New Prenatal Program Available Now – Learn More

How to Start Your Own Personal Training Business

Sara Colletti
August 8, 2024

A Step-by-Step Business Guide for New Trainers

Ready to start your own personal training business? This week I am giving a presentation at Focus Integrative Fitness, the school where my whole life started. Focus is a school for Personal Trainers in Manhattan where you will learn Kinesiology, Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Bioenergetics, as well as the necessary skills to become an informed and professional Personal Trainer. I am beyond excited to teach the students step by step on how I started Hamptons Wellness on Wheels, a concierge in-home fitness company in the Hamptons, NY.

Starting your own personal training business is an exciting and rewarding venture. You get to share your passion for fitness, help others achieve their goals, and create a brand that reflects your unique training style. But like any business, getting started requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn your personal training expertise into a thriving business.

1. Develop Your Training Philosophy

Before diving into the logistics, take some time to define your personal training philosophy. What is your approach to fitness? What types of clients do you want to work with? This helps set you apart from other trainers and gives potential clients an understanding of what they can expect.

Tips:

Consider your areas of expertise: strength training, weight loss, functional fitness, etc.
Determine what sets you apart from other trainers—your style, your methods, or your personal story.
Think about who you want to serve: beginners, athletes, busy professionals, seniors, or a niche group like pre/postnatal women or people recovering from injury.

2. Get Certified, Insured, and Continue Your Education

Even if you’re already a certified personal trainer, continuing your education is key to building a strong foundation. Clients will trust you more if they know you’re knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest fitness science. After you have completed your certification, and are ready to start, make sure you have proper insurance. If you work at a gym, you will be covered, you need to have your own for when you work one on one with in-home clients. I have been using K and K Insurance for years!

Steps:

Choose a respected certification like NASM, ACE, or ISSA if you haven’t already.
Consider getting additional certifications in areas like nutrition coaching, corrective exercise, or group fitness to diversify your services.
Stay current with industry trends by attending workshops, conferences, and fitness expos.

3. Create a Business Plan

A solid business plan acts as a roadmap for your success. It helps you outline your vision, understand your target market, and manage your finances effectively.

What to include:

Mission statement: Why are you starting this business, and what’s your ultimate goal?
Target market: Who are your ideal clients, and what problems are you helping them solve?
Services: What will you offer—one-on-one training, group sessions, online coaching, or on-demand programs?
Marketing plan: How will you reach potential clients (social media, email newsletters, local partnerships)?
Financial plan: Estimate your startup costs (equipment, insurance, certifications), and calculate how many clients you need to cover your expenses and make a profit.

4. Set Up Your Business Legally

Like any business, personal training requires legal considerations to protect yourself and your clients.

Steps:

Business structure: Decide whether you want to be a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.
Insurance: Personal trainer liability insurance is a must to cover you in case of accidents or injuries.
Licenses and permits: Check local regulations to ensure you’re compliant with any required business licenses.
Waivers and contracts: Create a standard client contract that outlines expectations, liability, and payment terms.

5. Build Your Brand

Your brand is how you present your business to the world, and it’s key to attracting the right clients.

Elements of branding:

Business name: Choose something memorable that reflects your style or niche.
Logo and colors: These should be consistent across all platforms (website, social media, marketing materials).
Website: Even if you primarily train in person, a professional website serves as a hub where clients can learn about your services, read testimonials, and book sessions. Include a blog or resource page to offer free tips, which builds trust and engagement.
Social media presence: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are great platforms for sharing fitness tips, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your training methods.

6. Develop Your Services and Pricing

Your pricing should reflect your expertise, location, and the value you bring to clients. Be clear about what’s included in each service to avoid confusion.

Services to consider:

One-on-one training (in person or virtual)
Small group classes
Online training programs
Nutrition coaching
Fitness challenges or boot camps
Monthly membership programs for recurring income

Pricing Tips:

Research competitors in your area to find out what they charge.
Offer tiered pricing options (e.g., single sessions, packages of 5 or 10, or monthly plans).
Consider offering a discounted first session or consultation to get clients in the door.

7. Market Your Business

Now it’s time to spread the word about your business! Effective marketing is crucial to growing your client base, especially in the early stages.

Marketing strategies:

Word of mouth: Encourage happy clients to refer friends and offer them incentives like a free session.
Social media: Post regularly and engage with your followers. Share success stories, workout tips, and behind-the-scenes content.
Email marketing: Build an email list and send out newsletters with updates, fitness tips, and promotions.
Partnerships: Collaborate with local gyms, wellness centers, or nutritionists to cross-promote your services.
Google My Business: Create a profile so you can appear in local search results when people are looking for trainers in your area.

8. Track Your Progress and Adjust

Once your business is up and running, it’s essential to track key metrics to gauge your success. These can include client retention rates, revenue growth, social media engagement, and client satisfaction. Use this data to adjust your approach as needed.

Tips:

Schedule regular check-ins with clients to measure their progress and satisfaction.
Continuously ask for feedback, and don’t be afraid to tweak your offerings based on what works.
Stay organized with scheduling and billing software to keep track of client appointments, payments, and progress.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own personal training business can feel overwhelming at first, but with careful planning and a genuine passion for helping others, you can turn your vision into a successful reality. Focus on building a strong foundation, stay consistent with your marketing, and most importantly, build meaningful relationships with your clients. Your business will grow organically as you continue to provide value and results.

If you’ve been thinking about launching your own training business, now is the perfect time to start! The fitness industry is booming, and with your dedication and expertise, you’re well on your way to becoming a go-to trainer in your community. Creating Hamptons Wellness on Wheels was the best decision I have ever made, it has been a rewarding experience helping people achieve their goals and create a healthy and happy lifestyle. If you have any questions or are looking for a consultant please contact me at Sara@hamptonswow.com.

How to start your own business. Rear view of a teal van with "Hamptons Wellness on Wheels" and a decorative pattern on the back, parked on a gravel driveway next to greenery and trees, offering mobile Pilates sessions.

How to Start Your Own Personal Training Business

August 8, 2024