Starting a business
How to start a personal training business
If you love training people and you're tired of a gym taking most of what clients pay, running your own personal training business is the next step. Here's how to set it up, from certification to a full schedule.
1. Get certified and insured
In most places personal trainers don't need a government license, but clients and gyms expect a recognized certification, plus current CPR and AED training. List them on your website. Get professional liability insurance before you train anyone. If a client gets hurt, it protects you.
2. Decide where you'll train
- Independent at a gym: many gyms let outside trainers work for a monthly or per-session fee.
- A private studio: rent your own space, alone or shared with other trainers.
- In-home or outdoors: go to the client. Low overhead, more driving.
- Online coaching: programs and check-ins by app or video, with no space at all.
Many trainers mix two, like in-person plus online.
3. Set up the business on paper
Decide whether to run as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, get a free EIN (tax ID) from the IRS if you need one, and open a bank account just for the business. Rules differ by state and city, so check your state's business website or ask an accountant. Our new business checklist lists every step.
4. Price sessions and packages
Single sessions are easy to sell but hard to live on. Packages and monthly plans keep clients coming and give you steady income. Offer a few clear options, like a single session, a monthly plan and a small group option, with prices on your website or at least starting prices.
5. Pick who you serve
"I train everyone" is hard to market. "I help busy parents get strong in three sessions a week" is easy. Pick a group, like beginners, older adults, athletes or new moms, and speak to them on your website and social pages.
6. Build your brand and get online
A name and logo people remember, social pages that match, and a website that explains how you train, shows real results (with clients' OK) and has a free consult request form. See what a personal trainer website should include.
7. Land your first clients
- Offer a free consult or first session to get people in the door.
- Ask friends, family and past clients for referrals.
- Post short workout tips and client wins every week.
- Partner with physical therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists who see the same people.
- Ask every client for a Google review.
More in how to get your first customers.