Short answer: to start as an online coach defines who you train, prepares a simple high-level process, organizes the plan and follow-up in a single tool and decides how you will charge. The software doesn't have to cost you anything at first: TrainingForever has a free version up to 5 athletes, with all the features.
This article will set up the service. If you're looking to improve your method, read how to improve as a coach.
1. Choose who you train
Popular 10K racers, medium-distance triathletes, long-distance cyclists... The more concrete, the easier it is to explain your service and prepare templates that you reuse.
2. Design your offer
- What includes: plan, revision frequency, messages, calls.
- What doesn't include, not to overpromise.
- Price and method of payment (monthly, per block).
3. A athlete's discharge that doesn't give laziness
An initial form with target, availability, history of injuries and watches you use. In TrainingForever you can send forms and invite with link or code; the athlete connects Garmin Connect and Strava (and export to Coros and Polar), and their app is free.
4. One-site plan and follow-up
| What you usually have scattered | Where is TrainingForever? |
|---|---|
| Excel or schedule with sessions | Sessions, weeks and reusable blocks |
| WhatsApp with feedback | Messages linked to each session and tab |
| Catches of the clock | Clock data entering alone |
| PDFs and videos on Drive | Library of exercises, videos and documents |
| Hand-pointed receivables | Rates, collection with Stripe and invoices (gem Business) |
5. Cobra without chasing anyone
At first you can charge for transfer. The Business gem adds rates, online payments with Stripe, invoices and reminders of payment, optionally, monthly and non-permanence.
6. Take care of the relationship
Answering with context and on time is what makes an athlete stay. You have ideas in our guide about the coach-sports relationship.
How much software costs when you grow
Price of TrainingForever: Free version with all functions up to 5 athletes; then, 0.99 € per active athlete per month, with a maximum of 49 €/month. Your athletes don't pay anything, ever. The gems are optional extras, such as the AI Assistant or Business, for monthly payment and no permanency. Clubs have no cost of their own: each coach pays only for his or her athletes.
Examples with published prices: 5 athletes, 0 €; 80 athletes, 49 €/month (stop). To compare with other free tools, look at the free software for personal coaches.
Checklist for your first week
- Ideal sports profile written.
- Priced offer and what includes.
- Discharge form ready.
- Free account created and 3-4 session templates saved.
- First guest athlete and his watch connected.
- First week published.
The AI Assistant (optional gem) helps you with repetitive work, like passing a text to sessions, but the plan is up to you.
What a coach says: Marc Bañuls
Marc Bañuls, endurance coach with more than 15 years experience. «At the beginning, it wasn’t planning that cost me the most, it was ordering: messages, sessions and payments spread over too many places.» «With few athletes you learn a lot, because you really know them. That base is what then allows you to grow."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start as an online coach without paying for software?
Yeah. TrainingForever has a free version with all features up to 5 athletes.
What happens when I have more athletes?
You pay €0.99 for each active athlete that month, with a maximum of €49/month. Gemstones are optional and monthly extras.
Can I get paid by my athletes from the platform?
Today you can manage how much each athlete pays you, and with the Gem Business you manage payments within the platform, with rates, Stripe and invoices.
What if I work in a club with other coaches?
The club has no cost of its own: each coach pays only for his athletes and sees only his own.
Does AI do the coach's job?
No. Assistant AI prepares drafts; you decide and publish.
