Starting a personal training business can be exciting if you love fitness and are qualified to train people. However, before diving in, you want to understand the financial landscape.
Fitness is a competitive industry, especially now that there are over 90,000 gyms in the US alone. You still can (and should) start your own, but how much does it cost to start a personal training business?
The short answer is that the cost ranges between $1000 to $10,000, depending on several factors according to exercise.com. This article will go through all the necessary and optional cost of starting and running a personal training business.
1. Initial Certification And Training
Of course, you must become a qualified personal trainer to set up a business.
You want a personal training certification from a reputable organization, which typically costs between $500 and $1000, depending on the provider and study materials included.
You can also consider specialized certifications in areas like nutrition, strength training, or specific fitness methods. These additional certifications can range from $200 to $1000 each.
In addition, ongoing education is key in the fitness industry, so you can budget for annual recertification fees and additional courses, which can cost around $50 to $200. You can also add the essential CPR/AED certification, which usually costs between $50 to $150.
You want a personal training certification from a reputable organization, which typically costs between $500 and $1000, depending on the provider and study materials included.
You can also consider specialized certifications in areas like nutrition, strength training, or specific fitness methods. These additional certifications can range from $200 to $1000 each.
In addition, ongoing education is key in the fitness industry, so you can budget for annual recertification fees and additional courses, which can cost around $50 to $200. You can also add the essential CPR/AED certification, which usually costs between $50 to $150.
2. Business Registration And Legal Fees
When starting your own personal training business, you want to consider the regulatory landscape first thing.
- You'll start with business registration, regardless of your business structure (whether you're operating online or in-person). The initial costs involve obtaining a business license to legitimize your operation, costing between $50 and $550 annually, depending on your locality. You'll also need to open a business bank account to keep your finances separate - it's often free, but you may need a minimum operating balance.
- If you decide to incorporate your business, forming an LLC or corporation can cost around $100, depending on your state. If you choose to operate under a name different from your legal name, you'll need to register a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name, typically costing between $10 and $100.
- When opening a physical location, zoning and land use permits come into play and can cost between $100 and $2,000, depending on the locality. Some areas also require health and safety inspections, which might be free or cost between $50 and $250.
- The next thing to consider is insurance. General liability insurance and professional liability covers can cost between $300 and $1,000 annually. You'll also need business property insurance to cover damage to or loss of business equipment. This can cost between $500 and $2,500 annually, depending on the value of your equipment and your location.
- It's wise to consult with a lawyer to review your contracts and ensure you're fully compliant with all regulations. While this might add $200 to $500 to your startup costs, it's an investment that can save you significantly in the long run.
3. Fitness Equipment And Tools
Your equipment needs will vary based on your training style and whether you're focusing on in-person or online sessions.
A basic setup for both scenarios might include resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, yoga mats, and a few kettlebells, totaling around $500.
For a more comprehensive home gym or studio, add a weight bench, barbell set, and suspension trainer, which could push your costs to $2,000 or more.
If you're planning a full-fledged studio with cardio equipment and weight machines, be prepared to invest $5,000 or more.
A basic setup for both scenarios might include resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, yoga mats, and a few kettlebells, totaling around $500.
For a more comprehensive home gym or studio, add a weight bench, barbell set, and suspension trainer, which could push your costs to $2,000 or more.
If you're planning a full-fledged studio with cardio equipment and weight machines, be prepared to invest $5,000 or more.
4. Software And Technology
For an online personal trainer business, you'll need online training software. Platforms like PT Distinction offer plans ranging from $19 to $89 per month, while you can get Trainerize for free up to $250 per month.
You should also get personal training software as an in-person trainer to manage clients, create workout plans, and track progress. You can also factor in accounting software ($20 to $50 monthly).
For online trainers, invest in a high-quality webcam, microphone, and lighting setup, which can cost $150 to $550 combined.
You should also get personal training software as an in-person trainer to manage clients, create workout plans, and track progress. You can also factor in accounting software ($20 to $50 monthly).
For online trainers, invest in a high-quality webcam, microphone, and lighting setup, which can cost $150 to $550 combined.
5. Location Costs
Your choice of training location significantly impacts your startup and ongoing costs. If you're a mobile trainer visiting clients or working outdoors, you might incur minimal direct location costs but factor in transportation expenses.
Renting space in an established gym offers a middle ground, typically costing $100 to $500 monthly.
If you want to start your own personal training studio, be prepared for monthly lease costs of $500 to $2,000 or more, plus utilities and maintenance. Online personal trainers can save here, needing only a professional-looking space at home for virtual sessions.
Renting space in an established gym offers a middle ground, typically costing $100 to $500 monthly.
If you want to start your own personal training studio, be prepared for monthly lease costs of $500 to $2,000 or more, plus utilities and maintenance. Online personal trainers can save here, needing only a professional-looking space at home for virtual sessions.
6. Branding And Marketing
Building your brand and effectively marketing your services is crucial for a successful personal training business - you want to attract and retain high-paying fitness clients.
So, start with a professional logo design, which can cost as low as $20 to $1000 if you go all out.
Then, you can start building your website - it is often a potential client's first impression. For starters, a website domain will cost around $10 to $20 per year, while website hosting costs $10 to $50 monthly to keep your business running smoothly.
While DIY builders offer affordable options, you can invest in a professionally managed website with My Personal Trainer Website for as low as $49 per month (on top of set costs totaling around $500). With this, you get a beautiful website, written fitness website page content, and integrated booking, payment, and client management software to manage your business in one place.
In addition, allocate funds for business cards, promotional materials, and targeted social media advertising, with costs for each running between $100 and $500 per month.
So, start with a professional logo design, which can cost as low as $20 to $1000 if you go all out.
Then, you can start building your website - it is often a potential client's first impression. For starters, a website domain will cost around $10 to $20 per year, while website hosting costs $10 to $50 monthly to keep your business running smoothly.
While DIY builders offer affordable options, you can invest in a professionally managed website with My Personal Trainer Website for as low as $49 per month (on top of set costs totaling around $500). With this, you get a beautiful website, written fitness website page content, and integrated booking, payment, and client management software to manage your business in one place.
In addition, allocate funds for business cards, promotional materials, and targeted social media advertising, with costs for each running between $100 and $500 per month.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses
Several smaller expenses can catch a new fitness business owner off guard.
For example, professional attire or branded uniforms, essential for making a good impression, can cost $5 to $50 per item. In addition, basic office supplies for record-keeping and client communications might cost between $50 to $200.
You may also need professional memberships in fitness organizations like the Health & Fitness Organization that offer networking and learning opportunities for $20 to $200 annually.
While these costs might seem minor compared to other categories, they're important for running professional personal training businesses.
For example, professional attire or branded uniforms, essential for making a good impression, can cost $5 to $50 per item. In addition, basic office supplies for record-keeping and client communications might cost between $50 to $200.
You may also need professional memberships in fitness organizations like the Health & Fitness Organization that offer networking and learning opportunities for $20 to $200 annually.
While these costs might seem minor compared to other categories, they're important for running professional personal training businesses.
Budgeting Tips
With the costs we have covered so far, you must have started wondering if personal training services will give you the desired profits. The short answer is yes - but you need some budgeting tips.
- Start by drafting a detailed fitness business plan outlining your anticipated expenses and projected income. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising quality.
- For PT practicum, look for bundle deals that include multiple specializations or offer discounts for early registration.
- For equipment, buy versatile, multi-purpose items first that can cover a wide range of exercises without breaking the bank. As your business grows, reinvest your profits into expanding your equipment collection.
- Manage software costs with free trials before committing. Or, start with basic packages and upgrade when necessary.
- Use social media platforms like Twitter (Now X) and TikTok for marketing, collaborate for cross-promotions, and incentivize client referrals.
- For a steady cash flow, offer package deals or monthly memberships and set aside 20-30% for taxes and unexpected expenses.
- Invest in your skills to enhance your expertise and justify higher rates.
How To Set Your Rates
This is crucial when starting an in-person or online personal training business.
To start, calculate your monthly expenses, including all business costs and setting aside money for taxes. Consider how many hours you want to work each week, and factor in time for administrative tasks and continued education. Then, research competitor pricing in your area, but don't undervalue your unique skills and offerings.
A general formula to consider is: (Monthly Expenses + Desired Profit) / (Working Hours per Month) = Hourly Rate.
This gives you a baseline but be prepared to adjust based on your target market and the perceived value of your services.
To start, calculate your monthly expenses, including all business costs and setting aside money for taxes. Consider how many hours you want to work each week, and factor in time for administrative tasks and continued education. Then, research competitor pricing in your area, but don't undervalue your unique skills and offerings.
A general formula to consider is: (Monthly Expenses + Desired Profit) / (Working Hours per Month) = Hourly Rate.
This gives you a baseline but be prepared to adjust based on your target market and the perceived value of your services.
Final Thoughts
Starting a personal training business typically costs between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on your business model and location.
We know the numbers seem high, but you can start small and scale up over time. Start with the essentials, provide exceptional service to build a loyal client base, and reinvest in your business as it grows.
We know the numbers seem high, but you can start small and scale up over time. Start with the essentials, provide exceptional service to build a loyal client base, and reinvest in your business as it grows.
