Are you a personal trainer who is looking to start your own business? If so, there are a few things you need to do in order to get started. It's important to have a business plan, find the right location, promote your business, and more. Here are 12 easy steps to help you start your personal training business.
1. Make a resume
This will be your first step in getting hired by a gym or health club. Your resume should include your experience as a personal trainer, your education and certifications, and any special skills or training you have. You have to get your resume right in order to even be considered for a job. It's also good to have a resume when you start your own business so that people can see what experience and qualifications you have. Additionally, having a resume will make it easier to apply for loans or other forms of financing for your business. If you don't have a resume, you can create one using a template or by hiring a professional resume writer. This is an important step in starting your personal training business. It's best to be prepared when applying for jobs or seeking financing.
2. Get certified
There are many different personal trainer certification programs available. You can choose one that is specific to the type of training you want to do, such as aerobics or yoga. There are also general personal trainer certification programs that will give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to be a successful personal trainer. It's important to get certified because it will show potential employers that you are serious about your career and that you have the necessary skills to do the job. It's also helpful to get certified if you plan on starting your own business. Many gyms and health clubs require their personal trainers to be certified. Additionally, some insurance companies will give you a discount on your liability insurance if you are certified.
3. Get liability insurance
Liability insurance is important for any business, but it's especially important for personal trainers. This type of insurance will protect you financially if a client is injured while working with you. It's important to have this coverage because accidents can happen and you don't want to be held responsible for any medical bills or other costs associated with an injury. You can get liability insurance through a variety of sources, such as your gym, an insurance company, or an online provider. Additionally, some professional organizations, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), offer liability insurance to their members. If you plan on starting your own personal training business, you should get liability insurance to protect yourself and your business. It's best to be prepared for anything that could happen.
4. Find a location
If you're going to start your own personal training business, you'll need to find a location for your business. This can be a challenge if you don't have a lot of money to invest in your business. One option is to rent space in a gym or health club. This can be a great way to get started because you'll have access to all the equipment and facilities you need. Plus, you'll be able to build relationships with the other trainers and staff members. Another option is to rent space in an office building or retail space. This can be less expensive than renting space in a gym, but you'll need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. You'll also want to choose a location that is convenient for your clients.
5. Promote your business
You'll need to find a location. This can be a small space in your home, a rented office or studio, or even a shared space in a gym or health club. It's important to find a location that is convenient for your clients and that has the necessary equipment for your type of training. You'll also need to make sure that your chosen location is zoned for business use. Once you've found a location, you'll need to set up your space with the necessary furniture, equipment, and supplies. Additionally, you'll need to promote your business. This can be done through online directories, social media, word-of-mouth, and other marketing techniques. It's best to have a variety of marketing materials, such as business cards, flyers, and brochures, to give to potential clients.
6. Create a schedule
Personal trainers typically work with their clients on a one-on-one basis. However, you may also offer group training sessions. You'll need to create a schedule that works for you and your clients. When creating your schedule, you'll need to consider the days and times that you're available, as well as the locations where you're willing to train your clients. You should also consider the type of training that you offer, such as aerobics, yoga, or strength training. Once you've created a schedule, you should post it online or give it to potential clients so they can book appointments. Additionally, you should be flexible with your schedule in case a client needs to reschedule an appointment.
7. Train your first client
After you've found a location and created a schedule, you're ready to start training your first client. This is an exciting time, but it's also important to remember that you're starting a business and you need to treat your clients professionally. When meeting with a potential client, you should dress professionally and be prepared to answer any questions they have about your business. You should also be prepared to give them a tour of your facility and explain the services you offer. Once you've signed a contract with a client, you should create a personalized training program for them. This program should be based on their goals, fitness level, and any health concerns they may have. You'll also need to keep track of their progress so you can make changes to their program as needed.
8. Set your prices
You'll need to set your prices for personal training services. When setting your prices, you'll need to consider the type of training you offer, the length of time you train each client, and the number of sessions you offer. You should also consider any specialties you have, such as nutrition counseling or sports-specific training. Additionally, you'll need to decide if you're going to charge by the session or by the month. Once you've decided on your pricing, you should create a price list that you can give to potential clients. You should also be prepared to negotiate with clients who want to purchase a package of sessions. It's important to remember that your prices should be based on the value you provide and not on what you think the market will bear.
9. Hire employees
As your business grows, you may need to hire employees. This can include personal trainers, office staff, and janitorial staff. When hiring employees, you'll need to consider the type of training they're certified to provide, their availability, and their pay rate. You should also check references and conduct background checks. Additionally, you should have a written job description for each position you're hiring for. This job description should include the duties and responsibilities of the position, as well as the qualifications and experience required. Once you've hired employees, you'll need to train them on your policies and procedures. You should also create an employee handbook that outlines your business's policies and procedures.
10. Market your business
There are many ways to market your personal training business. One way is to create a website and post information about your business on it. You should also create social media accounts and post regular updates about your business. Additionally, you can distribute flyers and brochures in your local community. You can also offer free consultations or discounted rates to potential clients. Another way to market your business is to hold events, such as fitness classes or open houses. You can also participate in trade shows or fairs. Additionally, you can offer referral discounts to clients who refer new customers to your business.
11. Build relationships with other businesses
It's important to build relationships with other businesses in the fitness industry. This can include gyms, health clubs, and sporting goods stores. These relationships can help you promote your business and generate new leads. Additionally, you can offer discounts to customers of these businesses. You can also collaborate with these businesses on marketing campaigns and events. If you have a good relationship with other businesses in the fitness industry, they may be willing to refer their customers to you. It's also important to build relationships with health care providers, such as physicians and nutritionists. These relationships can help you get referrals from these professionals.
12. Evaluate your business
You should regularly evaluate your personal training business to ensure it's running smoothly. This can include assessing your financial situation, reviewing your marketing strategy, and evaluating your customer satisfaction levels. Additionally, you should constantly be looking for ways to improve your business. This can include adding new services, expanding your facility, or hiring new employees. By regularly evaluating your business, you can make sure that it's always moving forward and growing. Additionally, you should always be on the lookout for new opportunities to expand your business.
Start Your Personal Training Business in 12 Easy Steps
By following these 12 easy steps, you can start your own personal training business. However, it's important to remember that starting a business requires hard work and dedication. Additionally, you should always be on the lookout for new opportunities to grow your business. By regularly evaluating your business and constantly seeking ways to improve it, you can ensure that your business is always moving forward.
