Why Trainers Should Be Using Instagram Reels (+15 Reel Ideas to Try)

Instagram Reels can feel intimidating, but they can make a world of a difference when it comes to getting discovered by potential clients and building your following.

Hootsuite notes that: “Instagram Reels continues to be the platform’s fastest-growing feature, so if you’re looking to get in on the engagement action, the time is now.”

With reels, you can record content up to three minutes long which is plenty of time to share a quick tip, a behind-the-scenes moment, or a personal story. If you remember nothing else from this page: reels work best when they’re simple, short, and authentic.

Why Reels Work for Trainers:

  • Behind the Scenes: Give a glimpse into your life as a trainer, programming workouts, setting up class, or your pre/post workout fuel.

  • Educational Content: Many people find the gym intimidating. Tutorials, tips, and quick guidance on movements can make fitness feel more approachable.

  • Relatable + Shareable: Trainers have endless “inside jokes” of gym life. Posting about those everyday moments makes people feel seen and keeps your content shareable.

  • Day in the Life: String together short clips and add a voiceover. If being on camera feels awkward, this is an easy way to tell your story. Pro tip: script bullet points and think about your opening hook before you record.

Best Practices for Reels:

  • Hook Fast: The quickest way to lose a viewer’s attention is to drag out your intro. Grab attention in the first 3–5 seconds.

  • Stay Unique: Don’t just copy other creators. Scrolling Instagram can give you inspiration, but adding your own spin is what makes people connect to you.

  • End Strong: Always give viewers something to do; save the post, tag a friend, comment, or share. Engagement is how you’ll get discovered by more potential clients.

15 Reel Ideas you can use this week:

1. Day in the Life of a Trainer

Quick snippets of your routine, morning coffee, class prep, coaching, recovery.

2. One Move, Three Variations

Show beginner, intermediate, and advanced options for the same exercise.

3. Quick Form Fix

Highlight one common mistake you see with a common gym exercise and how to fix it.

4. Client Shoutout / Testimonial

Spotlight a client’s progress (with their permission).

5. Trainer Story

Voiceover about why you became a trainer or your own fitness journey.

6. Myth-Busting Moment

“Lifting weights won’t make you bulky.” Keep it clear and punchy.

7. Go-To Warm-Up

Film 3–4 movements you always do before lifting.

8. What’s in My Gym Bag

Show your go-to gear, supplements, or snacks.

9. Behind the Scenes of Coaching

Candid clips of cueing, setup, or post-class high-fives.

10. Trend + Fitness Twist

Hop on a trending sound or challenge, but give it a Rise4/fitness spin. I’ll post more examples of these!

11. Favorite Recovery Routine

Stretching, foam rolling, or your post-class smoothie.

12. 20-Minute Workout

Three quick moves for when someone is short on time.

13. Trainer Tip Tuesday

Film a single helpful cue (like hand placement on push-ups).

14. Celebrating Small Wins

Highlight “non-scale victories” or small progress moments.

15. Call-to-Action Reel

Invite people to join a class, follow your journey, or share the post.

Final Thoughts:

Reels don’t need to be polished or perfect, they just need to be you. Whether you’re sharing a behind-the-scenes clip, an educational tip, or a lighthearted trend, your content is an extension of what already makes you a great trainer: connection, encouragement, and authenticity.

So start experimenting, have fun with it, and don’t forget to tag @rise4slc or @rise4holladay so we can celebrate and share your content!