, and even social links. Add a clickable CTA button to drive sign-ups or gear purchases. You can also display an upcoming events calendar on this page.
This is ideal for fitness pros who want a home base without dealing with external web hosting.
5. Interactive Chat
OneStream Live’s Studio integrates a live chat window so you can see comments from all connected platforms. The Unified Chat collects comments from multiple platforms in one feed.
That means if someone comments on Facebook or YouTube, you’ll see it in your dashboard immediately.
6. Other Perks
OneStream Live offers handy tools like cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox) for your videos, a mobile app to stream from your phone, and brand overlays to spruce up your broadcast. You can even loop older sessions as new content for late joiners, and there are no time limits for RTMP streaming, so you’re never cut off mid-class.
Using OneStream Live means you get a one-stop streaming solution. From planning and branding to broadcast and engagement, everything happens in one dashboard.
For fitness instructors, this is gold: you can focus on coaching, and let the platform handle the tech — no matter where you stream live video, whether it’s from a remote location or your home studio.
Wrap-Up
Creating an online fitness program is both an art and a science. It requires great workouts (the art) and reliable streaming tech (the science).
By combining smart planning (a workout plan creator, structured schedule) with a powerful livestreaming company like OneStream Live, you’ll deliver professional, engaging virtual classes that clients will love.
Start small, refine your content, and use the tips above to grow your program. The demand is there – with the right approach and platform, you can build the best online fitness program that meets people’s needs and keeps them coming back for more. Good luck!
Start streaming like a pro with OneStream Live — sign up today and turn your workouts into a global online business.
FAQS: Common Questions About Online Fitness Programs
A: Absolutely. Many trainers monetize through subscriptions, one-time payment classes, or donations. You can offer free classes on social media (to attract an audience) and paid premium content on a membership site or app.
A: Building routine and variety helps. Keep a consistent class schedule so clients know when to come.
Offer diverse workouts to prevent boredom. Track participants’ progress (e.g. strength milestones or weight goals) and celebrate those wins publicly. Engagement tools like group challenges or community shout-outs also motivate members to stick with the program.
A: OneStream Live is designed for ease. There’s no software to install for basic use – it runs in your browser.
The user interface is intuitive: connect your camera/mic, select platforms, and hit “Go Live.” For more advanced features (like multi-camera or overlays), there’s a learning curve, but plenty of tutorials are available.
Overall, many coaches find they can start broadcasting in minutes and pick up the rest as they go.
A: You can use OneStream Live’s Hosted Live Pages or social media. Share the direct link to your Hosted Page where you stream.
Promote your social media pages (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) where you’re live. If you do have a website or page, simply embed the OneStream Live player there. The platform itself handles the streaming, so you just need to publicize your link/channel.
OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!
