The fitness market is changing. While traditional memberships, personal training, and group classes remain key pillars for many gyms and trainers, competitive pressure is also on the rise. More and more providers are competing for the same target audience, advertising costs are increasing, and customers often compare offers based on price.
That’s why many fitness trainers are looking for ways to expand their offerings in a financially sound manner without having to constantly attract new customers through discounts or special promotions. One area has been gaining increasing importance in recent years: preventive health courses under Section 20 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V). Although millions of people use this market every year, many trainers are still unaware of the opportunities it offers.
What does Section 20 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V) actually mean?
Section 20 of the Social Code Book V (SGB V) forms the legal basis for what is known as primary prevention in Germany. The goal is not to let diseases develop in the first place, but to actively promote the health of the population.
For this reason, statutory health insurance providers support certified prevention courses in various areas, including physical activity. For participants, this offers a significant advantage: depending on the health insurance provider, course fees may be partially or even fully covered. For trainers, this opens up a market that differs significantly from the traditional self-pay market.
The biggest competitive advantage: When the health insurance provider subsidizes the course
Let’s imagine two identical functional training courses. Both cost 180 euros.
- For the first course, the participant covers the full cost themselves.
- The second is a certified prevention course under Section 20 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V). Depending on the health insurance provider, the participant receives up to 100% of the costs reimbursed.
For the trainer, the revenue remains the same. For the participant, however, the financial barrier is significantly lower. This is precisely why prevention courses are becoming a powerful tool for customer acquisition for many trainers. Instead of competing on the lowest price, they offer genuine health benefits that are also financially supported by health insurance providers.
Which courses are eligible for subsidies?
When it comes to prevention, many people first think of traditional back training. In fact, however, the range of options available today is much broader. The possibilities do not depend on obtaining countless additional certifications. Rather, it depends on which ready-made programs you choose to train in—and here, the possibilities are virtually limitless!
Among others, the following prevention courses can be offered:
- Functional training,
- Back training,
- Running and endurance training,
- (Reformer) Pilates (additional training required),
- Exercise classes during pregnancy,
- Mama Move classes (postnatal),
- Pelvic floor training,
- Fascia training,
- Training for children and teens,
- Exercise programs for specific target groups,
- Hiking and outdoor programs (ideal for wellness trips and retreats!).
This allows you to meaningfully supplement existing offerings or develop completely new, creative course formats.
In the past, a degree in sports science was required, but today there are new paths to certification
For a long time, access to the prevention market was reserved almost exclusively for graduates with a degree in sports science or those in therapeutic professions (such as physical therapists).
However, with the revision of the Prevention Guidelines in 2020, the qualification pathways were significantly expanded. Today, fitness trainers, coaches, and motivated career changers can also acquire the necessary skills—provided they complete continuing education that fully meets the strict requirements of the Central Prevention Examination Board (ZPP). As a result, entering the lucrative prevention market is now possible for significantly more professionals than it was just a few years ago.
The Path to ZPP Recognition
Anyone who wishes to offer certified prevention courses must meet the professional requirements of the Central Prevention Examination Board. Specialized continuing education programs are available for this purpose, structured precisely according to the guidelines of the current Prevention Handbook.
An excellent example of this is the state-approved prevention trainer training program offered by Avant Academy. The 12-month training program covers training science, medical, and pedagogical content entirely online and asynchronously. The 150 hours of practical training required by the ZPP can be completed with extreme flexibility during the program at a suitable internship site or—under certain conditions—can also be credited through courses that are led during the training period. This allows the training program to be easily integrated into daily professional and family life without incurring travel expenses.
Prevention Is Becoming a Market of the Future
The healthcare market is increasingly shifting away from mere treatment and toward active prevention. Statutory health insurance providers invest large sums annually in health-promoting measures, companies are expanding their workplace health management programs (BGM), and more and more people want to remain healthy, productive, and resilient in the long term.
For fitness trainers, this represents an extremely exciting development: Those who position themselves early in the field of prevention will tap into a growing market with enormous long-term potential.
Your Next Step as a Fitness Professional
Prevention courses under Section 20 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V) offer fitness trainers the opportunity to meaningfully expand their services and establish themselves in the self-pay market, independent of the traditional price war. Thanks to financial support from statutory health insurance providers, both participants and providers benefit. At the same time, demand for qualified prevention services is steadily increasing.
Anyone wishing to pursue this future-proof path should ensure they choose a state-approved continuing education program that fully meets the requirements of the Central Prevention Review Board (ZPP) and specifically prepares participants for subsequent ZPP recognition. Those interested can find further information on the course content and the requirements for certified prevention courses directly on the Avant Akademie website.
Source: Avant Academy
Image source: #2073905100 pattozher / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 22 July 2026