Happy 4th of July to all my American friends!
Last week, I outlined five possible side hustle projects I’m looking into. I already outlined my plan Part 1, for menu planning and becoming a running instructor. Now I’m looking at what it will take to become a triathlon coach, yoga instructor or personal trainer.
Becoming a certified triathlon coach in Canada involves taking a number of courses offered by the Coaching Association of Canada and certified by the National Coaching Certification Program. Each provincial body is different (although it appears the certification is good nationally once awarded). Some offer specific courses, Triathlon Manitoba does not. The initial courses take two weekends and cost $70 per weekend. After completing those two weekend, I would considered a trained coach, but would not be certified; to obtain certification I would have to complete four more modules. Those modules could be harder to complete; I can’t find any information about them being offered in Manitoba. Those are farther away for now though.
If I want to become a yoga instructor, there are a few routes I can take. For most studios, training takes 200 hours, and can be done either a) over four to five weeks of full time training, or b) over one to two years of weekend sessions. If I wanted to become Bikram certified, it is only done in the US, and lasts almost 8 weeks. Cost range from $2,000 to $15,000. I’ll be honest. I like yoga, I find it relaxes me and it is great for stretching out my poor stiff muscles. But $15,000? I don’t love yoga that much. I can’t see investing that much money to certify for something that I’d be teaching as a side gig. The other local courses are $2,000, $3,450 and $4,500. Those may be options I look into in the future, but definitely not right now.
CanFit Pro, the same organization I’m getting my nutrition certification from, also offers certification in personal training. Their certification, including an annual membership, the training course (over 3+ days) and certification exam costs $538. There is a session being offered in my area in November. They also offer a Group Fitness Instructor certification course; it would cost $508. If I took both courses, one of them would be reduced by $89 (the annual membership fee amount).
Since I’m already working on the Nutrition Specialist certification and taking a running class to work towards the running instructor side gig, I’m not moving forward with any of these three options in the next few months. Once I have taken the initiative to launch Part 1 of my side hustle plan, then I’ll decide how to move forward with Part 2. Based on my research and my areas of interest, triathlon coaching would come first, followed by Personal Trainer certification. I just can’t see paying $2,000+ to teach yoga. 
Time to get this hustle going!
Wait, there are certified coaches? I did not know that. I was training with a friend who is a personal trainer. I wonder if he is certified.
You bet! If your friend is a certified PT, then you’re already on the right track. Even if they don’t specialize in your particular sport, they have enough knowledge to be helpful and keep you safe.
I think you’re right to take a staged approach. If you’re a running instructor and have a nutrition certificate, I think you’re pretty qualified and I’d listen to your fitness advice. It’s enough to start making money, which is what will turn your hobby into a business!
That’s what I’m hoping for. I know for certain activities I need to be certified as either a PT or a coach, but those are down the road options. Right now, I’m cracking the books on my nutrition course!
Don’t do Bikram, it’s awful! You seem too nice to stick an earpiece in your ear and talk nonstop for 90 minutes three times a day. This series is very inspiring.
See, I love my hot yoga studios. Neither of them uses a microphone (too small to need it) and except for one instructor, they are both very soothing! But $15,000??? I didn’t even pay that much for my Bachelors degree! (Yes, I’m old and went to a cheap school.
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