How to start a personal training business

For someone thinking of entering the competitive profession of personal training, here’s the skill set that many think is optimal for success:

Personal trainer certification
Outgoing and engaging personality
Knowledge of trends in fitness, health, and nutrition
Solid sales, social, and management skills
Ability to set client expectations and deliver results

We’ve previously shared insights about starting a fitness business in a physical location. Operating as a certified personal trainer is an equally demanding venture requiring significant investments of your time and business smarts. Your path as a fitness trainer may be closer to that of a road warrior who works from just about anywhere.

Fortunately, Clover has you covered with portable devices like Flex and Go for mobile payments. Designed for small business owners, What’s more, Clover Virtual Terminal gives you the flexibility and convenience of processing payments wherever you happen to be. Just log into your Clover Web Dashboard from a smartphone, tablet, or computer and you’re ready for business–anytime, anywhere. Our flexible POS solutions can also help you manage customer relationships, billing, all types of payments, subscriptions, an engaging loyalty program, gift cards, and more.

As you plan to launch a personal training business, here’s a handy list of four crucial considerations for starting a personal training business.

1. Who is your client?

Is your intention to work with dedicated, athletic individuals, or will you focus on clients who need to jumpstart their fitness routines? How will you address their differences in knowledge, goals, and availability?

You don’t have to know everything about your target client, but you should research competitors and local demographics when building your business plan. It’s essential to identify a need that’s not being met and develop a strategy for fulfilling that need. When you approach the business with a client-first attitude, it will help you find less resistance to launching your venture. Remember, too, that Clover Customer Engagement can help you capture important customer information and preferences, so you’ll always have information that’s relevant to your clients at the ready.

2. Where (and how) will your personal training business operate?

In the current market, you have more location options than ever before. You can train clients at a gym, in your home, at the client’s home or business, or deliver your services online as a virtual trainer. Virtual training can be individual, group, or result-oriented and take place live, recorded, or as a hybrid. Pinpoint what makes the most sense for you. Keep in mind that sometimes two revenue streams can be a benefit to your new personal training business.

As the owner of a small business (and a startup), you’re probably short on time and loaded with responsibilities. Streamline your client loyalty programs with Clover’s flexible, all-in-one POS solutions. A Clover POS lets you set up a subscription program to help build ongoing relationships and create client loyalty and satisfaction.

3. How will you promote your business?

If you’re flying solo and not working with a gym or fitness center to find clients, you may find it challenging to promote your business. The internet is flooded with influencers purporting to be fitness trainers–some claiming results you know are impossible for everyone to achieve.

To separate yourself from the herd of wannabee fitness trainers, start locally and think about individuals, not the masses. You could promote a trial boot camp through community recreation or an online neighborhood group. Or, work with a local nutrition/supplement shop to cross-promote your services. Farmers markets feature an audience already tuned in to healthy eating, which might help you attract more clients via a QR code, booth, or even a fitness training demo. And, remember, word-of-mouth marketing is powerful–especially in a local market.

In addition to these grassroots efforts, personal trainers need a digital presence. Whether posting daily nutrition or fitness tips, your business can thrive when you put yourself out there and build a receptive and motivated audience. Consider offering digital coupons for first-time clients and loyalty rewards for customer referrals that grow your business. Clover streamlines the process with powerful tools for customer relationship management.

READ: Low cost marketing ideas for small businesses

4. What are the upfront costs of a personal training business?

Personal training certificate

Your first major expense is obtaining certification as a personal trainer from one of the leading organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF). These courses generally run hundreds of dollars and, for a price, can expand to include nutritional certification as well. Do your research, talk to other trainers, and choose the one that makes the most sense for your objectives. Remember, you’ll need to renew your certification every few years.

Business registration and licenses

Before you open shop, be sure to check your state’s requirements for how to register your business. Those are usually found on the Secretary of State’s website. Before you can register, you’ll likely need to determine your legal structure (for instance, LLC vs S-Corp) and have a unique business name ready to go before file your document.

And, because most cities (and some municipalities) require that you obtain a local business license to operate legally in that city, check in with your local government to see what, if any, business licenses or permits your business needs.

Equipment and supplies

Equipment and supplies for client training are also a must-have. If your service is fully mobile, consider investing in a vehicle dedicated to transporting fitness training equipment for cardio, weights, and strength training. Balance balls, resistance bands, towels, recovery tools, and first aid supplies will add to your expenses. Even if you’ve contracted with a local gym to provide personal training services, you may need private equipment and supplies to ensure your clients are prioritized and receive the specific services they have contracted with you. This opening day checklist can also offer you insights about the essential equipment you may need

An all-in-one POS solution

Another critical investment is selecting tools to manage and operate your business. You’ll likely want a mobile-friendly website for promotion and online ads to attract visitors. Select technology that enables clients to make and manage their reservations, contact you with questions, and set up recurring payments. Since Clover already works with gym and fitness center owners, we understand the importance of simple, cost-effective POS solutions for your business.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the health care cost of inadequate physical activity is $117 billion annually.
U.S Centers for disease control and prevention

Improving lives

Starting a personal training business can help to address health and fitness issues and improve people’s lives. When you combine solid business planning with Clover’s powerful tools, your business–and your clients–can thrive. Learn more about how our POS solutions for personal services can support gyms, fitness centers, and personal trainers like you.

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Topics: Insights, Personal services, Start a small business

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