The connected fitness brand is betting on the growth of influencers in a new incubation program designed to help spotlight and develop emerging talent
iFIT is launching a trainer incubation program designed to discover, mentor and support the next generation of fitness coaches, especially those with large social media followings.
With iFIT Next, creators and coaches will have the connected fitness brand’s backing to accelerate their knowledge and reach, becoming iFIT Trainers in the process as the brand seeks to provide emerging talent with the resources to scale their global reach.
“Fitness leadership is evolving,” said iFIT chief subscription and content officer Jeremy McCarty. “The next great trainers aren’t discovered in gyms, they’re building communities online and inspiring millions every day.”
The brand was inspired to launch the program after its “Trainer Games” series on Amazon Prime, where certain trainers piqued iFIT’s interest as worthy investments.
One of those was fitness creator Darryl “Bullyjuice” Williams, who was signed as the program’s inaugural athlete and serves as a case study for how the program works. Williams currently has over three million followers on Instagram.
“With iFIT Next, we’re creating a new pathway for those voices to scale substantially and become global fitness stars,” McCarty added. “Darryl is exactly the kind of fitness leader and creator this program was built for.”
Williams caught iFIT’s attention with his unique approach to coaching, now undergoing the evolution from social media creator into an iFIT Trainer, during which he will create exclusive iFIT content for its six million users, and leverage his substantial online following to showcase the process.
“I’ve always said that fitness is about more than just the workout; it’s about building the confidence to start,” Williams said.
“My mission over the years has been to help people realize they don’t need a perfect gym, perfect body or perfect schedule to begin,” he added. “iFIT provides a new platform and unique experience to bring that guidance directly into people’s homes, and together we will help make fitness feel approachable and sustainable for everyone.”
