If you’re passionate about fitness and crave the freedom of running your own business, becoming a personal trainer could be the perfect career move. It’s a journey that blends helping people achieve their health goals with the excitement of being your own boss. But while you might be confident about the fitness side, running a personal training business comes with its own set of challenges. That’s where we come in—to guide you through every step of the process, starting with why personal training could be the best decision you ever make.
Why become a personal trainer?
There are many great things about becoming a personal trainer, which is part of the reason it’s such an attractive career. For example:
Flexible hours
One of the biggest perks of personal training is the flexibility. You’re not tied to a traditional 9-to-5, so you can schedule your work around your life. Many personal trainers work split shifts, with early morning and evening sessions to fit their clients’ schedules, giving you free time in the middle of the day.
Satisfaction
Helping clients achieve their health goals can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first workout or supporting a major lifestyle transformation, you’ll have a front-row seat to their successes.
Low overheads
Much of your admin can be done from home, and if you partner with a gym, you won’t need to invest in expensive equipment. This keeps your operating costs relatively low.
Versatility
From one-on-one sessions to corporate training, fitness classes, or even offering services on a cruise ship, there are endless ways to structure your business.
Challenges to Consider
Where there are positives, there will be challenges. We have listed some potential challenges in becoming a personal trainer:
Challenging clients
Not all clients will be easy to work with. Some may lack motivation, cancel sessions last minute, or expect quick results without putting in the effort.
Slow start
It can take time to build a loyal client base. You’ll need patience and persistence to grow your reputation and network.
Continuous learning
The fitness industry evolves rapidly. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and research is crucial to providing top-tier service.
Unsociable hours
Although your schedule is flexible, you’ll often work early mornings, evenings, and weekends to fit clients’ needs. This can leave little time for social activities.
What type of personal training will you offer?
Personal training is a diverse field, and choosing the right focus will shape your business. Here are some options:
Fitness instruction
Teaching group classes in gyms or community centres can provide a steady income. Whether it’s yoga, strength training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), fitness instruction is always in demand.
One-on-One training
This classic model allows you to tailor programs specifically for individual clients, building deeper relationships and offering personalized guidance.
Corporate wellness programs
Partnering with businesses to offer fitness services as an employee perk can open up a steady stream of work in office environments.
Hotel and spa training
Some trainers work with high-end hotels and spas, either as employees or independent contractors, offering premium services to their guests.
Deciding on your business structure
Now that you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to decide how you’ll operate.
Going solo
Starting your own business from scratch gives you full control over every aspect, from branding to operations. You’ll need to handle all the admin, including registering as a sole trader or limited company and securing insurance.
Franchise model
If you prefer a ready-made structure, franchising could be a good option. Many fitness franchises provide marketing materials, client leads, and business support. However, this comes with upfront fees and ongoing costs, and you’ll have less flexibility in decision-making.
Research your market
Before you dive in, doing thorough market research is essential.
Understand your demographic
Are you targeting busy professionals, new parents, or retirees? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your services.
Assess spending habits
Research how much your target market is willing to spend on personal training to ensure your pricing is competitive yet profitable.
Plan for seasonal fluctuations
Fitness demand can vary throughout the year, so it’s wise to set up a savings buffer to navigate slower periods.
Analyse the competition
Look at what other trainers in your area are offering. Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify gaps in the market that you can fill.
Looking at your finances
Funding
Starting a personal training business requires investment. Whether it’s purchasing equipment, renting space, or paying for insurance, funding is essential. You’ll likely spend on:
- Equipment: dumbbells, kettlebells, balance trainers, boxing gear, and more.
- Flooring: If you’re training clients at home, proper flooring is a must.
- Clothing and branding: Uniforms, business cards, and marketing materials.
Beyond tangible items, there are operational costs:
- Insurance
- Room rental fees
- Training & certification
- Web hosting & advertising
If self-funding isn’t feasible, consider:
- Start-up loans: Banks and government schemes offer low-interest loans for new businesses.
- Government grants: Local councils may provide grants tailored to your industry.
- Angel investors: Investors who fund businesses in exchange for equity.
- Peer-to-peer lending: Borrow from individuals or businesses passionate about your idea.
Budgeting
Managing finances is crucial. In personal training, income can vary, so understanding your cash flow and sticking to a budget will help you stay afloat. Don’t overlook regular expenses like:
- National Insurance and personal tax
- Pension contributions
- Software licenses and loan repayments
To maintain financial health:
- Cut unnecessary costs: Regularly review expenses and seek cheaper alternatives where possible.
- Review your budget frequently: Adjust your budget every 3-6 months to align with business changes.
- Save for annual costs: Set aside money for yearly expenses like taxes or insurance.
- Automate payments: Encourage regular clients to pay via direct debit for predictable cash flow.
Brixx’s financial planning tool makes budgeting easy. Simply input your costs and expected income to generate cash flow forecasts, ensuring you’re financially prepared from day one.
Become a marketing expert
Marketing is vital for growth. Here’s what to focus on for your new business:
Branding
Your brand should reflect your values and expertise. A strong brand identity, including a memorable name, logo, and visual style, helps you stand out.
Advertising
Effective advertising channels include:
- Business cards and flyers: Share them in local businesses and gyms.
- Networking: Join local business groups to spread the word.
- Social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for showcasing your expertise.
- Website: A professional site builds credibility and helps clients find you online.
- Free sessions: Offer taster sessions or referral rewards to attract new clients.
Regulations and insurance
Business registration
Register your business with Companies House or HMRC. Choose between sole trader or limited company status depending on your needs.
Insurance
Essential insurance types include:
- Public Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party injury or property damage claims.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers claims of professional negligence.
- Employers’ Liability Insurance: Mandatory if you hire staff.
If you work in gyms or health clubs, check their insurance requirements.
Conclusion
At Brixx, we help entrepreneurs like you build thriving businesses. Our financial forecasting tool for startups gives you a clear picture of your business’s future, enabling smarter decisions from day one. Whether you’re planning your budget, evaluating growth opportunities, or preparing for expansion, Brixx can help you confidently take the next step in your personal training journey. Get started for free today!
