business plan template for a personal trainer

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Personal Trainer Business Plan

If you are a personal trainer or want to become one, chances are that you’d want to start your own business at some point in your career.

Having your business gives you autonomy and lets you work with clients you’d want to work with. It also helps your day become more flexible.

A personal trainer business plan can help you work through every aspect of your business.

If you are planning to be a personal trainer, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample personal trainer business plan created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of the gym and fitness-related business plans .

Industry Overview

The personal trainer industry stood at a market size of 12.9 billion dollars in 2021 and isn’t about to slow down any time soon.

The increase in demand for personal trainers is due to the increasing number of people who prefer to work out at home.

Also, with the pandemic and social distancing norms, people working out at home with personal trainers has only increased.

And although it might seem relatively simple to start working as a trainer, you need to keep multiple things in mind to have a stable source of income.

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Things to Consider Before Writing a Personal Trainer Business Plan

Do your research.

Research is an extremely important aspect of starting any business. It helps you understand what you are getting yourself into. It helps you understand every aspect of your data better and make better strategic decisions as per the same.

Hence, conducting market research before getting started is important.

Know your target market

Knowing what your customers want , who they are, what influences their decision, how they do they avail services, and even what social media sites they use the most is important to serve your target audience better.

Hence, try to know as much as possible before getting started. It helps you have an edge over everyone else.

Decide upon a business structure

You could either set up a facility or start providing services at your client’s home, but having a business structure is essential. Your business structure would decide the amount you pay in taxes, the paperwork you’ll have to do, as well as the liability on your personal assets.

Look into all options you have and pick the structure that fits your business needs the best.

Pick the type of services you’ll provide

You can either provide services from a facility, at home, or even through online mediums now. Consider what fits your client’s and business needs the best before picking the type of your services.

Each type of service has its pros and cons. Hence, it is important to consider what type of services you should go for before getting started.

Write Your Business Plan

Having a business is in no way a cakewalk. From managing your finances to promoting your services you’ll need a plan for everything.

Reading some sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this personal trainer business plan example for you to get a good idea about how a perfect personal trainer business should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Personal Trainer Business Plan Outline

This is the standard personal trainer business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Market Validation
• Short-Term (1 -3 Years)
• Long Term (3-5 years)
• Mission statement
• Keys to success
• Fitjets – 3-Year Financial Highlights
• Company Ownership/Legal Entity
• Interior Operating Facilities
• Hours of Operation
• Startup summary
• Exercise Instruction and Demonstration
• Fitness Consultation
• Planning & Monitoring Exercise Programs
• Planning & Monitoring Nutrition Programs
• Customer Service
• US Fitness Market Size
• Market Trends
• Online Fitness Market Trends
• Fitjets Market Distribution
• Comparison Table
• Competitive Advantage
• SWOT analysis
• Marketing and Promotion Programs
• Positioning Statement
• Marketing Channels
• Pricing strategy
• Organization chart
• Management Team
• Hiring plan
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this personal trainer business plan example into your business plan and modify the required information and download your personal trainer business plan pdf or doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

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Download a sample personal trainer business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free personal trainer business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your personal trainer business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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About the Author

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Personal Training Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Personal Training Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their personal training companies. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a personal training business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Personal Training Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your personal training business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Personal Training Business

If you’re looking to start a personal training business or grow your existing personal training company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your personal training business to improve your chances of success. Your personal trainer business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Personal Training Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a personal training business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for personal training companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a personal training business.

If you want to start a personal training business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The business plan outline below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your personal training business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of personal training business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a personal training business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of personal training businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the personal training industry.
• Discuss the type of personal training business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of personal training business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of personal training businesses:

• Mobile personal trainer: This type of business involves traveling to the client’s home, a park, or another location that is convenient for the client to provide personal training sessions.
• In-home personal trainer: This type of business is operated out of the trainer’s own home. This type of business may be great for trainers that have their own equipment.
• Online personal trainer: This type of business involves providing training one-on-one or group sessions online live or via pre-recorded webinars.
• Gym trainer: This type of personal training business operates out of a gym that allows the trainer to work with their own clients at the gym.

In addition to explaining the type of personal training business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the number of sessions provided with positive outcomes, reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the personal training industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the personal training industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your personal trainer business plan:

• How big is the personal training industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your personal training business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your personal trainer business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of personal training business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other personal training businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of trainers, coaches, gyms, and fitness programs. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of personal training business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for clients to acquire your services?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a personal training business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of personal training company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide lifestyle training, boot camps, or performance training services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your personal training company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your personal training business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone gym, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your personal training marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your personal training business, including answering calls, planning and providing training sessions, billing customers and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth session, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your personal training business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your personal training business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing personal training businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a personal training business or successfully running a small fitness class.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 clients per day, and/or offer group training sessions? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your personal training business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a personal training business:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your gym location lease or testimonials from happy customers.

  Summary Writing a business plan for your personal training business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the personal training industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful personal training business.  

Personal Training Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my personal training business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your personal training business plan.

Where Can I Download a Personal Trainer Business Plan PDF?

You can download our Personal Trainer business plan PDF  here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

How Do You Start a Personal Training Business?

Starting a personal training business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Personal Training Business
• Create Your Personal Training Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Personal Training Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Personal Training Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Personal Training Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Personal Training Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Personal Training Business Equipment
• Develop Your Personal Training Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Personal Training Business
• Open for Business

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how a Growthink business planning advisor can create your business plan for you.   Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Create a Personal Trainer Business Plan in Six Steps

My personal training career began, as so many do, at a big box gym.

I worked my way up to management, then regional management, and eventually struck out on my own. Soon I opened a small gym, which progressively grew into a bigger gym over the next six years.

A natural evolution maybe, but no accident. It happened because I had a plan.

A business plan helps you stay focused. It puts you in control, leading you where you want to go, so you’ll end up happier and wealthier.

Yet lots of trainers don’t think to make one, or assume they don’t need one. You do. Taking the time to carefully craft a business plan can give you an edge, regardless of where you are in your career.

To help you get started, I’ve outlined a personal trainer business plan template with six basic steps:

Step 1: Write your mission statement

Step 2: assess the fitness industry and your competition, step 3: map out your revenue streams, step 4: plan for operating costs, step 5: create your sales and marketing plan, step 6: honestly assess your risk.

We’ll hit each of those in a moment, and share a downloadable worksheet for you to craft your own business plan. But first, you probably have a few questions.

What is a personal trainer business plan?

A personal trainer business plan is a written description of your business’s future. Think of it as your North Star. It will help guide every aspect of your business: services, products, people, location, competition, costs, and income.

Who needs a personal trainer business plan?

Anyone who makes a living as a personal trainer. Don’t wait until you’re self-employed. It’s never too early to think about your future trajectory, even if you’re still a gym employee.

What is a personal trainer business plan used for?

A business plan articulates what you do and why you’re doing it. Having it in writing helps you stay focused.

But depending on your needs and goals, you might also use it to impress potential investors, attract employees or customers, or deal with suppliers.

How long should a personal trainer business plan be?

A typical plan is about 10 to 20 pages, but there’s a lot of room for variation. It can be as simple as a few notes on the back of an envelope, or as complex as 50 pages with detailed projections and analysis.

What’s the purpose of your plan? If you’re trying to score financing, err on the longer side. But if it’s just for you, make it as brief or detailed as you like.

How do you start?

Easy: Just write. Tailor the language to your prospective audience. If you’re writing the plan for yourself, make it as casual as a conversation with a friend. If you’re writing it for a bank or private investor, be more formal. If it’s for clients, be professional, avoiding jargon or slang.

I remember agonizing over my first business plan, making a million revisions. I felt stuck because, as hard as I tried, my plan wasn’t perfect yet.

Then I realized something: Perfection isn’t possible, and you can’t let the pursuit of it keep you from moving forward.

The goal is to think about your personal training business in a more mature way. As you move through your career, stretching your abilities and learning from mistakes, you’ll gain the perspective you need to refine it.

Put another way, as you get better, your plan will too.

Personal trainer business plan template

This is two or three sentences explaining what your company aims to do, and why: “I help THIS group of people do X, Y, and Z. And this is why I do it.”

Don’t skip the second part. Clarifying why you do what you do is essential for setting your business apart. It starts with two things:

• Your core values
• Your training philosophy

Core values are your personal beliefs: who you are, and what you stand for. Your training philosophy is what you believe about training.

Why is training people important to you? Why is the demographic you work with important? What are the two or three most important things you believe about training that are nonnegotiable?

If you can answer those questions, you’ll have a much easier time conveying your value to others, and creating a coaching avatar that helps people connect with you.

READ ALSO:   How to Get More Personal Training Clients

Before you can figure out where you fit in in the fitness industry, you first need to know what that industry looks like. That takes research into the two most relevant market tiers for fitness pros:

To understand what’s happening locally, hop online and look up all the gyms and fitness facilities in your area. Visit a few. Talk to the locals, and pick their brains about what they’re interested in and why they chose their current gym. Gauge sample size.

For a national perspective, you could turn to Google.

Now think about where you fit in, both locally and nationally. What gap do you fill? What do you offer that someone needs but no one else provides? An honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses will help you find those answers.

Finally, determine your biggest threat. Think you don’t have competition? You do. Look at it this way: In the absence of your product or service, how do people fill that void? Where do they go? What do they buy? That’s your competition.

This one is simple. Just answer one question: How are you going to deliver your service? Will you train clients one-on-one, and also lead a group class a couple times a week? Or will you do small-group training at your gym, and supplement your income with online training ?

Start with only one or two income sources, and see how they work (or don’t work). Maybe you’ll find that one (like online training) generates enough revenue for you to focus on it exclusively. Maybe you’ll find that another (like teaching group classes at 6 a.m.) doesn’t pay well enough for you to continue. Maybe you’ll have so much success with one demographic or style of training that you’ll decide to create and sell a product related to it.

But don’t feel you have  to add revenue streams. Some of the most successful businesses in the world offer only one or two products. A sharp focus lets you excel at one thing. Sometimes that’s better than being kinda good at several.

READ ALSO:   Avoid These Mistakes When Building an Online Training Business

Jot down all the expenses you need to run your business: rent, equipment, insurance, software, business license, and any administrative fees. Add it all up, and you get your operating costs, the minimum income you need to exist. Keep in mind that some percentage of that income will go to taxes .

Now tackle revenue projections. Make a high-low chart, with one column for worst-case scenario, and another for best-case.

Your best-case scenario is what would happen if you absolutely crushed it, and kept a full book of paying clients all year. Your worst-case is the opposite, the least amount you would make if things don’t go according to plan.

Comfortable with those numbers? If not, rejigger the plan until you are.

READ ALSO:   How Your “Freedom Number” Can Give You the Opportunity to Fail

At Fitness Revolution  (where I work), we have something called the Triple-A Marketing Method : Assets, Arsenal, Action plan. Here’s how it works.

• Start with your assets—your skills, talents, and strengths. Maybe you’re really good at videos, or you’re great face to face.
• Now determine your arsenal, the tools you’ll use to deploy those skills. If videos are your thing, social media might be the way you share them. If talking to people is your strength, focus on networking.
• Finally, create an action plan, taking care to define exactly how often you’ll deploy those resources. Maybe you’ll post a new video every week, or attend a networking event once a month.

Over time, you’ll refine this section as you figure out what works and what doesn’t. But this is a good start.

There’s a reason why, in Step 4, I had you draw up a worst-case scenario alongside your sunniest projection. Too many personal trainers are overly optimistic, and write up business plans that assume things will always be awesome.

The problem with projecting 365 days of sunshine is that you’ll be blinded by the imagined glare. You won’t be ready for the bootcamps that get rained out, the clients who move on, the rent that goes up, or the car that breaks down.

Try pretending it’s your friend’s business plan. What would you say to that friend? Even better: Seek feedback from a fitness industry mentor or someone whose business advice you value. A neutral expert can give you much-needed perspective on the realities of running a business in an often-unpredictable world.

That brings us to risk. How much risk is written into your plan, and how much can you tolerate?

If you’re just starting out, your risk tolerance is probably pretty high, simply because you have less to lose. You could also pivot and try something else if your plan doesn’t work out.

But as your business grows, and you have more people who depend on you, the decisions will be harder, and your appetite for risk will probably drop.

Ready to get started? Click here to download our free Personal Trainer Business Plan worksheet.

What happens now?

A business plan is never complete. Even if you never need a detailed, professional version for investors, and you’re the only one who ever sees it, it’s still something you revisit as needed.

Every time your business shifts direction, your financial outlook changes, or you launch a new product, you’ll need to revisit your business plan.

But you don’t have to wait for a major change. Even a successful plan will eventually run its course, and need to be updated. If you think it’s time to revisit your plan, you’re probably right.

David Crump

David Crump is a personal trainer, industry-recognized speaker, and fitness business consultant who helps other fitness professionals grow their business. He is the training and content manager for Fitness Revolution, where he oversees continuing education and all things start-up related. He has helped open at least seven independent fitness facilities in addition to his own, which he ran for six years. You can keep up with him at his website or on Facebook .

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Personal Training Business Plan With Examples & Templates

Published by caroline @ wellness creative co on 14 june 2023 14 june 2023.

Writing a personal training business plan can seem a bit daunting. Most PTs love fitness and programming but aren’t so keen on the admin side. The good news is it doesn’t have to be difficult – with the right guidance and some practical examples to follow, it’s actually pretty easy.

In this article – learn how to write a personal training business plan in 7 simple steps (with samples, templates, and a downloadable checklist).

• Why write a business plan?
• 7 key elements
• Templates & examples
• Downloadable PDF checklist

We’re a team of qualified personal trainers and fitness coaches with 15+ years of industry experience , so we know first-hand what works (and what doesn’t!). We’ve trained other fitness professionals in sales, marketing, and business growth, so our strategies are tried and tested.

Why Write a Business Plan?

If you want your personal training business to be successful , then it’s vital to have a plan. It’ll help you secure investor funding or a business loan , which many PTs require in order to get off the ground.

But even if you don’t need the start-up finances, writing a plan makes you more likely to succeed. In fact, research shows that business plans double your chance of success . So, it’s really a no-brainer if you’re serious about being successful.

Here are a few of the reasons why creating a business plan is important…

• It crystallizes abstract thoughts and ideas into something tangible
• Helps you communicate your business concept in a way others will understand easily
• Required to secure funding from investors and banks
• Provides a structured plan to work through
• Helps you decide which areas to spend money on and where not to invest
• Ensures you understand what you’re letting yourself in for in terms of money, time, and effort

Whether you want to go freelance, become a mobile PT, start a personal training studio, or your own gym , you’ll definitely need a plan.

What To Include In a Personal Training Business Plan

Writing a personal training business proposal might sound daunting but this 7-step guide makes it easy . It’ll walk you through the exact process to follow so you’ll have your plan completed in no time. Here’s an overview of what you need to include…

• Executive summary
• Industry and market analysis
• Business overview
• Services offered
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Financial details
• Implementation plan

Now let’s look at each of these sections in more detail…

1. Executive Summary

Get straight to the point – why should the bank or investors lend your business money? Include your mission, key financial info, and unique selling points. Although it goes at the beginning of your plan, you should prepare this section last.

2. Industry & Local Market Analysis

Demonstrate potential – show that the fitness market and personal training industry are growing and there’ll be a strong demand for your services. Include research statistics, competitor info, and relevant government initiatives.

3. Business Overview

Summarise the business – objectives, location, ownership, legal status, personnel structure, and operations.

4. Services

The fun part – describe the different services you plan to sell including the packages and pricing structure . This could be in-person PT sessions, online programs , specialist workshops, fitness products, etc.

5. Sales & Marketing Strategy

How you’ll attract clients – explain your brand positioning and outline your personal training marketing plan by listing the activities you’ll do to generate revenue , attract clients , and promote your PT business .

6. Financial Information

Time to open a spreadsheet – potential investors and banks aren’t just interested in your figures. They’ll want to know how you arrived at those figures so show your calculations. Include breakdowns of profit and loss, cash-flow, breakeven figures, and the capital expenditure needed for start-up. Project 12, 36, and 60 months ahead.

7. Implementation Plan

How you’ll make it happen – provide a step-by-step list of actions you’ll take, including milestone dates.

You might also like… 50 Catchy Personal Training Business Name Ideas or How To Promote a Fitness Business .

Fitness Marketing Ideas Mini-Guide

25 fitness marketing ideas for your gym, studio, or online business. Attract new members, get more PT clients & boost your fitness blog.

Personal Trainer Business Plan Examples & Templates

Looking at a personal training business plan sample can be really helpful as it puts these sections into context. Reviewing examples will give you ideas for how to create and present your own plan.

You obviously don’t want to copy another plan since the details will be unique to your business. But the following example plans can be a useful reference for personal trainers…

• Dragon Fitness Training  produced this interesting personal trainer business plan as an academic exercise.
• Catalyst Fitness  created this CrossFit business plan with a detailed risk assessment.
• Launceston City Council created this aquatic center and health club business plan.
• The Yoga Lunch Box  offers a comprehensive yet easy-to-read fitness business template.

Creating a business plan is 100% worth the time and effort . It helps you validate demand, maximise profitability, and identify any potential pitfalls early.

This plan will be your playbook for the next 3-5 years so don’t rush the process. It’ll help you secure investor funding or a bank loan if you want to go down this route. Considering how you’ll acquire paying clients and manage cash flow now will ensure you’re well-prepared for life as a fitness business owner.

You might also like… How To Grow a Personal Training Business or The Ultimate Yoga Business Planning Guide & Template .

Downloadable Checklist & More Templates

The best way to write a business plan is to work on it in bite-size chunks . Trying to get the whole thing done in one go is the quickest route to overwhelm.

So, we recommend working on one section each day. This will enable you to complete the whole thing within a week, with zero stress or hassle . To make things easy, we created a handy PDF checklist that walks you through the 7 sections.

You can download it as part of our Personal Training Business Bundle . It includes marketing plan templates, business name ideas, sales scripts, and loads more resources.

Caroline @ Wellness Creative Co

Qualified personal trainer (BSc Sports Science) & nutritionist (MSc Human Nutrition) with 15+ years of fitness & wellness marketing experience working with global brands.

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Personal trainer business plan template

After deciding to launch your personal training business, your next step is to begin writing your business plan. A business plan is an excellent tool to ke

After deciding to launch your personal training business, your next step is to begin writing your business plan. A business plan is an excellent tool to keep you organised, help you avoid mistakes both in the present and down the line, and brings together all the parts of your business to make it succeed. While you will likely make several amendments to your business plan as your business grows, having a solid document with all of your goals and the strategies you want to execute will help you successfully get your personal training business up and running.

To assist you in creating your business plan we have provided you with a template and business plan examples of everything your document should include, what information to cover in each section, and what your business plan can help you achieve. Let's get started.

What is a business plan?

First things first, a business plan is a written document, typically 10-20 pages (depending on your business and how in-depth you go) that details everything one needs to know about your business. It should define your objectives, your business goals, and how you plan to achieve them - meaning how you will grow your business and in what ways.

Essentially it is the roadmap of your business and should clearly detail and state logistics as well as marketing, financial, and operational strategies and forecasts. Although business plans are unique to every business, there is a set structure you can follow to create your own and make it understandable to anyone reading your document.

Why is a business plan important for my personal training business?

Aside from being the document that you will follow to stay on track to achieve your goals, business plans also serve several other important purposes. A well-written business plan can help you attract investments and build your credibility.

When applying for a grant or loan or any type of financial support, often time the body providing you with the funds will ask for a business plan to verify your legitimacy. Business plans can also help you analyse gaps in your business, where you need to improve, and what things you may need to revisit as your business grows.

It's not only good practice to write a business plan, but it also serves as a way to set yourself apart from your competition and show your audience and potential clients how professional you are.

If you have already launched your business without a business plan, don't worry, there is still time to make one. Using our template you can create a strong plan that will establish your business and set you up for success.

The fine details: what to include in your business plan

Although you might be thinking right now, that writing a business plan will be boring, challenging, and that other PT businesses in your area probably already cover a lot of what you will include in your plan, you'd find it interesting to know that business plans are usually never identical because no two businesses are exactly the same, even if it might seem that way. This is why being as specific as possible and clearly detailing what your business is, what it offers, and to who is extremely important. In your business plan you must include the following topics:

• Executive summary

Mission statement

Industry analysis, competitor analysis, customer analysis.

• Marketing plan and analysis

Products and services

Financial plan, facility and location, management team.

These fundamental elements will help shape your plan and provide the exact details and strategies to start your personal training business off on the right track. While you might not have certain elements yet or are still considering whether or not to include certain elements in your personal training business for example a management team or purchase of your own facility, that's no problem. Including details such as your hopes and ideas for your business in the future or why your business will not cover certain areas should still be mentioned in your business plan. This will help give readers a big picture idea of your business and the possibilities for future growth and expansion.

Executive Summary

The first section of your business plan is your executive summary, or a synopsis of your business plan and what the reader of your plan can expect to learn from reading it. Your executive summary should have at least two to three sentences on each of the topics in your business plan, with a clear statement about your financial projections, who your ideal client is, and what you plan to achieve.

A great executive summary will hook your readers and motivate them to continue reading. A poorly executed executive summary will discourage the reader from reading more and leave a poor first impression of your business. Your executive summary should tie together all the following points you will cover in your entire plan and it must be concise and straightforward.

One of the first things an investor or reader of your business plan will look for in your executive summary is your mission statement. The purpose of a mission statement is to state your business's values, what you will achieve, and how you will achieve it. No matter whether you are launching your fitness business as a sole owner or plan to grow an entire company, having a mission statement that is very clear and sharp will let your audience know exactly what your business is all about.

For example, TeamUp's mission statement is:

We empower fitness businesses and their customers by providing the best management software for fitness studios, boxes, and gyms.

Don't worry too much about having the perfect language. The important part is to make sure your reader understands exactly who you serve and how you intend to meet their needs.

The industry analysis section of your business plan explains the positive relativity your new business has to other similar products and services in your industry. In this section, you will give a brief overview of the fitness industry, specifically the personal training industry with a brief history and why this industry exists. You can expand this section with popular trends, common needs in this industry, and how your personal training business would stand out. Use factual data and industry research to support your position and take this opportunity to show you really know what you're talking about as a new business owner entering a very popular sector.

In the competitor analysis, you will provide a more concrete explanation of how your business will differ from other competitors in your marketplace. You should use data and research you have done on your competitors to make factual statements, rather than assumptions, even though you might not know exactly what your competitors are doing differently. You should list out some immediate competitors in your area, their strengths and weaknesses and how you compare, what your business's role will be in the immediate marketplace, and give concrete examples of what you will do differently.

The customer analysis section of your business plan covers who your ideal client is and why your services cover their needs. Being specific in their identification, their demographic, where they are located, and how they spend their disposable income, will help you learn who your ideal client is and how you can attract their business. You should use similar traits and behaviours to describe why that type of person is your ideal client and why your type of service is the best fit for their needs. You can use your details to create realistic profiles for various ideal clients so that investors and your readers can get a great sense of who the exact person you will target is.  

Marketing strategy and sales forecast

In the marketing plan and sales forecast section, you will address how you will attract clients and clients to your personal training business. You will detail your strategies to enter the market and how you intend to grow and target clients to join your business. Your marketing strategy and plan will evolve over time and you will need to update them whenever you are emerging or entering into new markets. But in your initial plan, you should describe what you will do to earn your first clients, how you will communicate, market, and advertise your services, and who your clients would be.

In this section you should also use market trends and data to support how doing those strategies and methods will earn your clients and what your forecasted earnings will be once you have these clients, going as far as to forecast the next five to ten years.

The products and services section of your business plan is where you will describe what you are offering as a personal trainer and personal training business and why. Are you providing small group training , private one to one appointments , plan on teaching group classes, or a combination of all the above? When you know what services you intend to offer you need to clearly explain what they entail and how they are a benefit to your clients.

If you sell any additional merchandise or programming, you need to be specific as to why that is important to your business and offering. If are interested in offering products or services for example online classes and online one-on-one personal training services, nutrition programs, or on-demand content , you should make mention of these in this section and your plan for including these services and products in your offering.

In this section, you should also discuss how you plan to deliver these services to your clients. Will you focus primarily in-person, online, or both? Will you invest in personal training software to provide your clients with an easy to use booking and membership experience? These details help your reader and potential investors understand the customer experience you plan to execute beyond the product or service itself.

Your financial plan is one of the most important parts of your business plan. It is in this section that you will detail how much you expect to both charge and earn for your services as a business and personal trainer. You will also identify how much you intend to spend, if you receive funding what you intend to spend it on for example coaching salaries and perhaps, personal training software , how much you expect to make, and why potential investors should invest in your business. Your financial plan will give both you and the readers of your business plan an expectation and forecast of your profitability both in the present and in the future. Include your budget and what additional costs related to marketing, operations, development and expenditures you foresee your business having.

The facility and location section of your business plan is where you will state where your business will operate. Do you want to open your own gym or studio or rent space from an existing facility or run your training outdoors? Knowing the exact location or type of location where you will run your business is a very important part of 1, assessing your risk and how much insurance you will need and 2, assessing the cost you will incur from rent or a mortgage.

Being as specific in this as possible for the first and second-year stages of your business will help you readers and potential investors understand how you will grow in a specific area or region. Even if you plan to run your business online, taking into account where you will run your online training from and the very specific locations where your clients will be able to train with you is necessary information to include in this section.

The management team section of your business plan is where you will discuss any team members or staff you plan to have when starting a personal training business. Even if you plan to start your business as the only management team member, you can include any plans you have to grow your team in the future or plans to remain a sole trader. You should include fine details such as salary amount, how you will pay and train staff, and how each member of your team or staff will operate, meaning what role they would fulfil, for example, three coaches, one finance manager, one receptionist.

If you are running your personal training business online, you could also include where your management team members might be located or where you plan to have them located if you plan to recruit from a specific area or region.

Start your personal training business plan

While starting your personal training business and writing your business plan might seem like a challenge now, you have all the tools and resources you need to be successful. The rewards for your professionalism, preparedness, and entry into the fitness market will be much greater when you have taken the proper steps to launch your business the right way with a detailed, informed, and solid plan to guide you.

How profitable is a personal training business?

The average amount an entry-level PT can expect to make is $16.70 per hour which equates to about $34,000 per year. But the average income for trainers as a whole is closer to $42,000 per year, with the top 10 percent making in excess of $76,000.

How much do you need to start up a personal training business?

Start-up costs for personal training businesses vary from business to business, but they don't have to start off steep. Getting certified can cost anywhere between $500—$2000. Investing in liability insurance should cost between $200—$300 per year, and factoring in about $1,000 for an initial marketing strategy is also sensible. Should you decide to invest in your own space, rented or owned, that depends entirely on your location and the size of the space you want. If you need assistance earning funds to start your personal training business, check out our guide on applying for business grants for personal trainers .

Once your business plan is written and you're ready to take the next steps towards launching your personal training business, start by signing up for our free trial .

Thanks for reading!

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7 Simple Steps for Writing a Personal Trainer Business Plan (with Templates)

• Last Updated: 25th November 2022
• Personal Training Resources
• Editors: Harry Griffiths
• Verified By: Abbie Watkins

If you’re just starting on your own as a PT, writing a personal trainer business plan is one of the most important first steps you’ll have to take.

In this article we’ll cover:

Why Do I Need a Personal Training Business Plan?

Step 1: write your personal trainer business plan summary.

• Step 2: Detail Your Qualifications on Your PT Business Plan
• Step 3: Pinpoint What You Sell When Writing a Personal Trainer Business Plan

Step 4: Perform a SWOT Analysis as Part of Your Personal Training Business Plan

• Step 5: Outline Your Marketing Strategies in Your PT Business Plan
• Step 6: Include Your Financial Plans & Projections in a Personal Trainer Business Plan
• Step 7: Conclude Your Personal Training Business Plan with a Closing Statement

Before you start with your PT business plan, there’s one thing you should always factor in, and that’s professional development.

With  our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course , you’re able to set yourself apart from the competition and ensure your business can thrive in a competitive industry.  Download our free course prospectus to find out more !

EXPERT ADVICE ON BOOSTING YOUR PT INCOME

12 ways you can boost your pt income.

Before we look in detail at the process of writing a personal trainer business plan, it’s vital to understand why you should produce one. 

In short, a personal trainer business plan acts as the guide for where your business currently is, where you aspire to be, and how you’ll get there.

As you can imagine, this is vital for establishing your business and plays an integral role in:

• How to make money as a personal trainer
• How many, and the kind of, clients you attract
• How you market yourself
• Who your competitors are, and how you’ll beat them

It’s easy to assume that you’ll be the only person who’ll see the business plan for your personal trainer business but it will play a vital role in securing external funding if that’s what you need.

You will have to show prospective investors what you plan to do with your business and outline every detail if you’re looking to secure money from a third party.

Ultimately your personal trainer business plan is an opportunity to showcase your brand and display what you’ll be contributing to the fitness industry. 

Every successful personal trainer business plan should start with a summary. This is an overview for readers and potential investors, covering:

• Who you are
• What your business offers, and your target market
• Your financial state, and projections for the future
• Your marketing strategy
• Plans for the future

Despite it seeming simple, this is one of the most crucial parts of any business plan for a personal trainer because it’s the first impression you’ll make. 

You’ll need to summarise for the reader what you’ll be covering so they’ve got a good snapshot of your business and the service you will provide.

This personal trainer business plan example from CIBT Visas, a global financial company, is a great illustration of how it should be done:

Just from this short section, we find out a few key points about CIBT, including:

• What they do
• Where they operate
• Their core values
• What they aim to achieve

This should essentially contain your personal trainer mission statement and what you intend your brand to achieve and fulfil!

Your next sections will expand on these key features, and offer a more in-depth look at what you do, and where you can take your business.

Step 2: Detail Your Qualifications on Your Personal Trainer Business Plan

Following your summary, your personal training business plan should lead into a comprehensive inventory of your qualifications and certifications.

This serves a few different purposes. For any potential investors or banks, you’re proving that you’re well-positioned to provide a service to your clients.

Each qualification is an indicator to those who want to put money into your business that you’re a professional able to bring return on their investment with trustworthy expertise.

Each one is also an example of the different areas your business could branch into in order to grow and develop. For example, any specialist Level 4 master personal trainer courses you’ve completed  show a potential for advancement .

You should include a list of qualifications as well as where they come from. This will show that you’ve completed a course with a reputable provider and allows potential investors to see your credentials.

You should list them simply, like in our own personal trainer business plan sample below:

Diploma in Personal Training - OriGym COE Level 3 Exercise Referral - OriGym COE Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition - OriGym COE First Aid for Sports - British Red Cross CPD in Strength and Conditioning - OriGym COE

This list offers a comprehensive overview of our example PT’s qualifications, as well as where they were achieved. 

CPD fitness courses will also help demonstrate a wide ranging skill set and areas that your business could potentially branch into! 

Step 3: Pinpoint What You Want to Sell When Writing a Personal Trainer Business Plan

Next up for your personal trainer business plan is detailing exactly what it is that you intend to sell and how you plan to cater to a particular audience and customer base.

This should be one of the most extensive sections of your business plan template. As a personal trainer you need to put trust in your services and your ability to meet other people’s fitness goals as well as those you have for your business.

This is your opportunity to detail all of your revenue streams and the different ways in which you intend to make money for your business.

This is also a way of illustrating why there’s room in the market for your business to cater to a particular demographic and offer a service that there’s a want or need for!

This may sound simple but plenty of trainers will miss out revenue streams from their personal training business plan, or don’t detail potential opportunities for expansion and selling other services or products.

Most PTs will have several revenue streams and you want to make sure you detail all of these without putting too much emphasis on the most lucrative ones.

For example, you don’t want to just detail your one-to-one training, despite it probably being your main source of income!

Some of the revenue streams you might want to include on top of this are:

• Online or face to face seminars
• Nutrition consultations
• Affiliate marketing with prominent brands such as sportswear and supplement brands
• Personal trainer tutor for a training provider
• Workout guides or ebooks
• Speaking at fitness or educational events

You also need to find your personal training target market . 

Something holistic like ‘gym goer’ is too broad and will hinder your ability to create marketing strategies and develop your business.

Expand The Services of Your PT Business!

Grow your business with our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course, combining personal training with nutrition advice!

Your target market is the ideal customer and should be directly linked to the services you’re offering. 

You need to be able to show why you’ve chosen this demographic and how your product or service answers their specific needs.

Again, the more specific you can be the better. Some examples include:

• People with physical health conditions or impairments
• People with long term health conditions during rehabilitation 
• Women under 30 looking for postnatal classes
• Athletes looking for strength and conditioning training

We’ve written our own personal trainer business plan example for this particular section that you can use as a template:

My business offers one-to-one, bespoke, personal training sessions for women who are 40 years of age or older.  My services predominantly focus on helping women use exercise and nutrition to deal with the symptoms and stresses of menopause. My research suggests there is a huge need for a combination of services such as mine, offering nutrition and exercise programmes to help women with some of these issues. All of my qualifications uniquely equip me to work with this demographic to provide a much needed service. I offer nutrition sessions one-to-one, building recipes and selling them as a recipe guide, or working with individual clients to build bespoke nutrition plans. I also offer personal training sessions one-to-one or in groups with other women of the same age or same symptom experience.  Because of how common these issues are in this demographic there’s also a huge demand for seminars and educational sessions in partnership with women’s charities and other healthcare professionals. I provide consultancy on these issues as well as being available for talks and seminars online or in-person for various institutions.

This business plan template for a personal trainer company can be used as a jumping off point and fleshed out for your own brand!

The next thing you will need to perform for your personal trainer business plan is SWOT analysis.

Personal trainer SWOT analysis is vital for determining what you’re doing well and if there’s any sticking points, preventing your business from growing and developing as it should. 

SWOT stands for:

• Strengths - these are the elements you think makes you stand out as a PT making your business unique 
• Weaknesses - this is where you’ll reflect on any areas for improvement or development 
• Opportunities - building on the above, decide on actions that can be taken to improve your business and develop your brand
• Threats - this last step is to assess whether there’s anything stopping these actions from being taken or potential disruptions to how you might want to grow and develop your business

By performing these steps you’ll have an idea of how you can promote your USP and reinforce the other sections of your business plan, realising what gap you’re filling in the market.

You’ll also be able to identify any room for improvement and things that you can do to allow your business to grow.

This will help you by identifying exactly what your next moves are and how you can grow your business moving forward.

This will also help to show potential investors that you’re aware of the challenges your business might face and how you’re prepared to meet them and adapt your business accordingly.

This makes you seem like a more trustworthy investment and somebody who’s aware of how best to return on that investment and grow your business and income!

Step 5: Outline Your Marketing Strategies in Your Personal Trainer Business Plan

Another vital part of a business plan for any personal trainer is outlining your marketing strategies. 

This is vital for both you and any potential investors or collaborators. Here, you’ll outline the specific techniques and campaigns you will use to grow your business and gain new clients!

Showing your marketing plan will also reinforce your understanding of your target market because the particular strategies you use should be dictated by who you’re marketing to.

Identifying Your Target Market

If you’re writing a business plan to open a personal training studio , what’s the age range of your prospective clientele?

As we mentioned earlier, you need to make sure you’re as specific as possible with your target market.

The more specific you can be about the demographic the more specific you can be in targeting them, based on their behaviour and interaction with different platforms.

Using Social Media Platforms Relevant to Your Target Market

You need to make sure you’re aware of which platform is most used by your target age range. 

This is so that you can demonstrate that you understand the best way to target this specific audience with your marketing. 

If you're looking to target an older age range, you may want to get clients from Facebook , as the social media site  tends to be used by an older generation of users.

If you’re targeting young women, for example, you should target platforms such as TikTok and Instagram that are dominated by this younger demographic.

However, some platforms such as Google are frequented by everyone and are a worthy investment no matter your target market.

Using Ads on Social Media

You should also include information about any existing personal trainer marketing strategies you’ve implemented. 

This will show your progress and illustrate your understanding of including this in your SWOT analysis and your awareness of how best to reach your target market.

You can include a screenshot of any existing ads you have on social media but you also need to ensure you include details of any spending and your projected spends on future strategies.

You should also detail any spending you’ve already done for advertising and marketing efforts.

This should include the costs for the maintenance of your existing marketing strategies, as well as any projections for future ones such as getting PT referrals or affiliate marketing.

Showing the Impact of Your Marketing Strategies

You should also make sure you include figures you have about the impact of any existing strategies you have in place.

For example, you might show the reach and engagement of certain ads you’ve had on social media platforms.

This will show what’s worked already and support any request for funds if you can show how and to what end your budget for marketing has worked.

In terms of showing what you’ve already done, this might be simply including a screenshot of what you’ve already spent on your advertising and any leads or impressions generated as a result.

For example, here’s an image of the leads generated by our own Facebook ads within a month:

And here’s what it might look like to show what you’ve spent in order to generate those leads:

This will show a potential investor that your existing spends have been successful and will be considered in terms of how much you can borrow or get.

This way you’re showing that what you’ve spent already has been successful and what you need to continue to spend in order to maintain that success.

However, you may not have already done any marketing in this way. If you’ve worked in a gym chances are you have to promote your own services but you might not have been solely responsible for things like ads and email marketing. 

If you’re just starting out, and this is the case, you should just include projections based on your market research.

Make sure to focus on the aforementioned factors, including any financial projections you can make. 

This way you’re still showing you’re aware of exactly what you need to do and what you need to monitor to have a successful marketing campaign!

If you found this section helpful, you can find out more about marketing your personal trainer business with some of our other articles below:

• Strategies for Personal Trainer Lead Generation
• How to Use Google My Business as a Personal Trainer
• Personal Trainer Social Media: Ideas, Examples & Schedule

Step 6: Include Your Financial Plan and Projections in a Personal Trainer Business Plan

If you’re trying to secure money from a third party for your business, probably the most important sample of your personal trainer business plan is your financial projections.

The level of detail you include will depend on where you’re trying to secure funding from and how far into your business you are.

For example, this will look different for a personal training studio business plan than if your services are online or from home. 

It will also depend on some of the other features from our personal trainer business plan examples, such as marketing.

If you’ve only just started then your marketing costs will be projections rather than the screenshots we included in our own personal trainer business plan sample. 

You’ll need to detail not only what your expenses are or will be, but exactly how you see your business making and maintaining a steady financial flow.

No matter what your brand is, when you’re writing a personal trainer business plan you need to make sure you include the following crucial elements:

• An income statement
• A balance sheet
• A cash-flow statement

We’ll run through each of these now so you know exactly what they entail and why they’re important for any successful personal trainer business plan.

An Income Statement 

An income statement is a crucial part of any business plan template and a personal trainer business is no exception.

This is a statement that shows how much money you’ve made after your expenses and taxes are deducted from your income. 

Any business will keep this anyway for tax purposes and it can be helpful to have those numbers in front of you when you’re looking at ways to grow or streamline your business.

This is especially useful for anybody looking to invest or support your business financially because it shows your business’s profit and success.

It will also show any losses made and where they’ve come from so you can make any alterations.

This will inform and reinforce other parts of your personal trainer business plan. For example, having these figures ready will help you with your SWOT analysis.

Throughout your career you will have to complete an income statement for your business every fiscal quarter.

However, when you’re starting out, and for the purposes of the personal training business plan, you should do one every month for a year where possible.

This will also depend on your personal trainer business registration because your taxes will depend on whether you’re a sole trader or a limited company.

You should check this or use a business plan template for your personal trainer income statement.

A Balance Sheet

Your balance sheet is a calculation of what you have versus what you owe, giving a sum that shows the equity of your business. 

On one side it will list your business assets, which are things you own and could be liquidated and turned into cash. On the other side it will show liabilities, which are what you owe.

Most people will have a mixture of short and long term assets, called ‘current’ and ‘noncurrent’. 

Current assets are those which you could turn into cash within the year so either cash you currently have or accounts receivable (invoices from clients who are yet to pay).

Noncurrent assets are those which you don’t expect to liquidate in the near future.

This includes things like equipment or, if you’re writing a personal training studio business plan, you’d include property on this list too.

This is only in the list of assets if you own the property, though. If you’re renting a space or you’re paying off a mortgage, this would be in the liabilities section.

Liabilities will mostly be related to starting your business and any loans or any costs you got on finance.

Being able to show a healthy balance of these two things is a vital part of your business plan as a personal trainer because it shows the financial health of your company.

Showing that these things are well balanced will demonstrate to a bank or any potential investors that you’re a trustworthy business and will be financially stable enough to repay any money lent.

You should subtract the amount of liabilities from your assets to show the equity of your company.

A Cash Flow Statement 

Any business plan template for a personal trainer business should also include a cash flow statement. 

This is similar to an income statement but instead of just showing how much money you have after your outgoings this calculates the ‘flow’, i.e how much you have consistently coming in and out of your business.

Ideally, you want to be able to show that the flow of money is always positive, meaning you take in more money than you’re spending on expenses. 

Including this in your business plan serves a similar purpose to an income statement in regards to the SWOT analysis too.

Having these figures showing the cash flow will help you identify what’s working best to make money as a personal trainer , and where you could improve or cut back on expenses. 

The cash flow statement should show where your money is low and where there may be a surplus, meaning you have some opportunity to spend or redistribute some funds.

Having these figures will not only help you adjust your business but will also give a good indicator to investors or potential lenders of your financial stability as a business.

Step 7: Conclude Your Personal Trainer Business Plan with a Closing Statement

Last but not least, you should end your personal trainer business plan with a closing statement.

This will serve a similar purpose to your summary from step one but you can now summarise based on everything from the other sections.

This will act as a conclusion and an indication of where your business is up to and what you see as the next important steps.

This will help you to decide what you want to do with your business and the most immediate concerns and actions you need to take.

This will also act as an indicator to investors and lenders that you understand and know what to do with the data from previous sections.

If you can assess your business and read through your PT business plan to make some decisions, this reinforces your understanding of your business and your trustworthiness as a business owner!

After all, in any sample personal trainer business plan this is your opportunity to summarise your successes and illustrate that you understand how to fix any issues, and adjust accordingly.

Before You Go!

Hopefully now you’ve seen our personal trainer business plan examples, you feel ready to start writing your own!

Don’t forget you can grow your business by learning new expertise and skills and offering new services. You can do this with our  Level 4 Sports Nutrition qualification .

Find out more by getting in touch with our team today and download our course prospectus to see how else you can continue to grow your business.

Written by Jessie Florence Jones

Jessie has a 1st class honours degree in English Literature from University of Leeds and an MA in English Literature from Durham University. Naturally Jessie has a real passion for writing especially about film, culture and wellbeing. Outside of writing she loves hiking, country walks and yoga, which she has been doing religiously over lockdown.

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Personal Training Business Plan: Example & Template

Written by Megan Williams

What is a personal training business plan?

A personal training business plan is useful for any personal trainers wanting to go solo and set up their own personal training business. Putting together a personal training business plan will ensure you cover all the key events and information you need to successfully launch your personal training business. 

In this handy article, we have outlined detail of the different elements within a personal training business plan along with a downloadable template that you can start building on straight away. Our aim is to provide you with all the elements you need to be successful in kick-starting your personal training business and service.

Why do you need a personal training business plan?

Having a personal training business plan will make the process of starting any personal training business smoother. This may include opening your own personal training studio , becoming a self-employed personal trainer or freelancing for a gym. It can become very easy to quickly start working with clients and avoid planning out the bigger picture.  

Banks or Investors

If you need additional funding to get started with your personal training business , being prepared to showcase your full personal training business plan to potential investors or banks will put you in a better position. In both cases, you are looking to persuade these people to invest in your fitness business, if they can’t see a clear plan mapped out on why you are worth the investment you may be unsuccessful in achieving the investor or funding. This provides potential investors with the step by step process on how you are planning to get your personal trainer services running.

Approaching this situation with a fully mapped out personal trainer business plan shows that you have thought through all possible elements of the business strategically with evidence on how you have got to this stage to be successful in the fitness industry.

Self Motivation

If you are looking to become self-employed and go out in the fitness world as an independent personal training business has a well thought out plan in place that will keep you on track with your own personal business goals. Spending some valuable time putting together a personal training business plan will be beneficial in the long run to keeping yourself on track, this can be a document you constantly refer back to. A personal training business plan will be what continues to drive you to achieve your ultimate business goals.

Summary & Pitching

The first section will be a summary of your overall business plan which will include business goals/aims, what the business does and any financial projections. The best way to approach this section is to complete it last once you have completed all the research for you to summarise. The purpose of this summary is to outline your business at a quick glance for somebody to understand your main goal and outcome.

Pitching your personal training business plan

A personal training business plan pitch will include a brief summary of what you do and what you are aiming to achieve. In your pitch, you should include your aims and objectives as a business, an overview of financial forecasts, business plan ideas and identify your USP.

The pitch should only be a few sentences long and ensure it is all relevant material avoiding any repetition or filler. The idea of the pitch is to attract your listener, an indicator of a successful pitch is your listen asking questions or wanting to know more about your pt business plan.

Personal background

This section is to outline your own personal background this section will help you outline your strengths and potential weaknesses for listeners to understand. 

Use your experience and expertise to boost credentials

Your qualification and experience will have high value in this section with the opportunity to showcase how you have educated yourself and the route you have followed. If you have undertaken additional studies including continuous professional development courses, this is a good place to showcase this.

This is also a good opportunity to identify any training you may need to still undertake to work on yourself, this demonstrates that you have a focus on personal growth and are planned for this. This is a beneficial section to understand for personal growth, working on identifying your own strengths and weaknesses will highlight any sections of the business you may need additional support or training in prior to starting.

Product or service

Personal training is positioned as a service business as you do not sell a physical product, you offer time and experience to your client’s fitness journey. In this section, you will highlight your core service, will you just be offering personal training sessions or is there an option to build out nutrition meal plans? Use this opportunity to explain your service in detail including what you offer the client, how you plan to deliver the service and any resources needed for this.

Outline your USP

In this section, it is also important that you highlight what makes you different and how your knowledge, experience and background has created a USP for your personal training service.

In order to be successful in launching your personal training business, you would need to have an in-depth understanding of the market you are entering. This includes carrying out market research within the potential clients operate in. After this point you will be able to build out a marketing strategy based on your understanding of the client market, this will ensure you are marketing your business in the most effective way.

Target Market research

Gathering marketing research is the process that helps determine the success of your new service which is conducted in line with your potential clients. Market research is carried out by companies to discover their target market in more detail by gathering opinions and feedback on particular interests.

To carry out successful market research you should gather information which providers you insights on the following:

• Current behavioural habits of your clients?
• How big is the personal training market?
• How much competition is there?
• What are the buying habits of your potential clients?
• Current market trends for pt businesses?

Create a marketing strategy

Once you have completed your market research you will be in a good position to map out your marketing plan strategically. Your marketing plan is a huge contributing factor to running a successful business, without this potential clients will not come across your business which impacts revenue and profit. 

When creating a marketing strategy you may find the cost can be daunting, however, you should consider marketing as a personal business investment for which you calculate the return on investment as this is essential to your business success. Whilst you are going to have to invest money into marketing, there are also options that aren’t as costly to include within your strategy such as word of mouth, attending networking events and running social media accounts. Marketing has a direct impact on your business which is why it is essential to ensure you cover everything you can to benefit from the market share. For this reason, we have covered everything you need to know to build out a marketing plan with our beginner’s guide to personal trainer marketing and advertising.

Competitor analysis

Competitor analysis is a good exercise to complete to ensure you are entering the market in a strong position. To complete a detailed competitor analysis you should carry out thorough research into who your competitors are, their service, their location, their pricing and their strengths and weaknesses. 

Once you have completed this, you should complete a swot analysis on your own personal training business compared to competitors within the market. Doing this will help you identify any pain points you may have as well as a USP which will prove to be a strength within the fitness training business.

Operations & logistics

Operation and logistics are a fundamental part of the business particularly for those setting up their own personal training studio or personal trainer freelancing . This includes evaluating elements of the business operations such as training space and location, suppliers of gym equipment, how to sustain your equipment and any additional products you may need to operate successfully as a business.

Understanding inventory & logistics

This section applies to individuals who are looking to set up their own personal training studio , you should use this area to cover details on where you will be delivering your personal training service, what locations, the facilities you will be using and how you regular sustain any equipment or software.

If you are planning on becoming a freelance personal trainer who is working within different gyms, this section may not be applicable to you as it focuses on how your service will be sourced and delivered.

Pricing strategy

A pricing strategy will help you work out what profit margins you are working towards and understand at what point you will break even and start making money once you have factored in the costs and investment.

When figuring out your price point you need to consider the business needs and client needs, if you are just starting out as a personal training business performing at a higher-end price point is likely to penalise the business success. You need to choose a price which is going to accommodate the business operations as well as appeal to potential clients.

Cost & expenditure planning

As the final part of your personal training plan, you will need to calculate the cost and expenditure involved in how you are planning to operate. This will include calculating gym rent, advertising and marketing, legal costs, personal training equipment, personal training studio rent or gym rent.

Pt business plan: Template

To make the process easier we have put together a personal training business plan template for you to download and use. This template provides the all-important sections needed to create a detailed pt business plan to help you set up your fitness business for success.

Personal Training Business Template – Download Now

Personal trainer business plan conclusion

Writing a pt business plan may seem like a long and daunting task when first faced with it, however completing this is a valuable exercise for your success as a personal training business. As business owners, it is important that this plan is revisited and revised when applicable to ensure your business path and goals are continuously on track and up to date. 

Cash flow may seem slow when getting started but with a plan as detailed as this in place, you will be prepared which will motivate and push you into improving your revenue streams. It is important to remember you are a new business and you are likely to face challenges but just take them head-on and create a learning hurdle from them knowing you have a strong business plan in place. Spend hours completing a personal training business plan to make a worthwhile investment in your personal time and energy later on down the line.

Personal Trainer Business Plan Template

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting or expanding your personal training business can be a daunting task, but with the right plan in place, success is within reach. ClickUp's Personal Trainer Business Plan Template is here to help you crush your fitness goals in the competitive industry!

This template empowers you to:

• Define clear goals and strategies to grow your business
• Identify and target your ideal client base for maximum impact
• Develop a solid marketing strategy to stand out in the crowded fitness market
• Establish pricing and revenue models to ensure profitability

Ready to take your personal training business to the next level? Get started with ClickUp's template today!

Personal Trainer Business Plan Template Benefits

Creating a solid business plan is crucial for personal trainers aiming to thrive in the competitive fitness industry. The Personal Trainer Business Plan Template provides a structured approach to success by:

• Defining clear goals and objectives for your personal training business
• Identifying and understanding your target market to tailor your services effectively
• Developing a strategic marketing plan to reach potential clients and grow your business
• Establishing pricing and revenue models for sustainable profitability
• Creating a roadmap for success, outlining actionable steps to achieve your business goals

Main Elements of Personal Trainer Business Plan Template

To kickstart your personal training business with a solid plan, ClickUp’s Personal Trainer Business Plan template offers:

• Custom Statuses: Track progress efficiently with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to input specific details like references, approval status, and categorized sections.
• Custom Views: Access different angles of your business plan with views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to organize and strategize effectively.
• Goal Setting: Set clear objectives, identify target markets, create marketing strategies, establish pricing models, and develop revenue plans to achieve success in the competitive fitness industry.

How To Use Personal Trainer Business Plan Template

Setting up a business plan for your personal training venture is crucial for success. follow these five steps using the personal trainer business plan template in clickup:, 1. define your business goals.

Start by outlining your business goals and objectives. Are you looking to attract a certain number of clients, expand your services, or increase revenue? Clearly defining your goals will guide your business plan and keep you focused on what you want to achieve.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your personal training business.

2. Identify your target market

Understand who your ideal clients are. Consider factors like age, gender, fitness goals, and location. Identifying your target market will help you tailor your services to meet their needs and create effective marketing strategies.

Utilize Custom Fields in ClickUp to categorize and segment your target market based on various criteria.

3. Develop your services and pricing

Define the services you will offer, such as one-on-one training, group classes, or online coaching. Determine the pricing structure for each service based on factors like market rates, competitor pricing, and the value you provide to clients.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline each service offering and set corresponding pricing strategies.

4. Outline your marketing plan

Detail how you will promote your personal training business to attract clients. Consider strategies like social media marketing, partnerships with local businesses, or offering free workshops. Your marketing plan should align with your target market and business goals.

Utilize Automations in ClickUp to automate marketing tasks such as scheduling social media posts or sending email newsletters.

5. Monitor performance and adjust

Regularly track your progress against your business goals and make adjustments as needed. Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) like client retention rate, revenue growth, and marketing ROI. Use this data to refine your strategies and optimize your business operations.

Set up Dashboards in ClickUp to visualize your KPIs and monitor the performance of your personal training business effectively.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Personal Trainer Business Plan Template

Fitness professionals can leverage the Personal Trainer Business Plan Template in ClickUp to streamline their business planning process and achieve success in the competitive fitness industry.

To get started, follow these steps:

Begin by clicking on “Add Template” to incorporate the Personal Trainer Business Plan Template into your Workspace. Ensure you select the appropriate Space or location within your Workspace for this template.

Next, extend invitations to relevant team members or guests to join your Workspace for collaborative efforts.

Now, maximize the potential of this template to develop a robust business plan for your personal training business:

• Utilize the Topics View to organize different sections of your business plan such as goals, target market, marketing strategy, and revenue models.
• Leverage the Status View to track progress on various aspects of your business plan, categorizing tasks as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, or To Do.
• Employ the Timeline View to establish deadlines and milestones for each component of your business plan.
• Navigate the Business Plan View to have a comprehensive overview of your entire plan in one place.
• Refer to the Getting Started Guide View for step-by-step instructions on how to effectively utilize the template.

Customize your business plan further by adding the Reference, Approved, and Section custom fields to provide additional context and information to your plan.

Update task statuses as you progress through the business planning process to keep all stakeholders informed of developments.

Monitor and analyze your business plan regularly to ensure alignment with your goals and objectives for maximum productivity and success.

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Eight Steps to the Perfect Personal Trainer Business Plan

Now is a great time to become a personal trainer because the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for people to visit gyms. This means that many gym-goers are now relying on personal training services to keep them fit and healthy.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to start your business. As a personal trainer, you know the importance of creating a plan to help clients adhere to their fitness programs.

Well, the same is also true for your personal training business.

Using a personal trainer business plan to set goals and create a roadmap for how you will achieve them is an effective way to make sure you will be successful in the fitness industry.

In this article, we’ll look at why you need a personal training business plan, as well as the eight steps you should take to make an effective one.

Table of Contents

• 1 Why Write a Personal Training Business Plan?
• 2 Your Personal Training Business Plan Template
• 3 Step One: Write Your Executive Summary
• 4 Step Two: Analyze the Personal Training Market
• 5 Step Three: Perform a Customer Analysis
• 6 Step Four: Write Your Sales Plan
• 7 Step Five: Write Your Personal Trainer Marketing Plan
• 8 Step Six: Write Down How Your Business Will Operate
• 9 Step Seven: Your Qualifications
• 10 Step Eight: Financial Plan
• 11 Wrapping Up

Why Write a Personal Training Business Plan?

A personal training business plan is a guide you can follow to work out your unique selling points and help your business succeed.

It will also help you define the business’s revenue streams, make financial projections, identify market trends, and find out who your target market is and what your marketing strategy should be.

It will also give you an idea of the risks or challenges your business might face. For example, the competitor research section gives you an understanding of how others in the fitness industry work, which helps you to stay one step ahead.

Having a clear view of your finances will also help you make better decisions. Doing this before you get started is beneficial as it becomes harder to make these changes once you are training clients.

It is also usually necessary to write a business plan if you want to apply for funding. Banks or other potential investors will want to see you have put thought into how you will run a profitable business.

Finally, business plans aren’t just for personal trainers starting out. If you already run a personal training business, creating a plan can still be a useful tool to ensure you are heading in the right direction.

Your Personal Training Business Plan Template

Your plan will include sections on market analysis, marketing sales, operations, staffing, and finance.

While this may seem like a lot, we’ve made the process manageable by breaking it down into eight easy to follow steps.

Step One: Write Your Executive Summary

Your executive summary is a quick overview of your fitness business and why you think it will be successful.

Start with your mission statement. This is a one-sentence summary of what you are trying to achieve with your personal training business.

Include what you want to help your potential customers to achieve and how you will do this. For example, will you offer one-on-one sessions, nutritional guidance or small group training?

You can use your mission statement on your website or in marketing. Even if you don’t share it publicly, it is still a useful tool to help you define your goals and keep you on track when making business decisions.

Here are some examples of personal trainer mission statements:

North West Personal training in Vancouver:

“We are passionately committed to changing people’s lives around the world by helping them adopt a more healthy and fit lifestyle so they look and feel their best.”

Bodyline Studios in the UK

“It is our aim to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get fit and improve their wellbeing by providing a well-equipped, supportive space where highly qualified and experienced health and fitness professionals can deliver their services.”

After your mission statement, your executive summary should also include:

• Your fitness value proposition: This could be body-building, weight-loss, resistance training for seniors, TRX bands, etc.
• Who your customers will be: middle-aged men looking to get back in shape, high-level athletes, millennials looking for a new way to work out.
• Where your personal trainer business will operate from: Your own personal training studio, rented space in another gym, the local park or fitness center.
• Basic pricing strategy: How much you will charge per session, costs for renting space/equipment, your marketing budget.

This section is step number one in our guide because it is the first part of a personal training business plan.

However, many people find it beneficial to complete this step after writing the rest of the document. At this point, they are usually better prepared to answer the above questions.

Step Two: Analyze the Personal Training Market

Next, you need to analyze the personal training market. This will include the local area you will operate in as well as national — or even global — trends.

Completing this section shows you understand the personal training industry and may give you ideas about how to run your fitness business more effectively.

Include information such as:

• What are the most popular types of personal training?
• Is the industry growing or shrinking?
• How has Covid-19 affected other trainers?
• Approximately how many personal trainers will you compete within your area?
• How does a self-employed personal trainer find customers on a national and local level? Will it be beneficial to become active on social media, sign up to certain forums, advertise in local media?
• Do you have a lot of competition in your niche? Is the service you plan to offer in-demand? If not, how will your marketing strategies help you stand out?
• What qualifications do the personal trainers you will be competing with have? Are there any qualifications you could get to make yourself stand out?
• How much do personal trainers in your niche charge per session? And how do your planned prices compare to those of existing trainers?

When completing this section, it’s best if you can include specific figures. Searching on Google will provide you with a lot of information you can use. Or you can speak to other people you know in the industry.

Step Three: Perform a Customer Analysis

Next, you can talk specifically about the potential clients you will target.

You should find demographic information about your local area, such as the size of the population and the percentage of people in different age groups.

You can also focus on the intrinsic motivations of your customers. Thinking about what motivates them, how they like to work out, and why they might need a personal trainer can help when it comes to the marketing and operational parts of your business plan.

Step Four: Write Your Sales Plan

In the sales plan, you can map out how you will make sales and how many you expect to make. Things you can include in this section are:

• How many sessions a day or week will you run?
• How much do you expect to charge per session?
• Will you run discounts for clients who bulk buy sessions? How about people who refer other clients to your business?
• Using the above information, how much do you expect to earn per session, day, or month?
• How will you process sales? For example, will customers pay cash in hand on the day, or will they pay when they book a session through your website or app?

When writing this section, it will help if you have an idea about your costs and industry standards. This will help you choose a price point that is competitive while being enough to keep your business profitable.

Step Five: Write Your Personal Trainer Marketing Plan

It’s all well and good having a sales plan, but you’ll need a way to get your client base to pay for your service. In the marketing plan, you can describe all the ways you will try to attract clients, as well as any costs associated with this.

Some ideas include:

• Being active on social media.
• Using referrals to encourage word-of-mouth.
• Using PPC adverts on Google.
• Advertising in your local gym or fitness centre.
• Adding your Google My Business listing.
• Advertising in local office buildings or other places where your target customers gather.

When writing your marketing plan, you should go into detail about how you will utilize the techniques you choose.

For example, if you want to get new clients through Google search queries, list the queries you will target and provide estimates for how much you expect to spend on this area of marketing.

You can read more about personal training marketing ideas here.

Step Six: Write Down How Your Business Will Operate

In the operations section of your business plan, describe how you will run your business. This will include all the things you need to do daily to provide your service.

Where possible, include specific details like exact locations, prices, and times.

Image source

Completing this section in as much detail as possible is a good way to spot if you are missing anything before you start.

In this section include:

• How many sessions you will run every day and when you will run them.
• Where you will run the sessions.
• How you will gain access to the locations you need to run the sessions and how much this will cost.
• The steps you will take to measure the progress of clients.
• When you will take care of other aspects of your business, like marketing, accounting, etc.
• Do you need to provide anything for clients (water, etc.). If so, how will you source this?
• How will you process client payments?
• How will you process and organize bookings?
• Anything else you think is important to the running of your personal training business.
• Do you need to hire any extra staff? If so, how will you manage them?
• Do you need any qualifications or certificates before you can start your business?

One tool that can help streamline your personal training business is your own app .

By asking customers to download an app, you make it easy for them to book and pay for sessions on the go. You can also add helpful content such as videos, blog posts, or social media links that can help your customers achieve their fitness goals.

Click here to find out how you can easily create an app for your personal training business.

Step Seven: Your Qualifications

Write down what makes you suitable to be a personal trainer. Include your qualifications and experience in the industry. If you are going into business with anyone else, you can include information about their suitability for the role.

Step Eight: Financial Plan

The final step is to check the financial viability of your plan. In this section you should include:

• Startup costs: What do you need to pay for before going into business?
• Operating costs: How much will you spend to run your business? This can include rental costs, replacing equipment, costs associated with software to help you run your business, costs of hiring staff, marking costs, etc.
• Expected revenue: Here you can write down how much you expect your business to earn every day, week, month, year, etc.
• Break-even analysis: If you have high startup or operating costs (for example if you rent a space to run your business from) this section will show you how long it should take before you start making a profit.

This section will show you what you need to do to stay financially viable as a business. It will show you if your business model is realistic or if you need to make adjustments to prices or costs to hit your earning goals.

Wrapping Up

Now you’ve finished your business plan you can begin to take steps to put it into action. If you noticed there are areas of weakness in your business, now is the time to make changes to strengthen your position.

If you want further information about starting your business, check out these articles on writing a business proposal in 2020 , and writing an effective small business marketing plan .

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How to Write a Business Plan for Personal Trainers

Reading Time: 5 minutes 57 seconds

DATE: 2020-11-04

Many fitness professionals operate without a business plan. This is partly because writing this type of plan takes time. And in the fitness industry, if you aren't in the gym training clients, you aren't getting paid. This may lead you to operate your personal training business without a plan as well. But is that really a good idea?

Do You Need a Business Plan as a Personal Trainer?

If you provide personal training services as a hobby, you can probably get by without a business plan. You're not reliant on the success of your side venture, so creating a detailed plan as to how it will operate isn't as necessary. Conversely, if you want to make a career out of personal training, there are many benefits to sitting down and writing out a business plan.

For instance, if you want to become a gym owner, it could cost you anywhere from $65,000 for a modest gym up to $1 million if you want a gym loaded with every amenity possible. Where will you get the capital to build your gym? If your answer is "from investors," you will need a business plan to convince them that your gym business is worth the investment.

Or maybe you want to build and grow an online personal training business. Creating a business plan helps you become crystal clear on what your virtual company needs in order to operate smoothly. It provides a detailed budget, marketing plan, and a thorough look at your competition. All of this will help you position your online personal training company for maximum success.

Other benefits of writing a personal training business plan include:

A clearer understanding of what the future looks like for your fitness business, and how to get there

A list of all the people needed to build and grow your training business, such as other trainers, legal counsel, business insurance providers, and other business partners

A plan for how you will monitor your business's success, ensuring that you continue to progress forward

Realizing how to stand out from your competition , making your training services more in demand

Understanding Your Business Plan Options

There are two basic business plan formats. They are a traditional business plan and a lean startup business plan .

What's the Difference?

A traditional business plan is more comprehensive. That makes this a good option for a personal trainer who thrives on detail. It's also helpful if you're a new business owner and want to ensure that you've addressed all issues when building and growing your company.

Traditional Business Plan

The nine sections in a traditional business plan are:

Executive summary . This is where you state your mission statement and provide basic information about your personal trainer business. It is essentially an overview of what your business looks like.

Business description . In this section, you'll give more detail about your training business. You will explain the problems you solve as a personal fitness trainer. Depending on your specialty, this could be helping clients with weight loss, improving senior fitness , or designing fitness programs for youth.

Market analysis . How does your personal training business compare to others in the field? What does it take to become a successful personal trainer? What must you do to appeal to a new client?

Business structure . This section explains both the legal structure of your training business and the structure of your company internally. You must decide whether you're going solo or if you want to hire employees.

Service and product offerings . Typically, a personal trainer business provides a service. But maybe you want to offer your clients products as well. In this section, you will share your plan for what these services and products look like.

Marketing strategy . Here you will explain how you plan to find and appeal to a potential client. Will you buy social media ads or send out mailers? You'll also include what you'll do to retain your clients long term.

Funding needs . If you need capital to start your personal training business, this is where you'll outline this information. Provide the costs related to building or growing your gym or fitness studio. Be specific about how much money you need, as well as where you plan to spend it.

Financial projections . What is your financial plan for the next five years? Don't forget to consider your reoccurring cash flow needs, such as utilities and gym equipment maintenance.

Appendix . This final section includes any supporting documentation for your personal trainer business plan. If you're seeking funding, you might include a credit report and project price quotes. Other items to consider include building permits, a copy of your personal trainer certification , and vendor contracts. If you've been acting as a personal trainer already, provide your past financial statements as proof of your business's financial health.

Lean Startup Business Plan

Because a traditional business plan is so lengthy, some fitness professionals opt for a shorter, less comprehensive plan. This is where the lean startup format comes into play. Creating a lean plan is often enough for someone who wants to provide personal training services solo. This type of plan also enables you to begin providing personal training services fairly quickly.

Like with a traditional plan, the lean format also has nine basic components. The difference is that they can be outlined more briefly. In some cases, you may be able to get by with a bullet list of that section's information. These nine components are:

Key partnerships. The suppliers or vendors you will be working with as you build and grow your fitness business.

Key activities. The actions you will take to bring in new clients; your personal trainer marketing plan.

Key resources. Your business assets, whether financial or people-related, like having staff.

Value proposition. The things that set your business part; how you are unique.

Customer relationships. How you plan to communicate with your clients. What your customer service looks like.

Your ideal client. Identify your target market. Do you want to provide fitness advice to people who've had a stroke ? Would you rather work with young athletes who play a particular sport?

Communication channels. What methods will you use to connect with your client base? Social media? Email marketing ? Some other method?

Costs. List the costs associated with creating a successful training business. When providing training services, will you offer any discounted pricing? Conversely, what are some ways you can increase your value to your target audience?

Revenue streams. How do you plan to make money? Solely by providing personal training services or by selling products too? You can also share your pricing strategy here.

Filling out these sections does require that you take some time, but it is often quicker than providing the detail necessary to complete a traditional business plan.

Creating a solid personal trainer business plan can help you build a strong, profitable business. To make this plan more effective, you must get crystal clear on what you want your training business to look like.

If you're unsure, take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine your business when it is up and running. How big is it? How many personal training clients does it have? How does it help them improve their fitness? What are you doing to run the business? Do you have staff? If so, how many? The more you can envision your goal business, the easier it is to create a personal training business plan that supports this vision.

Even though you now know all of the elements of a good gym business plan, it sometimes helps to work off an outline. Many online sites provide an easy-to-use business plan template. All you have to do is download it, input the requested information, and you're good to go.

Review Your Personal Training Business Plan Regularly

A fitness business plan isn't something you write up and file away never to look at again. Reviewing it regularly helps you identify if you need to strengthen certain aspects of your training business to reach higher levels of success.

Taking the time to write and review your business plan also helps you get and stay on your desired path. It provides guidance as you build and grow your personal training business.

Another way to take your business to the next level is to obtain additional certifications. For instance, the ISSA offers Certified Gute Specialist certification , Corrective Exercise certification , and Bodybuilding certification . Gaining more credentials tells potential customers that you have the education necessary to help them achieve their fitness goal!

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How To Write A Personal Training Business Plan (+Bonus Templates)

• March 3, 2023
• For Personal Trainers

Now that you’ve opened a personal training business, you have to run it. To ensure that your fitness business is a success, you need to create a personal training business plan .

Whether you are writing a business plan for a fitness business or any other type of start-up, a good business plan needs to comprise many different components. It is a good idea to use a template to ensure you include everything necessary.

A good business plan must include the following sections :

• Market analysis
• Competitors
• Marketing and sales plan
• Financial plan and future projections

The goal of creating a personal trainer business plan is to ensure that there is a niche in the market for your offering. Also that you will manage to generate enough revenue to continue operating after having made all the start-up investments.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of what you need to include in your business plan .

Summary and Pitch

The most basic thing you need to include at the beginning of your business plan is your pitch or summary . It serves as an overview of your personal trainer business and provides basic information about your business and your mission statement.

Make sure you include the following in your business plan:

• The what – what are your goals?
• The why – what is your mission?
• The how – what will you do to succeed?
• The big picture – what is your vision?

The summary, also called the pitch, needs to attract attention . It must be concise and clear . However, it should not feel rushed. Don’t skip important parts while avoiding excessive wordiness. Make it yours. Make it unique – just like your business.

The reader of your personal trainer business plan summary needs to have no doubts as regards what you do, what your goals are, and how you are going to reach them.

Background Information

In this part of your personal trainer business plan, you present the owner’s (or owners’) experience, qualifications, and goals . It gives the reader an overall idea of who is behind the business name . For you, it serves as a way to get a better picture of your strengths and weaknesses .

You will gain a clear view of your strengths, and where you need more experience . You may realize that some aspects of the business need to be outsourced so that you can spend your valuable time on something else.

This knowledge will be especially useful when your business grows and you will not be able to take care of everything yourself. Knowing yourself well will help you decide what you should still do yourself and what you should better delegate to someone else.

Market Analysis

Your personal trainer business plan needs to include market analysis. Consider your location, other gyms in the area, and your local demographic. The latter is very important. You have to gather as much information as you can about your target demographic . You need to know who they are, what their typical behaviors are, and their reasons for using your service.

Why is this detailed knowledge so important? Because the more you know your potential customers the better you will be able to attract the m. You will know in which areas you need to stand out and how to make your services more appealing to your audience.

You need to know exactly who you are targeting. Narrow down and define your target market . Is it students? Schools? Aspiring athletes? Working people? Executive women in their 30s and 40s wishing to improve or achieve their fitness? Or maybe people over 50 years old aiming to improve their health and prevent illnesses? Or could be even a narrower group, for example not athletes but specifically cyclists.

Once you have identified your target market, find out exactly what type of personal training type they are looking for and provide reasons for choosing your business.

Products and Services

Obviously a personal trainer offers a service . You may, however, also include certain products in your offering . In this part of your personal trainer business plan, you specify the services and products you offer.

Include the list of products and services together with the prices . You could offer many different things, such as in-person personal trainer sessions, online training programs, specialized workshops, as well as fitness-related products.

Apart from listing the products and services and the pricing, you need to specify who will purchase them, how they will be delivered, and how they will benefit the customers.

Consider including the following in your personal training business plan:

• Bio print analysis
• Individual personal training services
• Indoor and outdoor fitness sessions
• Nutrition consulting
• Nutritional products and diet supplements
• Online and in-person seminars
• Online personal training services
• Personal training tutoring
• Personal training for groups
• Public speaking
• Workout guides

This section of your personal trainer business plan is where you outline your funding needs . You should provide information about the costs of starting and growing your personal training business. You need to be exact about the amount of money you need and specific about where you are going to spend it .

Provide a detailed breakdown of profit, loss, cash flow, breakeven figures, and capital expenditure required for start-up. Plan for one, three, and 5 years in advance.

The initial investment needed to open a personal trainer business is quite low. You may need to obtain a certification which shouldn’t cost more than $2,000. You will also need to pay for liability insurance, which shouldn’t cost more than $200-$300 per year.

Additionally, remember the initial advertising cost. You should apportion about  $1,000 for it. You will most likely need some business cards , fitness flyers , or even a newspaper or radio ad. Also, pay attention to your online presence- factor in the costs of running a website and social media accounts and advertising.

Operating Costs and Pricing

In this section of your personal trainer business plan, you have to present the pricing, and justify it by taking into account your competition, the need in the market, and by proving that your pricing system is viable. You can achieve that by calculating your margins either per hour or (better) per month.

Think about the reasons for choosing a certain price and what that choice will mean for your business .

If you opt for a budget price , you need to remember that you have to be able to generate a large volume of sales and accommodate them. On the other hand, if you decide to go for a high-end price you need to make sure that you provide high-end quality of the location, the service, and the products you offer.

Some personal trainers go for a fixed price , say $85 per hour. They justify a high cost with their experience and a promise of providing whatever equipment is needed for each customer.

Other personal trainers suggest offering different services at different prices , depending on the expertise needed, the complexity of the program, and the equipment required.

Yet others prefer an open pricing model with individual prices provided via negotiation.

Marketing and Advertising

They may look and sound similar, but marketing and advertising are not the same things . You need to know the differences between them.

Advertising could be described as the placement of marketing. If giving someone a business card is an advertisement, then what is on the business card is marketing.

Building a marketing strategy requires creativity. It’s about exploring and analyzing different types of customers and generating ideas for making your business offering appealing to them.

However, your personal trainer business plan should only include your advertising strategy.

Always remember that one of the biggest factors making or breaking a business is not what it offers but how well the marketing and advertising strategies have been created and executed . You might be the best personal trainer out there with all the knowledge and skills one might ask for, but without a well-designed and implemented marketing and advertising strategy you won’t have anyone to train.

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Financial Projections

Lack of previous experience and supporting evidence, creating a financial forecast may seem impossible. You may feel like you have no clue where the numbers are supposed to come from. The best thing you can do is to try to be as level-headed and realistic as you can .

Start by listing all of your fixed and variable costs and personal living expenses to figure out how many clients you need to have to break even. If you are new in the financial field and lack information, consider practicing CFA study materials, as it will help to have the basics of financial analyses.

It may be difficult at the beginning, but try to incorporate different sources of income . Do not place all the eggs in one basket by, for example, relying on a one-on-one training service to provide the biggest part of your revenue. Be realistic and think of ways to make money on different services and products you offer .

When your business grows, don’t be afraid to raise prices . Even a slight increase in the hourly rate or the prices of products will surely add up throughout each month. Try to increase your revenue by offering additional products and services to your established customers, for example, supplements or specialized pieces of equipment. Help them see your business as a “one-stop-shop” for all their fitness needs.

Samples and Templates

Now that you know what to include in your personal trainer business plan, it is time to look at some examples . It will help you see not only what to write but also how to present it. Always remember that each business is unique (and you certainly want your business to stand out), so never copy someone else’s business plan. Use it as a guide to creating your very own personal trainer business plan .

Take a look at the examples and templates below and get inspired.

• Dragon Fitness Training was created as an academic exercise.

• Personal Trainer Business Plan Template is a downloadable Word document

• Personal Trainer Business Plan worksheet contains blank spaces that you need to fill out. The sections are Mission Statement, Market Analysis, Revenue Streams, Operating Plan, and Marketing Plan.

• Catalyst Fitness is a CrossFit business plan and includes a detailed risk assessment, too.

• The Yoga Lunch Box is a comprehensive yet straightforward template for a yoga studio business plan that can serve as a reference.

• Fitness Texter provides a guide with questions to ask yourself which will help you create a business plan.

FAQs about creating a personal training business plan

1. what are the key components of a personal training business plan.

An executive summary, a description of the company and its goals, a market study, sales and marketing plans, financial predictions, and a management and operations plan are often the main elements of a personal training business plan.

2. How do you identify and analyze your target market in a personal training business plan?

You must take into account variables like age, gender, economic level, geography, fitness goals, and favorite workout style when identifying and analyzing your target market.

Online research, focus groups, and questionnaires can be used to collect this data. You may develop powerful marketing strategies and offerings that satisfy the needs of your customers by researching and understanding your target market.

3. What strategies should be included in a marketing plan for a personal training business?

Social media marketing, content marketing, referral marketing, and community involvement are all important marketing tactics for a personal training firm .

A large audience can be reached through social media, and expertise and authority can be established through content marketing . Referral marketing can produce new clients, and community outreach can build partnerships with local businesses and groups.

4. How should financial projections be calculated in a personal training business plan?

A personal training business plan’s financial estimates should be supported by thorough market analysis and reasonable hypotheses.

Revenue, expenses, profit and loss, cash flow, and a break-even analysis should all be projected. Start-up expenses like those for rent, insurance, equipment, and marketing should also be taken into account.

5. What are the typical start-up costs associated with opening a personal training business?

Equipment, liability insurance, rent or lease, marketing charges, and legal fees are typical start-up costs for a personal training firm.

Free weights, resistance bands, cardio machines, and mats are examples of equipment costs. It’s critical to get liability insurance to defend against potential legal action. Rent or leasing will depend on the facility’s location and size.

6. How can a personal trainer differentiate their business from competitors in the market?

By emphasizing their unique selling proposition (USP), such as a particular training method or specialized services, a personal trainer can set themselves apart from rival businesses.

Additionally, they can provide each client with individualized attention and personalization while also fostering long-lasting connections with them through excellent customer service and effective communication.

7. What are the most effective pricing strategies for personal training services?

Hourly rates, package prices, and subscription models are all viable pricing options for personal training services .

While package pricing can provide reductions for numerous sessions, hourly rates can be advantageous for single sessions. For a recurrent cost, subscription models may provide continued access to personal training services.

8. What legal considerations should be addressed in a personal training business plan?

Liability insurance, client waivers, and the creation of company entities can all be considered legally in a personal training business plan. While client waivers can exempt the personal trainer from liability, liability insurance is necessary to defend against any litigation.

Liability protection can also be obtained by selecting the appropriate business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC.

9. How can technology be utilized to enhance the services offered by a personal training business?

Via online scheduling software and apps , virtual training sessions, and fitness tracking apps, technology can be used to improve the services provided by a personal training firm.

Customers may find it simpler to set appointments using online scheduling, and virtual training sessions may enable a company to reach customers who are not close by. Clients who use fitness tracking applications can monitor their progress and maintain motivation.

10. How should a personal training business plan be revised and updated over time to stay relevant and effective?

A personal training business plan needs to be updated and amended on a regular basis to account for market and industry changes.

This can involve reviewing new services or technologies, revising marketing plans, and updating financial estimates. The business can respond to changes in the market and customer needs by routinely reviewing and updating its business plan, which can help it stay relevant and effective in a fast-paced and competitive industry.

To make sure that the company stays on track to fulfill its goals and objectives, it’s crucial to set aside time on a regular basis to evaluate the business plan and make any required modifications.

Also, getting input from customers and professionals in the field can offer insightful suggestions for revising and enhancing the business strategy over time.

Final thoughts on how to write a personal training business plan

Writing a business plan is a must for any start-up. Every business plan should be regularly revised and updated to make sure that it reflects the current state of the business and that it outlines realistic goals and ways to achieve them.

A well-written business plan will help you gain clarity, set realistic goals and objectives, and create realistic forecasts and strategies.

A business plan is an important step in turning your personal trainer business idea into an operating business . It allows you to think thighs through and ensure that your idea will work and succeed.

It doesn’t mean, though, that a good business plan needs to be long and complex. It does, however, need to outline and explain all the basic and most important information about what you want to achieve and how you are planning to get there .

• Ljubica Buha

Ljubica Buha is a versatile enthusiast and a Digital Marketing Manager specialized in IT industry. By day, she crafts digital stories; by night, she dives into literature. She's equally at home exploring beneath the waves, carving through snow on a snowboard, and embracing the outdoors through hiking.

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Personal trainer business plan template + PDF

This guide introduces the advanced AI Business Plan Generator template, meticulously designed for entrepreneurs eager to start or expand their personal trainer business ventures. It's important to note that the names and financial forecasts mentioned in this example are solely for illustrative purposes, serving as educational tools to assist you through your business planning journey. These examples are deliberately chosen to show how you can personalize your own AI-generated Personal Trainer Business Plan, enabling you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities within the personal training industry.

For those seeking a tailored approach, we offer a downloadable 'Personal Trainer Business Plan PDF' . This document is vital for entrepreneurs committed to developing a compelling and effective strategy for launching or enhancing their personal training services. The 'AI Business Plan Generator' acts as a comprehensive guide, providing deep insights into the personal training market. It equips you with the essential tools to adeptly manage and grow your personal trainer business, leveraging the power of AI for unparalleled strategic planning.

How this personal trainer business plan sample was created

Easily craft your personalized personal trainer business plan with our AI Business Plan Generator. Just click 'Generate your business plan' and respond to a series of targeted questions about your personal training venture. Our advanced AI technology will analyze your inputs to create a business plan that aligns seamlessly with the objectives and needs of your personal training operation. This effective and straightforward method takes only 5-10 minutes, yielding a comprehensive and structured plan. Our platform provides the flexibility to modify and perfect your plan, ensuring it precisely captures your unique vision for your personal trainer business. Upon completion, your plan is ready for download, serving as a clear and detailed roadmap for initiating and growing your personal training business. Take advantage of the power of our AI business plan generator, specially tailored for personal trainer businesses, to enhance your strategic planning process.

Generate your custom personal trainer business plan in minutes!

Personal trainer business plan sample, executive summary, business description, market research and analysis, swot analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

John Doe Personal Trainer, headquartered in the vibrant community of Tampa, Florida, embarks on a mission to redefine personalized fitness and nutritional guidance in the personal training industry. Established by a seasoned personal trainer with over a decade of unparalleled experience in strength, conditioning, and nutrition planning, our business is poised to cater to the evolving fitness aspirations of professionals aged 25-45. This demographic, characterized by their busy lifestyles, diverse fitness goals, and the pursuit of tailored wellness solutions, forms the cornerstone of our target market.

In a sector projected to continue its growth trajectory, with increasing awareness and expenditure on health and wellness, John Doe Personal Trainer stands out through its commitment to bespoke fitness programs. Our services are meticulously designed to meet the individual needs of our clients, encompassing weight loss programs, muscle building, endurance training, and rehabilitation exercises. We distinguish ourselves from competitors by offering one-on-one sessions that prioritize personal attention and measurable results, complemented by comprehensive nutritional planning.

Our market analysis indicates a significant growth opportunity within the Tampa area. The demand for personalized, flexible fitness solutions that align with professional schedules and specific health objectives is on the rise. In response, John Doe Personal Trainer aims to capture a considerable market share by focusing on exceptional service quality, expertise, and client satisfaction. Comparatively, Elite Fitness Co., Total Body Trainers, and Zenith Health Studio, while established, offer a broader, less personalized spectrum of services, thereby presenting John Doe Personal Trainer with a unique market niche to exploit.

At its core, our operational model is built on the principles of efficiency, client-centric service delivery, and continuous improvement. The business operates under a self-employed legal structure, allowing for fluid adaptability to market demands and ensuring a streamlined approach to service delivery. As the sole proprietor and lead trainer, John Doe exemplifies the dedication and expertise that underpins our value proposition, ensuring clients receive the highest quality of service. This operational simplicity is also a strategic asset, enabling rapid decision-making and personalized client relationships.

John Doe Personal Trainer's financial projections over the next five years reflect an optimistic yet attainable growth path. Starting with a revenue of $120,000 in the first year, we anticipate a steady increase to $300,000 by year five. These projections are supported by strategies to expand our client base, introduce new training services, and gradually increase pricing in line with enhanced service offerings. The targeted net profit margins, commencing at 25% in year one and increasing to over 40% by year five, underscore the scalability and profitability potential of our business model.

Our marketing and sales strategy centers around leveraging digital platforms, community engagement, and referral programs to build brand awareness and attract clients. The focus on digital marketing, particularly through social media and a professionally designed website, is designed to showcase our success stories and the tangible benefits of personal training with John Doe. Community initiatives and partnerships will further embed our brand within the fabric of Tampa's health and wellness scene.

In conclusion, John Doe Personal Trainer represents a compelling investment opportunity. With a solid foundation of industry expertise, a clear understanding of our target market, and a strategic approach to growth, we are well-positioned to become leaders in the personalized fitness sector in Tampa and beyond. Our commitment to quality, client satisfaction, and continuous innovation ensures that we not only meet the current demands of the market but are also poised for future successes as we expand our offering and explore new opportunities for service delivery and client engagement.

John Doe Personal Trainer is a burgeoning enterprise headquartered in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida, a locale recognized for its health-conscious population and bustling professional lifestyle. This personal training business operates within the broad and ever-expanding fitness industry, an arena that has witnessed exponential growth due to the increasing awareness of and commitment to health and wellness across all age groups. Our business prides itself on offering bespoke fitness programs, comprehensive nutritional guidance, and personal, one-on-one training sessions. These services are specially tailored to meet the diverse needs and objectives of our clients, ranging from weight management and muscle building to endurance training and rehabilitation exercises.

The inception of John Doe Personal Trainer was driven by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by our target market—professionals aged 25-45. This demographic often struggles with balancing demanding careers, hectic lifestyles, and personal health. Recognizing this gap, our founder, a certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience in strength, conditioning, and nutrition planning, embarked on this venture. The primary aim was to establish a personal training service that not only addresses the unique fitness goals of each client but also offers the flexibility required to fit into their busy schedules. Since its establishment, John Doe Personal Trainer has steadfastly adhered to its purpose of enhancing the quality of life of our clients through personalized fitness solutions that foster physical well-being, mental resilience, and long-term health habits.

At the core of our business is our mission statement: "To empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals through personalized, innovative, and flexible training programs that integrate seamlessly into their daily lives, thereby promoting a lifelong commitment to health and wellness." This mission underpins every aspect of our operations, from program design and service delivery to client engagement and community involvement.

Legally, John Doe Personal Trainer operates as a self-employed entity, a structure that provides the agility needed to adapt to market demands and client needs quickly. This legal formality is indicative of our commitment to maintaining a personalized and client-centric business model, where the focus remains solidly on delivering quality service and achieving tangible results for our clients.

Looking towards the future, John Doe Personal Trainer is imbued with significant long-term potential. The fitness industry continues to thrive, propelled by a collective shift towards healthier living and the increasing preference for personalized fitness experiences over conventional gym memberships. Our business is uniquely positioned to leverage these trends, thanks to our emphasis on custom fitness solutions and the exceptional qualifications of our owner and lead trainer. Moreover, with plans to expand our client base, introduce innovative fitness programs, and potentially bring on board additional certified trainers, we anticipate not only meeting but exceeding our financial projections in the next 3-5 years.

In conclusion, John Doe Personal Trainer stands at the forefront of the personal training sector in Tampa, offering a service that is not just a response to the growing demand for personalized fitness but a commitment to improving lives through health and fitness. With a solid foundation built on experience, expertise, and a passion for health, and backed by a clear strategic vision for growth and expansion, our business is poised for success and ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of our clients and the broader community.

The personal training industry, valued at approximately $10 billion in the United States, has been experiencing a robust growth trajectory. With an annual growth rate of around 2.8% over the past five years, projections indicate continued expansion, fueled by an increasing awareness of health and wellness. The industry's resilience, even in challenging economic climates, underscores its potential for sustained growth, with forecasts predicting a revenue increase to $12 billion by 2025.

In the Tampa, Florida area, the target market for "John Doe Personal Trainer" encompasses professionals aged 25-45, a demographic that not only represents a significant portion of the population but also exhibits a higher disposable income and a propensity towards health and wellness spending. This segment, comprising approximately 200,000 professionals in the Tampa Bay area, represents a revenue potential of $60 million annually, assuming an average spend of $300 per month on personal training services.

Aiming for a market share target of 1% within the first five years, "John Doe Personal Trainer" seeks to tap into this lucrative market by offering specialized, customized services. This goal translates to securing a clientele base of around 2,000 individuals, a figure that aligns with our capacity and growth forecasts, and could facilitate an annual revenue stream of approximately $600,000 at full market penetration, based on our current pricing strategy.

Customer demographics within our target market skew slightly towards males (55%), with a predominant age range of 30-40 years. This cohort typically possesses a bachelor's degree or higher (70%) and enjoys an average household income of $75,000 - $100,000. Geographically, our target customers reside primarily within the urban and suburban areas of Tampa, locations that are conveniently accessible to our training facility.

Price points in the local personal training industry range from $50 to $100 per hour, with most competitors offering packages that average around $65 per session. "John Doe Personal Trainer" intends to position itself within the premium segment of this range, justifying higher rates through superior service quality, expertise, and personalized program offerings. Our pricing strategy will be tailored to attract the upper tier of our target market, aiming for an average price point of $75 per session.

Compared to key competitors such as Elite Fitness Co., Total Body Trainers, and Zenith Health Studio, "John Doe Personal Trainer" differentiates itself through a focus on customized, one-on-one sessions. While exact figures on competitors' sales volumes and market shares are proprietary, estimates suggest that Elite Fitness Co. leads with approximately 15% market share, followed closely by Total Body Trainers and Zenith Health Studio. Our strategic marketing and quality service delivery aim to capture a substantial portion of the market currently underserved by these entities.

Consumer behavior trends indicate a growing preference for personalized, flexible fitness solutions over traditional gym memberships, a shift partly attributed to recent global events that have highlighted the importance of health and adaptability. An increasing inclination towards comprehensive wellness—incorporating both physical fitness and nutrition—further supports our service offering's relevancy and demand.

Economic indicators such as rising disposable income levels and low unemployment rates in the Tampa area enhance the purchasing power of our target demographic, boosting the feasibility of our premium pricing model. However, regulatory compliance costs, including certification renewals and business licensing, remain a consideration, totaling an estimated $3,000 annually.

Initial investment requirements for "John Doe Personal Trainer" encompass equipment purchase, facility leasing, and marketing efforts, estimated at $50,000. Ongoing operational expenses, including facility maintenance, employee salaries, and marketing, are projected at $10,000 monthly. While the market entry barriers are moderate, our strategic location, specialized service offering, and targeted marketing efforts position us favorably for market entry and growth.

Organizational Structure and Management

At John Doe Personal Trainer, the organizational structure is built to support our mission of delivering personalized fitness and nutritional guidance tailored to meet individual client needs. As a self-employed entity based in Tampa, Florida, the business’s hierarchy is streamlined, focusing on efficiency, client satisfaction, and scalability. The structure is horizontally integrated, emphasizing flexibility and direct communication channels. At the core of this structure is the Owner and Lead Trainer, who oversees all aspects of the business operations, from client training to marketing and financial management. As we grow, this structure will evolve to incorporate new roles and responsibilities, ensuring the organizational framework remains responsive to the changing needs of the business.

Management Team

Owner and Lead Trainer As the heart of John Doe Personal Trainer, the Owner and Lead Trainer brings over 10 years of experience in personal training, specializing in strength and conditioning, nutritional planning, and client relationship management. This extensive background provides a solid foundation for the business, ensuring clients receive the highest level of service. The Owner’s responsibilities encompass overall business strategy, client training programs, marketing initiatives, and financial management.

Staffing Needs

Current Staff Requirements Currently, as a newly established business, the staffing needs are minimal, with the Owner fulfilling the primary roles. However, as client demand increases, the following positions will become necessary:

- Assistant Trainers: Certified professionals who will be trained by the Owner to deliver personalized training programs aligned with our standards. - Nutrition Specialist: A certified dietitian or nutritionist to enhance our service offering with expert nutritional guidance. - Administrative Assistant: To handle scheduling, client inquiries, and basic administrative tasks, allowing trainers to focus on client service.

Future Staff Expansion As the business scales, we plan to introduce roles such as a Marketing Specialist, to oversee digital marketing and community engagement efforts, and a Customer Relationship Manager, to maintain high levels of client satisfaction and retention.

Human Resources Policies and Practices

John Doe Personal Trainer is committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Our human resources policies are designed to attract, retain, and develop the highest caliber of professionals. Key policies include:

- Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Offering salaries that match or exceed industry standards, supplemented by incentives for client retention and acquisition. - Professional Development: Investing in the continuous training and certification of our team members to ensure they stay at the forefront of industry trends and practices. - Work-Life Balance: Promoting flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

External Advisors and Consultants

To supplement our in-house expertise and ensure a comprehensive approach to business management, we engage with a network of external advisors and consultants:

- Financial Advisor: Assists with financial planning, budgeting, and ensuring the business remains on a sustainable growth path. - Legal Consultant: Ensures compliance with local regulations, employment law, and any contractual obligations. - Marketing Agency: A boutique firm specializing in fitness businesses to refine our branding, digital presence, and outreach strategies.

As John Doe Personal Trainer progresses, we will continue to evaluate our organizational structure and management team, adapting to meet the dynamic needs of the market and our business ambitions. The strength of our team, combined with a clear organizational blueprint, positions us well to achieve our mission and foster a thriving personal training business.

John Doe Personal Trainer offers a comprehensive suite of personalized fitness and nutritional services tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Central to our offering is the development of bespoke fitness programs designed to optimize physical health, improve performance, and enhance overall well-being. Our services break down into several key areas:

1. Personalized Fitness Programs: Each program begins with an in-depth consultation and fitness assessment to establish the client's goals, current fitness level, and any existing health concerns. Based on this information, a customized workout plan is created, incorporating various training methodologies such as strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility exercises, and endurance training.

2. Nutritional Guidance: Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in achieving fitness and wellness objectives, we provide comprehensive nutritional planning as an integral component of our service. This includes dietary assessments, creation of meal plans aligned with fitness goals, and ongoing support to ensure adherence.

3. One-on-One Training Sessions: At the heart of our service offering are the personal training sessions conducted by our certified trainers. These sessions ensure that clients are performing exercises correctly and efficiently, maximizing their results and minimizing the risk of injury.

4. Progress Tracking and Adjustment: Utilizing the latest technology and methodologies, we continually monitor client progress against established goals, adjusting programs as necessary to keep clients on track and motivated.

Unique Selling Points or Competitive Advantage

What sets John Doe Personal Trainer apart is our commitment to truly personalized service. Unlike many competitors, our programs are not “one size fits all” but are meticulously tailored to each client's specific needs. The owner’s specialization in strength and conditioning, coupled with comprehensive nutritional support, provides a holistic approach to fitness rarely matched in the industry. Furthermore, our focus on flexibility, offering sessions outside traditional business hours, caters to the busy professional’s schedule, presenting a significant competitive advantage.

Development Stage

Currently, John Doe Personal Trainer is at a growth stage, with a solid foundation of loyal clients and a developing reputation in the Tampa area for excellence in personal training. Our immediate focus is on expanding our client base through targeted marketing and referral programs.

Future plans include the integration of virtual training sessions to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for our clients, transcending geographical limitations. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to expand our service offerings to include group fitness classes and corporate wellness programs, broadening our market reach.

Intellectual Property Status

At present, the business name "John Doe Personal Trainer" is registered as a trademark, securing our brand identity within the marketplace. The customized training programs and nutritional plans, while proprietary in nature, are not currently protected under copyright, though this is under review as our business scales.

Production Process

Our "production process" revolves around the meticulous design and delivery of personalized fitness and nutritional plans. This begins with a comprehensive assessment of each client, followed by the development of customized plans by our certified and experienced trainers. This client-centric approach ensures that each program is effectively tailored to individual needs.

Supplier Information

Our equipment and technology suppliers are carefully selected based on quality, reliability, and alignment with our environmental and ethical standards. We source high-quality fitness equipment from reputed manufacturers who offer durable, state-of-the-art machinery and apparatus. For our nutritional guidance, we utilize credible databases and software that are regularly updated with the latest nutritional research and guidelines.

In conclusion, John Doe Personal Trainer stands out in the personal training industry through our dedication to personalized service, quality, and results. Our future growth will be marked by strategic expansions in service offerings and leveraging technology to enhance our accessibility and effectiveness, ensuring our clients achieve their health and fitness goals.

John Doe Personal Trainer is committed to establishing a strong presence in the Tampa, Florida personal training market. Our marketing and sales strategy is designed to attract and retain clients by highlighting our unique value proposition: personalized, effective, and flexible fitness solutions tailored to individual needs and schedules. This multi-faceted approach combines digital marketing, community engagement, competitive pricing, diverse distribution channels, targeted promotions, and exceptional customer service to build brand loyalty and drive growth.

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered around building a robust online presence, leveraging social media platforms, and engaging with the local community. A professionally designed website will serve as the cornerstone of our online strategy, showcasing our services, sharing success stories, and offering valuable content related to fitness and wellness. Social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, will be used to connect with potential clients, share motivational content, and highlight client achievements, reinforcing the brand's commitment to tangible results.

Additionally, we plan to engage with the local Tampa community through participation in health expos, sponsoring local sports events, and offering free fitness seminars at community centers. These efforts will not only increase brand awareness but also position John Doe Personal Trainer as a thought leader in the fitness industry.

Sales Strategy

Our sales approach emphasizes personal interaction and the building of strong, trust-based relationships with potential clients. Initial consultations will be offered free of charge, providing an opportunity to understand each client's goals, discuss our services, and demonstrate the value we provide. Our sales team, comprising the Owner and future Assistant Trainers, will be trained in consultative selling techniques, focusing on listening to client needs and recommending tailored fitness solutions.

We will also implement a referral program, encouraging satisfied clients to refer friends and family by offering them discounts on future sessions. This word-of-mouth strategy is expected to be particularly effective, given the personal nature of our services.

Pricing Strategy

Our pricing strategy is designed to reflect the premium nature of our personalized service offering while remaining competitive within the Tampa market. Packages will be offered at varying price points to accommodate different client budgets and commitment levels, with incentives such as reduced rates for longer-term commitments. This tiered pricing model allows for flexibility and makes our services accessible to a broader demographic.

Distribution Channels

Initially, our services will be delivered primarily in-person at our Tampa facility, ensuring that clients receive the hands-on, personalized training that is our hallmark. As part of our future plans, we will introduce virtual training options, expanding our distribution channels to include online platforms. This will allow us to reach clients beyond Tampa, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Promotion and Advertising Plans

Promotion and advertising efforts will focus heavily on digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure high visibility for our website, targeted social media ads, and email marketing campaigns to engage with potential and existing clients. Local print and radio advertising will also be explored as methods to reach our target market within the Tampa area.

Special introductory offers, such as discounted rates for the first month or complimentary nutritional assessments with every sign-up, will be used strategically to attract new clients.

Customer Service Policies

Our customer service philosophy is rooted in exceeding client expectations through personalized attention, responsiveness, and a commitment to their success. Policies will include flexible scheduling, easy cancellation and rescheduling options, and regular progress assessments to adjust fitness plans as needed. Feedback channels will be established to ensure clients feel heard and valued, with all concerns addressed promptly and effectively.

In summary, the marketing and sales strategy of John Doe Personal Trainer is built around the principles of personalization, community engagement, and exceptional service, aimed at establishing a loyal client base and achieving sustainable business growth.

The Operations Plan of John Doe Personal Trainer outlines the systematic approach to the daily operations, service delivery processes, and quality control measures that ensure the seamless function and high standard of services offered. This plan also covers inventory management, supply chain considerations, and facilities and equipment needs, all designed to support the business's mission of providing personalized fitness solutions in Tampa, Florida.

Operational Workflow

Daily operations at John Doe Personal Trainer are structured around scheduled training sessions, client consultations, program planning, and administrative tasks. The day begins with a review of the schedule to confirm client appointments, followed by preparation for each session. Preparation includes reviewing client progress notes, customizing workout plans based on the day’s objectives, and ensuring all necessary equipment is ready and available.

Client sessions are the core of our daily operations, with each session lasting approximately one hour. Between sessions, trainers complete client progress notes, adjust fitness plans as needed, and conduct follow-ups on goals and nutrition plans. The end of the day is dedicated to administrative tasks such as responding to inquiries, scheduling new clients, and managing billing and payments.

Production or Service Delivery Processes

Our service delivery process starts with an in-depth initial consultation for each new client. This session involves assessing fitness levels, discussing health and wellness goals, and outlining a preliminary plan to achieve these goals. Based on this information, a tailored fitness and nutrition program is developed.

Ongoing sessions are then scheduled to execute the fitness program, with adjustments made based on client feedback and observed progress. Nutritional plans are reviewed and updated regularly to complement physical training. This iterative cycle of planning, execution, and adjustment forms the foundation of our service delivery, ensuring continuous improvement and client satisfaction.

Quality Control Measures

Quality control is paramount, ensuring that all services meet the high standards set by John Doe Personal Trainer. This includes regular training and certification updates for trainers, rigorous client progress tracking systems, and frequent review meetings to discuss client feedback and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, each training session is designed to meet industry best practices for safety, effectiveness, and client engagement.

Inventory Management

Inventory management involves maintaining the necessary equipment and materials needed for training sessions and the running of the facility. This includes weights, resistance bands, mats, and other training aids. A regular inventory check is scheduled weekly to ensure all items are in good condition and available in sufficient quantities. Consumable items, such as cleaning supplies and office materials, are monitored for timely reordering.

Supply Chain Management

Our supply chain primarily involves equipment suppliers and software providers for client management and progress tracking. We have established relationships with reputable suppliers known for their quality and reliability. Strategic selection of suppliers and backup options ensures continuity in our service delivery.

Facilities and Equipment Needs

The training facility is equipped with a variety of fitness equipment to cater to a broad range of training programs, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and functional training tools. The design of the space emphasizes safety, functionality, and a welcoming atmosphere conducive to focused workout sessions. Equipment maintenance and facility upkeep schedules are implemented to ensure a clean, safe, and inviting environment for all clients.

Future plans include exploring technological advancements, such as virtual reality fitness programs and advanced body tracking technologies, to enhance our service offerings. Expansion of the physical space may also be considered to accommodate group sessions and a broader range of activities.

In summary, the Operations Plan of John Doe Personal Trainer incorporates a detailed narrative on operational efficiency, service delivery excellence, and the continuous pursuit of quality. By adhering to these operational protocols, we aim to achieve our mission of enhancing clients' health and fitness with personalized workout and nutrition plans tailored to their unique goals.

The Financial Projections section of John Doe Personal Trainer's business plan delineates the anticipated financial performance over the next three to five years. Drawing upon data-driven assumptions and industry benchmarks, this section presents projections for sales, profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheet, and break-even analysis, providing a comprehensive financial outline for potential investors and stakeholders.

Sales Forecast

Over the next five years, we anticipate a steady increase in sales revenue, reflecting the growth of our client base and the introduction of new services. The forecast is based on current market trends, our competitive positioning, and targeted marketing efforts. Here is an outline of the expected revenue:

- Year 1: $120,000, assuming 100 clients with an average spending of $1,200 per year. - Year 2: $150,000, a 25% increase, as marketing efforts and word-of-mouth referrals expand our client base. - Year 3: $200,000, reflecting further market penetration and the introduction of new services such as online training. - Year 4: $250,000, due to both price adjustments in line with market rates and an increase in higher-margin services. - Year 5: $300,000, as the brand becomes more established, and client retention rates improve.

Profit and Loss Projection

Projected profit and loss statements indicate a growing profitability as the business scales, with operational efficiencies and increased sales volume driving margins. Key assumptions include a gross margin of approximately 70%, reflective of the service industry standards, and a moderate increase in operational expenses aligned with revenue growth.

- Year 1: Net profit of $30,000, with a net profit margin of 25%. - Year 2: Net profit of $45,000, improving the net profit margin to 30%. - Year 3: Net profit of $70,000, with sustained investment in marketing and staff. - Year 4: Net profit of $100,000, as operational efficiencies take effect. - Year 5: Net profit of $130,000, with a fully optimized service mix and client base.

Cash Flow Projection

The cash flow projection emphasizes the importance of maintaining liquidity and managing operational expenses wisely. Initial capital investments in equipment and marketing are expected to result in negative cash flows in the first year, with subsequent years showing improved operational cash flow as the client base expands and revenues increase. Key considerations include the timing of revenue receipts, operational expense payments, and capital investments in growth initiatives.

Balance Sheet Projection

The balance sheet projection for John Doe Personal Trainer reflects the accumulation of assets, including initial investments in equipment and technology, and the growth of owner’s equity as retained earnings increase. Liabilities are expected to remain relatively low, with careful management of any debt financing and operational payables.

Break-Even Analysis

The break-even analysis indicates that John Doe Personal Trainer will reach its break-even point within the first two years of operation. This calculation is based on fixed expenses, including rent, utilities, and initial equipment costs, versus the variable expenses associated with service delivery. Achieving this milestone will be a key indicator of our business’s financial viability and operational efficiency.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations

Key financial assumptions underpinning these projections include steady market growth for personal training services, the successful execution of our marketing strategy resulting in client base expansion, and the effective management of operational expenses. Considerations include the potential impact of economic fluctuations on discretionary consumer spending and the pace at which new services can be introduced and scaled.

In conclusion, John Doe Personal Trainer’s financial projections reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook, grounded in realistic assumptions about market conditions, operational efficiencies, and the company’s growth strategy. This foundation positions us favorably for achieving our financial goals and providing a promising investment opportunity for potential stakeholders.

Profit and Loss Forecast

Cash flow forecast, balance sheet.

The Risk Analysis section addresses the potential risks faced by John Doe Personal Trainer across various aspects of the business, including market, operational, financial, and legal realms. Understanding and preparing for these risks is crucial for sustaining growth, protecting assets, and ensuring the long-term viability of the business. This section outlines identified risks, mitigation strategies, contingency plans, and relevant insurance and legal considerations.

Identification of Potential Risks

Market Risks: The personal training industry is highly competitive and subject to trends in health and fitness that can rapidly change consumer behavior. Additionally, economic downturns may impact discretionary spending on personal training services.

Operational Risks: Dependence on a single location and a limited number of trainers, including the owner, poses operational risks related to capacity, service quality, and business continuity in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Financial Risks: Initial capital expenditure on equipment and premises, along with ongoing operational expenses, exposes the business to financial risk, particularly in the early stages of growth. Cash flow challenges may also arise from fluctuations in client retention rates.

Legal Risks: The business faces legal risks stemming from potential client injuries during training sessions, employment law compliance for hiring practices, and the protection of intellectual property such as branded content and training materials.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Market Risks Mitigation: Diversification of service offerings, including online training and corporate wellness programs, will reduce dependency on local market conditions. A solid marketing strategy that emphasizes brand differentiation and value proposition will also help in adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

Operational Risks Mitigation: Implementing standard operating procedures for all training and administrative tasks will ensure consistency in service delivery. Investing in staff training and development will increase capacity and reduce dependency on any single team member. Additionally, establishing a business continuity plan, including backup trainers and emergency protocols, will help mitigate disruptions.

Financial Risks Mitigation: Careful financial planning with conservative revenue projections and a focus on cost management will minimize financial risk. Establishing a cash reserve to cover unexpected expenses and fluctuations in cash flow will provide financial stability. Diversifying revenue streams through the introduction of new services will also spread financial risks.

Legal Risks Mitigation: Maintaining comprehensive liability insurance will protect against claims related to client injuries. Implementing rigorous safety and training protocols minimizes the likelihood of such events. Regular legal reviews of employment practices and client contracts will ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Registering trademarks and copyrighting unique training materials will protect intellectual property.

Contingency Plans

In the event of significant operational disruption, a contingency plan will be activated, focusing on remote training options to maintain client engagement. Financial contingencies include lines of credit to manage short-term cash flow shortages. A crisis management team will be formed to handle any emergent issues, ensuring swift and effective response strategies.

Insurance and Legal Considerations

John Doe Personal Trainer will maintain insurance policies covering general liability, professional liability, and property damage, ensuring comprehensive protection against potential claims. Employment practices liability insurance will also be considered as the team grows. Legally, the business will adhere to all local and federal regulations, with periodic audits conducted to ensure ongoing compliance. Legal counsel will be engaged to oversee contractual agreements, employment practices, and the protection of proprietary information.

In conclusion, by identifying potential risks and implementing robust mitigation and contingency strategies, John Doe Personal Trainer aims to navigate challenges effectively. This proactive stance on risk management not only safeguards the business but also positions it for sustainable growth and success.

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Starting a Business | How To

How to Start a Personal Training Business [With Plan]

Published November 7, 2019

Published Nov 7, 2019

WRITTEN BY: Blake Stockton

This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

A personal training business helps clients improve their fitness level. Learning how to start a personal training business is simple when you follow a step-by-step process beginning with research and a business plan. To help secure clients, build a personal brand. A full-time personal trainer can earn between $30,000 to $150,000 a year.

Before starting a personal training business, you should create a website to promote your business. When someone searches your name in Google, your website should show. A business without a website appears less credible. Dreamhost is an all-in-one website building platform. It can help you secure your domain name, obtain hosting, and create a website theme. Get started with Dreamhost today.

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Here is a personal training business plan template you can use to keep your business on the right track:

Click a link to download the template; if possible, we recommend using Word because the Table of Contents update automatically as you as fill out the template Word / Google Doc / PDF

Here’s how to start a personal training business in six steps.

1. Research Personal Training Business Ideas & Options

Before diving into your personal training business plan , it’s important to do research and think about your personal training business: What type of services will you provide? Who will you market these services to? What type of certifications will you obtain, and how much do they cost? What type of location do you want to work at? What equipment do you need to purchase to make that location effective?

What Kind of Personal Training Will You Provide?

There are several choices you will need to make about the personal training you provide. Will you specialize in a particular training, such as bodybuilding, high intensity, martial arts-related, or rehabbing injuries? Additionally, what demographics would you like to train? There are women, men, young athletes, seniors, and physically impaired individuals. Will nutritional guidance be part of your business? Is it going to be a full-time or part-time operation?

Becoming clear on the type of personal training you want to provide will guide the marketing, branding, and certification training you pursue. Generally, you shouldn’t want your training to be for everyone. Classic marketing advice is that if a product is for everyone, it’s for no one because the messaging doesn’t connect with anyone specifically.

“I consistently find that the busiest trainers are the ones who picked niches that were goal-oriented and/or problem-related. In Boston, the busiest trainers specialize in running coaching (solves the problem of bad running form), yoga training for runners (recovery training from running), cycling coaching (fixes slow speed due to strength imbalances), swim coaching (poor stroke form slows me down), and so on. Focusing on a niche not only makes a trainer stand out against the generalists but also helps build a referral network from other trainers who work with your ideal customer.” ―Giuseppe Frustaci, Founder, Stick Shift Driving Academy

Personal Training Certification

Certifications are important for personal trainers because they help build your knowledge base and add to your credibility. A popular certification is the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s (NASM) personal training certification (NASM-CPT) , which costs anywhere from $524 to $1,499.

Additionally, there are several other certifications, like the American Fitness Professionals Association’s (AFPA) Senior Fitness Specialist Certification and Youth Fitness Specialist Certification. The AFPA’s certifications generally cost between $349 to $599.

All personal trainers should get certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automatic defibrillation (AED). You can find this training locally at health training companies, college recreation centers, the American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association. First aid, CPR, and AED training costs around $100.

Choose a Location

A positive of owning a personal training business is the ability to work at many different locations. You’re not restricted to working in a building that has a high overhead cost. As a personal trainer, you can train people in public areas, such as at a park or the beach. Additionally, you can meet clients in their own home gym or have them come to your house to workout.

Many personal trainers are independent contractors and rent out space in a local gym. Training online is also growing in popularity. Apps like Trainiac help people looking for online training. Marketing your services over the internet expands your potential customer base from local to worldwide.

Research Equipment

Once you know the type of training you plan to offer, and where it will take place, you can look into purchasing equipment. We recommend you purchase used equipment, which can cost about 40% to 60% less than new equipment. If meeting clients in their home for a training session, you may want to purchase basic equipment that can provide a quality workout, regardless of the equipment they have.

2. Write Your Personal Training Business Plan

Every personal training business, both full-time and part-time, need a business plan . A business plan is a strategic plan that helps you think through everything needed to make the business a success. Most importantly, it includes a section for financial projections, where you will use data to predict how much money the business will earn and expense over the next 3 years in business.

We created a personal training business plan template for you to use and customize. If possible, we recommend downloading the template in Microsoft Word format. We included a Table Of Contents to help you easily follow along with each section, but the actual page numbers change as you add more information to the template. To save the Microsoft Word document, open the document, click File and then Save As. Rename the document, and finish by clicking save.

The Google Doc is accessible but isn’t editable. To make the Google Doc editable, click on the Google Doc link to open the template, open your own Google Doc, and paste our version. The PDF is read-only and is a great way to get an overview of the business plan template.

Traditional vs Modern Business Plan

A traditional business plan is similar to an in-depth business report. If you’re seeking financing from a bank for a personal training gym, we recommend using a traditional business plan. The business plan template we created for you is designed for a traditional plan. Alternatively, a modern business plan is a leaner model that you can finish in less than an hour. Additionally, it tends to be more visual than a traditional plan.

A business model canvas (BMC), another name for modern business plan, is best for the average personal training business because it can be completed quickly. Compared to the traditional business plan, there are new sections, such as the Value Proposition (that tells what you provide clients) and the Customer Relationships (detailing how you maintain contact with clients outside of the training session).

The business model canvas features the Channels section, which is about where and how you reach your customers

Competitor Analysis

In a business plan, you need to include information about your competitors. For the competitor analysis, list your top five competitors that are located within a five-mile radius―expand if needed―of your business. For each of the five competitors, list how far they are from your location. Include each competitor’s advantages over your business, and the advantages your business has over them.

Financial Projections

The financial projections section is the most difficult yet most important section of a business plan. This section is where you show how much money your business will earn and spend over the next 3 years. If you’re looking for an investor, they will want to see the financial projections section first to learn how they will make their money back. The Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), provides a free customizable financial projection template .

Business Plan Software

Business plan software walks users step by step through the writing process. Many business owners use software to help write their business plans because it tells them exactly what to do, often with video instruction. Most business plan software also takes the financial projection numbers and creates easy-to-read-charts. LivePlan is one of the most popular and affordable business plan software available at $11.66 per month.

“I highly recommend that all entrepreneurs take the time to write a business plan. This exercise prompts you to think through all aspects of the new business—marketing, managing, financing, and more. The act of writing a business plan will highlight your strengths and identify your weaknesses, giving you motivation to fill any gaps before you build upon the foundation of your business.” ―Chris Beer, Owner, B.Well Consulting

3. Finalize Your Business’ Administrative & Legal Paperwork

Now that you know the type of personal training business you’re going to open and have a solid plan in place, it’s time to make legal arrangements before accepting clients. Personal training is full of risks and potential liability because a client can be injured seriously. It’s important to register your business as a legal entity with the state and have personal liability insurance to avoid any financial disasters that could ruin the business’ or your personal finances.

Obtain Your Employment Identification Number

The employment identification number (EIN) is a number the federal government gives businesses for federal tax purposes. Additionally, many banks will require an EIN before you open a business checking account. If you go directly to the IRS , the EIN is free. If you’d like to avoid the paperwork, you can use an online legal service, like Rocket Lawyer, to obtain the EIN for you.

Personal Training Business Registration

Every personal training business needs to register as a legal entity within the state in which they’re operating. Creating a legal business entity, also called business structure, protects the personal trainer from personal financial liability if a lawsuit were to occur against the business. The most common legal entity is a limited liability company (LLC) . State fees to register an LLC vary from $40 in Kentucky to $500 in Massachusetts. Start your business registration today with Rocket Lawyer for $99 plus state fees.

“Incorporate or form an LLC for the company. This will provide your personal training business with liability protection that creates a separation between personal and professional assets. It will also help you establish credibility a bit faster than if you had not incorporated the business.” ―Deborah Sweeney, CEO, MyCorporation.com

General Liability Insurance for Your Personal Training Business

Liability insurance for a personal trainer protects their business assets from customer injury, property damage, and reputational harm. For example, the insurance would cover if a client trips, breaks a toe, and claims your business is liable for their injury. Typically, general liability insurance costs between $150 and $300 a year.

You can obtain general liability insurance from a local insurance broker or online. Embroker is an online insurance broker that provides on-demand expertise and technology to make getting insurance for your business simple. Start searching for your ideal insurance coverage today with Embroker.

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Business & Tax Licenses

Depending on your city and state, you may need a business license. If you’re seeing clients at your home, you may need a work-at-home license. Getting caught without this license may result in a fine. Businesses typically get caught when a neighbor reports it to the county.

Additionally, if your business operates in a state with a sales tax, you may need to register for a sales tax ID number. Go to your state’s official tax website for additional information.

Open a Business Bank Account

It’s important to have a business bank account so that personal and business finances are not mixed. In the event of a tax audit from the IRS, you want to have all income and expenses from the training business in one account. Mixing income and expenses into a personal account can complicate the audit. Most business bank accounts, such as Chase, require a minimum $1,500 balance, or a monthly fee is charged.

“My advice is to get your business ducks in a row before you ever start taking clients! Set up your business entity, get a business bank account, have a website and business cards. Training people is the fun part but keep it professional too.” ―Kourtney Thomas, Owner & Coach, Kourtney Thomas Fitness

4. Raise Funds for Your Personal Training Business

Unless you’re opening a physical location, a personal training business is a fairly low-cost business. Many trainers tap into their personal savings to open the business. However, if you don’t have that option, there are other ways you can access additional funds. One option is to take a personal unsecured loan. Another is to start a crowdfunding campaign and sell your services in advance.

Apply for a Personal Microloan

A microloan is typically below $50,000, which we consider pretty low compared to a traditional bank loan that usually starts at a minimum of $100,000. A microloan is easier to obtain than a traditional loan. However, the interest rate is higher. A microloan is similar to a personal unsecured loan from a lending institution. Depending on your personal credit, you should expect to pay up a 20% interest rate on a microloan.

Find an Investor

An investor is someone who invests money into your business in exchange for a percentage of ownership, also called equity. Most business owners choose to work with an investor instead of a bank because of the investor’s business expertise. In addition, new business owners aren’t usually eager about taking on new debt.

It can be challenging to find investors. One of the best places to run across them is at local business networking events. Keep in mind, however, that before you begin actively seeking investors, you need to have a well thought out business plan with solid financial projections.

Start a Crowdfunding Campaign

A crowdfunding campaign is a strategy businesses use to raise money by preselling products and services as “rewards” for their business. Typically, on a website like Kickstarter, you’ll see people raising money for a product before it’s created. A crowdfunding platform will deduct around 5% of the total money raised. Plus, there is usually a payment processing fee of around 3%.

If you’re trying to raise money for equipment or gym space, you can presell memberships or workout packages. For example, you could presell a single workout, five workouts, and 10 workouts, all at varying reward levels.

Also, consider selling swag items like branded T-shirts for a smaller reward amount. For a personal training crowdfunding campaign to be successful, the owner needs to be well-connected with those interested in the services.

5. Purchase Software for Your Personal Training Business

Software helps automate your personal training business and saves you time. Client scheduling software makes it easy for clients to schedule appointments with you. Accounting software helps you track your income and expenses. Client billing software allows clients to pay online easily and set up a recurring billing process.

Client Scheduling Software

Scheduling software allows clients to go online or through an app and make an appointment. This software saves you time and headache from having to deal with phone calls and making training appointments. 10to8 is a free scheduling software used by more than 50,000 businesses. The first 100 scheduled appointments in a month are free.

Accounting Software

Accounting software keeps track of business income and expenses. A small personal training business may not need accounting software because there is only one type of income―hourly training―and expenses are minimal. However, as you grow your business and potentially open a physical location, you may want to look into accounting software like QuickBooks to keep track of multiple income streams and expenses.

Client Billing Software

When you’re just starting out, you may use cash or a simple system like Venmo―a one-time online payment platform―for clients to pay per session. As your business grows, members may begin to owe larger payments, especially if you start offering annual prepaid contracts. You may also want to give clients the ability to set up a recurring payment system . Use software like Square to set up recurring payments. Clients can enter their payment information once and never have to do it again.

Email Marketing Software

Email marketing software is a convenient way to stay in touch with current, former, and potential clients. Personal training is a great industry for email marketing because there are many opportunities to provide valuable information to clients. Consider emailing current and former clients at least once a month with exercise and health tips. Mailchimp is an email marketing software that is free for the first 2,000 email addresses.

6. Market Your Personal Training Business

Marketing is everything for a personal training business. You’re a new trainer, and you’ll have to separate yourself from the dozens of other personal trainers through your marketing strategies. Tangible marketing tools like business cards and brochures are ideal for ensuring potential clients can contact you. Online marketing tools like websites and social media pages are important when someone searches for your name using Google.

“It’s important to remember that you are operating in a sea of sameness. Differentiation is the key to survival. You have to offer something unique and different. A simple positioning exercise can help: “Joe Trainer is the ONLY personal trainer that does/provides (unique benefit) that’s because (support point 1), (support point 2). If you can’t think of an ONLY, then you’ll be facing a long uphill battle.” ―Brian Cairns, CEO, ProStrategix Consulting

Traditional Marketing Materials

Generally, traditional marketing materials are considered physical materials like business cards, brochures, and flyers with contact information. Additionally, it can include your biography, case studies, before and after photos, and testimonials from happy clients. Branding training items is common. Consider making water bottles, towels, and stickers with your business name and logo.

Online Marketing

Online marketing is using internet-based tools and platforms to reach customers. Some online platforms are standard, like websites, Facebook pages, and Google My Business (GMB) listings. Other tools, such as those that help with video marketing and email marketing can be used to keep your clients engaged.

Here are online marketing platforms that all personal trainers should consider:

• Website: A website is similar to your online billboard. On your website, include several large, high-resolution photos to explain the type of services you provide. Also, include testimonials of happy customers.
• Social media: You need to create a Facebook page. However, Instagram will likely be the platform you have the most success with because your business is visual. Consider trying out Instagram Stories to connect with your audience frequently.
• Video marketing: Video can communicate your training workouts better than photos. Facebook and Instagram Stories are a terrific way to post short, authentic videos about your training.
• Email marketing: As you grow your lead and customer base, it’s important to keep in touch with them. Email marketing is a free way to do that. Send informative emails once a month about training and nutrition.
• GMB: Every business that has local customers gets a free GMB listing, which is a directory listing on Google. If you work from home, you can hide your home address and set GMB to display a service area radius around where you live.

Upload photos and videos to your GMB listing that represent your personal training

Online marketing is always changing, which presents an opportunity for trainers who stay up to date with the latest changes. Social media and GMB will have feature updates most frequently. It’s important to keep up with their changes.

Personal Training Marketing Package

As a personal trainer, you will be meeting potential clients in person and online. It’s important to look organized and have a marketing package that summarizes your services and background. The package can consist of a folder with several pieces of paper, or it can be a digital PDF. Inside, include your bio, a description of the business, client testimonials, client results, several photos, and possibly a video.

Branded Clothing

You may want to brand yourself by wearing a uniform that represents your business. Many personal trainers wear shirts with their main business colors and logo. If you’re opening a business with several trainers, you can have all of them wear your branded T-shirts or collared shirts to look professional. Additionally, you should consider selling branded shirts, tanks, hoodies, and shorts for customers to purchase and wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for How to Start a Personal Training Business

This section includes the most frequently asked questions about how to start a personal training business.

Do personal trainers get paid well?

Personal trainers can get paid well. The typical personal trainer makes between $50 and $60 per hour. That price can increase as the demand for your services increases. If you help people lose weight and gain muscle, word will spread about your success. Additionally, you will need to be well-organized to turn the $60 an hour you earn into 25 sessions per week, which would earn $1,500 in weekly revenue.

Can I personal train without a certification?

Yes, you can train without certifications. However, before starting a personal training business, it’s a good idea to get first aid, CPR, and AED training in the event of a client’s health issue. This training is given locally at first aid training companies, local colleges, and the American Red Cross. They cost around $100.

Is personal training a good career?

Personal training can be a great career. You make your own hours. You get to dress casual. You can work in a variety of locations. You get to see physical improvement in others as well as yourself. Additionally, as you grow your client base and demand for your services increases, you can increase your hourly rate.

Are personal trainers in demand?

According to industry research company IBIS World, the number of personal trainers has been growing in demand during the past 5 years. People interested in weight loss and customized workout plans have fueled this growth in demand.

Bottom Line

Personal training can be a very rewarding and lucrative business. You get to help others physically transform their bodies and improve their health. As your client base grows and demand for your services increase, so does your hourly rate. Initially, it can be challenging getting new clients and developing a brand for yourself. However, once you do, you can earn between $50 and $60 per hour easily.

Every personal trainer, whether full-time or part-time, needs to have a website. When a potential client types your name into Google, your website should show. If it doesn’t, you lose credibility automatically. Dreamhost is an all-in-one website company that will help you purchase a domain name, get hosting, and design your website. Get started with Dreamhost today.

About the Author

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Blake Stockton

Blake Stockton is a staff writer at Fit Small Business focusing on how to start brick-and-mortar and online businesses. He is a frequent guest lecturer at several undergraduate business and MBA classes at University of North Florida . Prior to joining Fit Small Business, Blake consulted with over 700 small biz owners and assisted with starting and growing their businesses.

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Business Plan Template For Personal Trainer

If you're on the precipice of beginning your journey as a personal trainer or looking to restructure your existing business, having a solid business plan can make a massive difference. It can serve as your guiding light, helping you to steer your business in the right direction, maintain focus and stay the course during challenging times. In this article, we'll take you through an established, efficient framework for creating a compelling business plan specifically tailored for a personal trainer.

Understanding the importance of a business plan for personal trainers

The role of a business plan goes beyond mere administrative paperwork. It's a strategic tool designed to provide clarity about what your business does, your vision for its future and the steps you need to take to accomplish your goals.

Starting a personal training career can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, it's important to recognise that success in this field requires more than just passion and knowledge of fitness. To truly thrive as a personal trainer, you need a well-thought-out business plan that can guide you through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The role of a business plan in your personal training career

For a personal trainer, a business plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your professional aspirations, identifying potential stumbling blocks and presenting strategies to overcome these. Whether you are freelancing, working from a gym, or operating your own fitness studio, your business plan helps define your service offerings, target market, financial planning and growth strategies.

Imagine yourself as a personal trainer with a clear vision of where you want to take your career. With a well-crafted business plan, you can articulate this vision and outline the specific steps you will take to achieve it. This plan acts as a compass, guiding and keeping everything on track, ensuring that you stay focused on your goals even when faced with obstacles.

Furthermore, a business plan is not only beneficial for your own guidance, but it can also be a powerful tool to attract potential investors or secure loans from financial institutions. These parties always look for a well-prepared business plan that demonstrates your commitment and readiness to manage your business successfully. It shows them that you have thoroughly analysed the market, identified your target audience, and have a clear strategy in place to reach and serve them.

Key components of a successful business plan

A successful business plan should include elements such as an executive summary, market analysis, company description, services description, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections. Each of these elements serves a specific purpose and they all come together to form a comprehensive plan that can facilitate effective management of your personal training business.

Let's take a closer look at some of these key components:

• Executive Summary: This section provides an overview of your business plan, summarising the key points and highlighting the most important aspects of your personal training business.
• Market Analysis: Conducting a thorough market analysis allows you to understand the current trends, competition, and potential opportunities in the fitness industry. It helps you identify your target market and develop strategies to stand out from the crowd.
• Company Description: This section provides an in-depth look at your personal training business, including its mission, values, and unique selling proposition. It allows you to showcase what sets you apart from other trainers and why clients should choose you.
• Services Description: Clearly defining the services you offer is crucial for attracting clients. Outline the different types of training you provide, whether it's one-on-one sessions, group classes, or specialised programs. Highlight the benefits and results clients can expect from your services.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: A well-defined marketing and sales strategy helps you reach your target audience and convert them into paying clients. This section should outline your promotional activities, pricing structure, and how you plan to leverage online and offline channels to attract and retain customers.
• Financial Projections: Estimating your financial projections allows you to assess the profitability and sustainability of your personal training business. It includes projected revenue, expenses, and cash flow analysis. This information is vital for making informed decisions and securing funding if needed.

By including these key components in your business plan, you can create a comprehensive and compelling document that not only guides your personal training career but also showcases your professionalism and dedication to potential investors and financial institutions.

Crafting your executive summary

The executive summary sits at the beginning of your business plan, providing an overview of the entire plan. It's a crucial section, given its prominent place and the condensed information it offers.

When crafting your executive summary, it is important to consider the unique aspects of your personal training business. By clearly defining who you are and what you do, you can set yourself apart from the competition. Additionally, highlighting your unique selling proposition will help potential clients understand why they should choose your services over others.

It is worth mentioning the location of your personal training business and the types of clients you typically serve. For example, if you are based in a bustling city, you may cater to busy professionals who are looking for convenient and effective workout solutions. On the other hand, if your business is located in a suburban area, you may attract individuals who prioritise a more relaxed and community-oriented fitness experience.

Defining your personal training business

Begin your executive summary by defining your personal training business: who you are, what you do, and your unique selling proposition. You might also wish to mention where you are based and the kinds of clients you typically serve. How you present this information makes a substantial difference. It should be crisp, compelling, and reflective of your brand.

When it comes to defining your personal training business, it is essential to showcase your expertise and credentials. Highlight any certifications or qualifications you possess, as well as any specialised training you have undergone. This will instill confidence in potential clients, assuring them that they are in capable hands.

Furthermore, consider including testimonials or success stories from previous clients. This will not only demonstrate the effectiveness of your training methods but also provide social proof, which can be a powerful motivator for potential clients to choose your services.

Outlining your business objectives

The next step is to outline your business objectives clearly - where you want to be in the future. Let your aspirations guide your business purpose, but ensure they are realistic and aligned with your capabilities. Detail the steps you intend to take to reach these objectives, using specific and measurable goals.

When outlining your business objectives, it is important to consider both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals could include increasing your client base, expanding your range of services, or improving customer satisfaction. Long-term goals, on the other hand, could involve opening additional branches or becoming a recognised leader in the personal training industry.

To ensure the success of your business objectives, it is crucial to establish a clear action plan. Break down each objective into smaller, manageable tasks and assign timelines to each. This will help you stay focused and accountable, ensuring that you are consistently working towards achieving your goals.

Remember, your executive summary should provide a compelling overview of your business plan, enticing readers to delve deeper into the details. By effectively defining your personal training business and outlining your objectives, you will set a strong foundation for the rest of your business plan.

Market analysis for personal trainers

Understanding your market is the cornerstone of your business plan. Only with a rich and detailed understanding of the market dynamics can you create a strategy that resonates with your target audience.

When it comes to personal training, the market is diverse and ever-evolving. There are various factors to consider when identifying your target market, such as age, location, disposable income, and lifestyle. By taking these elements into account, you can determine who your ideal clients are and tailor your services to match their specific requirements.

For instance, if you're targeting athletes, you need to focus on high-intensity workouts and sports-specific training. On the other hand, if your target market consists of busy professionals, you might want to offer flexible training schedules and convenient locations near their workplaces. And for retirees looking to stay in shape, you can design programs that prioritise joint mobility and overall wellness.

Identifying your target market

Determine who your ideal clients are. Identify your client base by considering elements such as age, location, disposable income or lifestyle. Are they athletes, busy professionals or retirees looking to stay in shape? This process helps in tailoring your services to match their requirements and in framing your marketing strategy.

Moreover, understanding the psychographics of your target market is equally important. What are their motivations, goals, and challenges? Are they seeking weight loss, muscle gain, or improved overall fitness? By delving deeper into these aspects, you can create personalised training programs and marketing messages that truly resonate with your audience.

Analysing your competition

An effective market analysis also involves analysing your competition. Understand who they are, what they offer, their strengths, weaknesses, and the strategies they have implemented to attract and retain clients.

By studying your competition, you can gain valuable insights into the current trends and best practices in the personal training industry. This knowledge can help you identify potential gaps in the market that you can fill with your unique offerings. It's not about copying what others are doing, but rather seeking inspiration and understanding how you can differentiate yourself from the competition.

For example, if you notice that many personal trainers in your area focus solely on physical fitness, you could differentiate yourself by incorporating elements of mental well-being into your training programs. This holistic approach could attract clients who are looking for a more comprehensive fitness experience.

Furthermore, analysing your competition allows you to identify areas where you can excel and provide a superior service. Perhaps you can offer specialised training for a specific sport or develop innovative training techniques that set you apart.

Remember, market analysis is an ongoing process. As the personal training industry evolves, so should your understanding of the market. Stay updated on the latest trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to ensure that your business remains competitive and relevant.

Services and pricing strategy

Defining your services, and how you intend to price them, is the heart of your personal training business. Careful planning here can set you apart from your competition and position you for success.

Determining your personal training services

Define your niche and the variety of services you will offer. Will you specialise in one-on-one personal training, group classes, nutrition counselling, online training, or a mix of these? Detailing your offerings, including what they entail and their benefits, adds a clear structure to your business premise.

Setting your pricing structure

Setting your prices is a combination of understanding the market rates, as well as the value you provide. Pricing needs to cover your costs and should reflect your experience, expertise and the positives that clients stand to gain. Keep in mind, though, you can also offer enticing introductory prices or package deals to attract new clients.

Marketing and sales strategy

In a competitive environment like personal training, effective marketing and sales strategies are catalysts for growth.

Promoting your personal training services

Decide on how you will get your message out there. Your marketing plan could include social media promotion, local advertising, referral programmes, or even partnership with nearby businesses. Ensure your marketing material underlines your mission and vision, and highlight the unique benefits of your offerings.

Strategies for attracting and retaining clients

Attracting clients is one thing, but you need to also have a strategy to keep them. Client retention strategies could include providing excellent service, offering loyalty rewards, or tailoring your training methods to individual needs. Remember, a loyal client base not only provides revenue but also helps grow your business through positive referrals.

Key Takeaways

Remember that a business plan helps organise your thoughts, set objectives, and identify the resources you need. Crafting a thoughtful, comprehensive business plan is an investment in your future as a personal trainer. As a strategic guide, it allows you to navigate the realities of business ownership smoothly and successfully.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Personal Training Business

Congratulations! You passed your online exam and have earned your personal trainer certification . Now comes the time when it's necessary to decide where you will work and how you will start your personal training business.

This blog will provide nine tips for starting an independent personal training business. Keep in mind that starting a business is a lengthy process with several legal implications, so there are many nuances that are not covered within this guide.

With that said, let’s dive in!

No matter which field you work in, being an entrepreneur and starting a business require a lot of energy and effort; nowhere is this more true than in the fitness industry. When it comes to promoting a fitness business and gaining customers, it will take time to develop a client base.

Plan on taking three-to-six months at the minimum to establish a revenue stream through a personal training business. When you're just starting your personal training career , whether, in real life or online, clients won't just find you. You have to hustle to get out and find them, so get to it!

2. Do Your Research

Starting a business means you’re not going to be working for an employer and instead will become an entrepreneur. You may want to research whether it is worth your time and resources to start a business entity like a limited liability company (LLC), which can separate your assets from that of your business. These rules vary from state-to-state; spend a little time to research what would work best where you live.

3. Invest in Liability Insurance

Where will you provide personal training services? Will you be paying for a space in a facility, or do you plan on working in clients’ homes? In either case, it will be necessary to invest in liability insurance. Most facilities that allow personal trainers to see clients will require this. If you’re going into clients’ homes, it's a good idea because, like forming an LLC to separate your business from your assets, it could protect you from any liability in the (unlikely) event a client becomes injured. As an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, you have access to an affordable liability insurance program .

4. Scope Out the Facility

When scoping out your facility here are 4 really helpful questions to consider asking before you make any decisions. Only after you have weighed the potential answers to these questions should pick a facility.

• If you do decide to work as a contractor, where you are paying rent for space in a facility, what type of support, if any, will the facility offer? 
• Will you have the opportunity to meet with new members of the facility? 
• Will you be able to solicit existing members, or will you be required to do your marketing to bring clients in? 
• How is the facility managed? It may be a popular place to work out. Still, if it's not professionally managed, you may want to consider whether it's worth your time to establish a formal business relationship.

5. Invest in the Right Equipment

If you decide to market yourself to clients in their homes or offer workouts in a location like a park, that will require you to invest in some exercise equipment. That's because you'll want to be sure to have what you need to successfully apply the different stages of the NASM Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™) Model of program design.

From medicine balls to rubber resistance to kettlebells to adjustable dumbbells, there are a number of options. Your budget and ability to transport them to the locations where you will be seeing clients will help determine the best equipment to suit your needs.

If you are going to offer workouts at a park, make sure you check with the local park department to see if any permits are required.

For example, in the city of San Diego, it is okay to train one or two people at a time in a city-managed park. Still, groups over the size of four require a permit issued by the park authority (which requires having the proper liability insurance).

Graham King, the owner of Urban Fitness in Washington, DC, started his business by offering workouts in a park and has grown to have three locations. As Mr. King demonstrates, park workouts can be an excellent option for starting a fitness empire, but you want to be sure you do it correctly.

6. Consider Online Coaching Options

If you're going to offer online personal trainer programs, how will you market your services and deliver the workouts? Will you sell static programs or offer to coach through an online service? Another option is to provide live coaching via apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or Facebook Live.

Kira Stokes, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer in New York City, teaches live classes and works with clients in person. She also has evolved to offer a successful app based on her 'Stoked Method' that reaches thousands of people a month, in addition to training clients online through video conferencing.

The point is that technology has now made it possible for personal trainers to provide fitness solutions to clients anywhere in the world as long as they have a high-speed internet connection and space to exercise in. Like any other business, there is tremendous opportunity in online coaching, but it will take time to be successful.

7. Identify Your Target Market

Whether you are offering your services live or online, who is your target demographic? Who are the clients that will receive the most significant benefit from your services? It's one thing to offer a variety of different types of workout programs.

Still, if you identify a specific target market, that could help you develop your messaging for how you market your services.

For example, offering weight loss and muscle-sculpting programs in an area with a large population of older adults may not resonate with an audience. Who lives in your immediate area? What types of clients do you want to work with? Take some time to brainstorm a target demographic like new moms, older adults, or teenage athletes, then identify the most effective method for communicating with them to attract and earn their business.

8. Create a Brand

Once you identify a target demographic, how will you communicate with that demographic so they can understand the benefit of your fitness services? Marketing is branding, and branding is marketing; creating a brand identity can help you to communicate with potential clients.

When you think of tissues or adhesive bandages, brand names like Kleenex or Band-Aid tend to pop in your head right away. This is called 'top-of-mind' brand recognition and is the power of developing a recognizable brand identity.

Ms. Stokes used the convenience of her last name to establish her 'Stoked Method,' an instantly recognizable brand that has developed a strong following for her workout programs and coaching services.

9. Research Payment Methods

Whether you offer live or online services, how will your clients pay you for your time or the programs you sell? Just like technology has made it possible to reach clients anywhere in the globe, it will be necessary to research payment methods.

You can start an account with PayPal, Venmo, Square, or any other service so that you can be sure that you are adequately compensated for your time and efforts.

A lot goes into starting a fitness business. There is no guarantee of success, but if you have the hustle, put in the work, and apply these nine steps, then you will be well on your way to a long, rewarding and potentially lucrative career as a fitness professional.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS AND ADDITIONAL ADVICE

If you choose to work for an employer like a health club or fitness studio, they should have training and development programs in place that will educate you on what you need to do to work in their operation successfully.

The role of the fitness manager is to support you as you start your business. Listen to their advice because they know what works. Also, look for the more experienced, established personal trainers and ask for their help on how to be successful in that business model.

ONE LAST THING TO CONSIDER 

If you plan on opening a facility, it requires several different steps from finding the best real estate to hiring the right contractors for the build-out. Therefore, these recommendations are for those of you who are considering becoming an independent personal trainer either contracting with a facility, working in clients’ homes, or offering online coaching programs.

Coping with Pressure, Anxiety and Adversity in Uncertain Times

Push, pull and shift: learn the power of perturbations, pete mccall.

Pete McCall is a NASM-CPT, PES, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), international presenter, host of the All About Fitness podcast, fitness blogger and an author of several articles, textbook chapters and the book Smarter Workouts: the Science of Exercise Made Simple. In addition, Pete holds a master’s degree in exercise science and has been educating fitness professionals for more than 15 years. Currently Pete lives in Encinitas, CA where he is an education consultant and content creator for Core Health & Fitness, Terra Core Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness.

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Does a Personal Trainer Need a Business License?

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• Being your own boss has a slew of benefits.
• There are no set licensing requirements to become a personal trainer.
• Even if you work in a gym, it’s a good idea to have your own liability coverage.

The lifestyle of being your own boss can be both appealing and intimidating. While it allows you to set your schedule and take time off when you need to, you’re also accountable for every aspect of your business. To earn your clients’ trust, you need to come across as professional as possible. Our business management software platform can help you maintain your professionalism. Request a demo today for our All-In-One Fitness Business Management Software.

Educate Yourself

Being a personal trainer may seem glamorous, but in reality, it’s based on two types of grunt work: the actual physical effort you and your clients put in at the gym and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a successful personal training business.

Even though you won’t find any mandated professional licensing requirements for personal trainers, you still need to educate yourself about your responsibilities and possible liabilities as a personal trainer before you hit the gym.

Certification

Obtain your training certification from either an accredited university or a nationally recognized program through NCCA . You’ll need to dedicate at least six months to your chosen program of study.

Get Registered

Once certified, you need to register your name with your state government. If you plan on operating as a sole proprietorship, you can obtain an employer identification number or use your social security number. If you plan on hiring employees, it’s mandatory to have an EIN .

Business License

The price of a business license will vary according to the type of business activity. Basic requirements for starting your own personal training business include obtaining a business license. However, some steps will need to be tailored to your specific needs.

If you plan on having your own fitness studio, you are required to adhere to all regulatory laws.

If you have a brick-and-mortar location, you’ll need to research and then apply for the appropriate type of business license . You’ll also need to comply with building permits and health department requirements.

Protect Yourself

Purchase liability coverage. Frequently, the organization that certified you will offer you liability certification at a good price. If you plan on working out of an established gym, they may also offer liability coverage , especially if you are considered an employee. Make sure you review the terms of your contract carefully.

Even if the gym will insure you, it’s a good idea to carry your own liability insurance. If unsure of where to find personal liability coverage, below are a few carriers who offer coverage:

• Allied Healthcare Insurance Group
• Sadler Sports and Recreation Insurance
• Lockton Insurance

First Thing’s First

If you’re looking to get your feet wet before venturing out on your own, your local gym is a great place to start. By working the floor, you have access to plenty of equipment and a potentially large client base. Give yourself the time to become acclimated by offering free advice to anyone who needs assistance while working out.

You should also ask if you can teach group classes while building your client base. Establishing yourself as an authority without expecting anything in return will build a credible reputation. From there, word-of-mouth referrals you get should fill your training calendar relatively quickly.

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Train anyone, anywhere in the world., outside the gym.

Other places you can look for employment opportunities include hospitals , physical therapy offices, spas, and community health centers.

If you choose to work freelance, make sure you have the appropriate coverage.

Personal liability coverage protects you against claims of wrongdoing while a personal trainer plan will protect you if any injuries occur during training sessions. This goes for trainers who offer online training as well — just because you are not at the gym with your client, you can still be held liable if he or she is injured when following your programming.

The Personal Trainer Career Path

Starting your own personal trainer business is a big deal with a long list of things to do. And although it’s not difficult, it does take hard work and determination. And as with most things in life, you’ll have to invest a fair amount of time and money to be successful.

Taking the necessary steps to become certified and to obtain the appropriate business license will put you on the right path towards a rewarding career as a personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do i start a business.

Starting a business begins with conducting a lot of research. Check out this article for more info.

Should personal trainers work in a gym before starting a business?

Not necessarily. However, working in an already established gym may help you gain valuable experience that you can transfer to your own business in the future.

Do I need insurance if I start my own business?

Yes. In order to protect yourself from various legal troubles, you should be insured. 

Grow and manage your business better with our All-In-One Fitness Business Management Software. Request a demo today. 

• https://www.credentialingexcellence.org/ncca
• https://formingyourbusiness.com/our-services/?utm_keyword=ein&utm_term=ein&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI95zBjNCi1gIVEgaGCh0-sApPEAAYASAAEgLAdfD_BwE
• https://www.nationwide.com/small-business-liability-insurance.jsp
• https://www.hiscoxbroker.com/hiscox-pro-solutions/allied-healthcare/
• https://www.sadlersports.com/personaltrainerinsurance/
• https://www.lockton.com/
• https://www.nationwide.com/what-is-personal-liability-insurance.jsp
• https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/personal-trainer-certification/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer.aspx

Learn more about Exercise.com Fitness Business Management Software. Schedule your demo today.

Powerful business plan templates

Plan for the future, no matter what your business plans are or the size of your business with these designs and templates. whether it's just one big project or an entire organization's worth of dreams, these templates will keep you and your company on track from ideation to completion..

Put your ideas to work with simple templates for every business plan

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Choose your Study Program

90,000+ ACE Certified Pros. 96% satisfaction rate.

The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, ACE in Action demonstrations, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and your first practice test.

• ACE Certification Exam Available to take from home

Prepare for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with ease by taking one (1) untimed practice test. The practice test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After the practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. You'll be prepped and exam-ready!

Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.

As a supplement to the The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.

Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. ACE Answers Basic includes:

• Answers to common study questions
• Video demonstrations and lectures
• Exam preparation articles
• Facebook study groups
• ACE Exercise Library
• Tools & calculators
• Career forms

Feel fully prepared for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with two (2) practice tests, including 1 untimed and 1 timed practice test that simulates exam day. Each test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After each practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. You'll have everything you need to feel confident on exam day!

Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic plus:

Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered on a variety of topics by an ACE Study Coach. Plus, listen and learn while fellow participants ask questions during these engaging webinars.

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A supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.

Get the ultimate exam prep for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with four (4) practice tests, including 2 untimed and 2 timed practice tests that simulate exam day. Each test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After each practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. With so much prep and practice at your fingertips, you'll be more than ready for the exam!

Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic and Plus, as well as:

Facilitated Study Groups where you will stimulate critical thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.

• Free Expedited Shipping (USA only)

*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.

What ACE Pros are saying...

"ACE has provided me with the opportunity to forge my own career path. It has led to the lifestyle of my dreams. Not only has it allowed me to help create life-changing results for my clients but also for myself, my family and my community."

-Allen Blunt, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

"ACE has transformed my life. I have found something that is more than a job and am able to help people in ways I could have never imagined. I am extremely proud, successful and happy in what I do."

-Marisol Gramlich, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

"ACE has been, and continues to be the best investment of my life. As a single mom with a full-time job, I was able to raise a family while pursuing my certification and am now able to live my passion for helping others."

-Catherine Morrison, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

What you'll learn

• Evidence-based exercise science
• Role and scope of practice
• A client-centered approach
• Assessments, programming and progressions
• Designing programs with the ACE Integrated Fitness ® Model
• Facilitate behavior change with the ACE Mover Method ™
• Modifications for clients with special considerations
• Professional responsibilities and legal guidelines

Get qualified to coach clients with the most recognized and rewarding certification

90,000+ ACE Certified Pros

Join the largest certifier in health & fitness for over 35 years.

NCCA Accreditation

Stand out to employers with the most trusted credential.

Do what you love, get paid

ACE Personal Trainers earn an average annual income of $67,000

according to Glassdoor.com

In-demand profession

Expected increase in employment of 14% between 2022-2032

U.S. Department of Labor

American Council on Exercise reserves the right to discontinue the sale or support of any product at any time, to remove, correct, or update content based on current industry standards, guidelines, or technological advances. Notification will be given to those who have purchased such products six months prior to expiration. No refund will be given for expiring products.

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Good for 6 months from the purchase date of your study program, our digital exam vouchers allow you to easily register for an exam at no additional cost. To redeem, simply follow the instructions in your My ACE Account. Upon passing the exam, you will earn the most respected personal trainer credential that will set you on a rewarding career path.

Note: You will not receive a voucher in the mail or email. Exam vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Test your readiness to take the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam. Number of tests vary based on your Study Program from one (1) to four (4). Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can efficiently prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.

As a supplement to the The Exercise Professional's Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.

Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. All Study Programs include access to:

Additional ACE Answers study support is available based on the Study Program you choose. See description within the grid for details.

Facilitated Study Groups where you will stimulate critical thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career though peer group discussions, led by an ACE Study Coach.

Enjoy free shipping with the Plus and Advantage Study Programs (only available in the U.S.)

A valuable supplement to your reading, you can learn by listening to your textbook anywhere and anytime.

Personal Trainer Requirements

To be eligible for the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have completed high school (or the equivalent).
• Hold a current CPR/AED certification with a live skills check.
• Present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID).

Questions? Contact us at (888) 825-3636 .

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Education and lifelong learning are invaluable, especially when it directly impacts the well-being of people everywhere— it's the knowledge gained that truly matters most . We understand that many factors come into play when choosing an education and certification partner and want to make sure the focus is ALWAYS on the quality of learning.

ACE is committed to providing unparalleled education and certification programs at an always true & honest value —one that allows you to invest in yourself and your career with the utmost confidence.

Get certified online with Live Remote Proctoring

Take your exam from the comfort of your home! We are pleased to offer you the option to take your ACE Certification Exam through a Live Remote Proctor.

• Exams are proctored through Meazure Learning/Proctor U, the pioneer of live remote proctoring
• Remote proctored exams are available for Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, and Medical Exercise Specialist certifications
• Remote proctored exams are conducted in English only
• Upon completing your exam registration with ACE, you will have 60 days to take your remote proctored exam
• Upon completing your exam registration with ACE, you will receive an email from Meazure Learning with the simple steps to choose your exam date and time
• Anyone with current exam vouchers or exams that have been cancelled may register for a remote exam at no extra cost
• Anyone without an exam voucher may register for a remote exam at our standard exam fee rate
• To register for a remote proctored exam, simply select that option at time of registration
• iPads, Chromebooks and other tablets are NOT accepted testing devices