personal trainer business plan uk

Crafting Your Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Personal Trainer Business Plan in the UK

In the increasingly competitive world of health and fitness, setting up a successful personal training business is no small feat. This isn’t just about having exceptional training skills or an unrivalled understanding of human physiology. At the core of every successful fitness enterprise lies a robust, well-thought-out business plan.

A business plan serves as the backbone of your enterprise, guiding your journey as you start and grow your personal training business. It’s not just a document but a strategic map outlining the details of your business, from the services you’ll offer to the marketing strategies you’ll employ, and the financial projections that forecast your growth.

Given the dynamic and competitive nature of the fitness industry in the UK, having a strong personal trainer business plan is crucial. It’s the blueprint that sets the stage for your success, helping you understand your competition, recognise your strengths, and identify opportunities for growth.

Writing a personal trainer business plan isn’t just about securing financing or attracting investors, although these are significant benefits. More importantly, it’s about building a firm foundation for your business, providing a clear roadmap for your enterprise’s journey, and preparing for potential challenges along the way.

Whether you’re a newly qualified trainer or an experienced fitness expert looking to branch out on your own, having a well-crafted business plan will give you the clarity and confidence needed to navigate the UK fitness industry successfully. This article will guide you through the process of creating a personal trainer business plan tailored to your unique aspirations and the specific demands of the UK market.

In the following sections, we will delve into the elements of a business plan, discussing each component in detail and offering practical tips for each. We’ll discuss everything from defining your mission statement to conducting a  SWOT analysis  and planning your finances. So, let’s embark on this journey together, one step at a time, to create a robust plan that will set your personal training business up for long-term success.

Article Contents

Why do i need a personal training business plan.

A personal training business plan is more than just a document; it is the backbone of your venture that paves the way for your success. A comprehensive business plan serves as a blueprint for your enterprise and provides a tangible structure for your business’s core elements. Here’s why it holds immense value and plays a vital role in your personal training business success.

Guiding Your Vision and Strategy : Your business plan outlines your business’s purpose and the strategy you will employ to achieve it. It encompasses everything from your mission statement to your unique value proposition and marketing plans. This comprehensive layout allows you to maintain strategic focus and ensure all business operations align with your overall vision.

Financial Planning : Every successful personal training business needs a solid financial framework. Your business plan should include your start-up costs, operating expenses, revenue streams, and financial projections. It provides an overview of your financial health, making it easier to manage cash flow, ensure profitability, and attract investors if needed.

Understanding the Market and Competition : A robust business plan involves an in-depth analysis of your target market and the competitive landscape. Understanding these factors allows you to position yourself uniquely in the market, identify opportunities for growth, and devise strategies to stand out from the competition.

Risk Management : The fitness industry, like any other, is not without its risks. A business plan helps you identify potential risks and prepare contingency plans. This foresight equips you to navigate potential challenges more effectively.

Setting Goals and Tracking Progress : Your business plan provides a roadmap of where you want to go and how you plan to get there. It includes specific goals and milestones that you aim to achieve. These serve as benchmarks that enable you to track your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.

Attracting Investors and Securing Financing : If you seek outside funding, a business plan is indispensable. Investors and financial institutions require a comprehensive business plan to understand your business model, strategies, and financial projections. A robust plan demonstrates your venture’s viability and potential for profitability, increasing your chances of securing the needed funds.

In essence, the planning process forces you to scrutinize your business idea, assess its feasibility, and devise strategies for various aspects of your venture. This meticulous planning significantly increases your chances of success and equips you to navigate the dynamic UK fitness industry with confidence and clarity. Hence, a well-constructed personal training business plan is not just a good-to-have; it’s a must-have for aspiring personal trainers aiming for long-term success.

Writing Your Personal Trainer Business Plan Step-by-Step

Creating a comprehensive personal training business plan can seem daunting, but it needn’t be. The key lies in breaking it down into manageable sections. Let’s start with a fundamental part of your business plan – your mission statement.

Mission Statement

A mission statement is a brief, powerful declaration that outlines the purpose of your business. It communicates what you do, who you do it for, and how you bring unique value to your customers. Essentially, it is the guiding light of your personal training business, reminding you of your purpose, keeping you focused, and inspiring both you and your clients.

Creating an effective mission statement requires reflection on your core beliefs, values, and aspirations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a compelling mission statement:

• Define Your Purpose : Why are you starting a personal training business? What do you hope to achieve? What gap in the market are you addressing? Answering these questions will help you understand your business’s purpose.
• Identify Your Clients : Who are you serving? Are they busy professionals, athletes, or individuals seeking to improve their health and fitness? Understanding your target demographic will help shape your mission statement.
• Establish Your Value Proposition : How are you different from other personal trainers? Do you have specialized qualifications, unique training methods, or a particular philosophy that sets you apart? This is your unique value proposition.
• Keep It Clear and Concise : A mission statement should be straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid jargon and aim to keep it under two sentences.
• Make It Inspiring : Your mission statement should inspire and motivate you, your team, and your clients. It should convey passion and commitment.

An example of a personal trainer mission statement could be: “At [Your Business Name], we empower busy professionals in the UK to embrace a healthier lifestyle through tailored, scientifically-backed training programs that fit into their hectic schedules.”

Remember, your mission statement is a reflection of your values and aspirations as a personal trainer. It’s not just a section of your business plan; it’s a declaration of your commitment to your clients and the driving force behind your business’s decisions and strategies.

Qualifications

In the field of personal training, your qualifications play a significant role in establishing your credibility and attracting clients. They not only demonstrate your knowledge and expertise but also reflect your commitment to professional growth and adherence to industry standards. Therefore, including your qualifications in your business plan is crucial to showcasing your preparedness to deliver quality service.

1. Why Qualifications Matter: Clients seek trainers who are knowledgeable, skilled, and capable of helping them reach their fitness goals safely and effectively. Your qualifications provide assurance that you’ve received the required training to guide them in their fitness journey. They distinguish you from unqualified fitness enthusiasts and reassure clients that they are entrusting their health and well-being to a competent professional.

2. Specific Qualifications: In the UK, certain qualifications are particularly recognized and respected in the fitness industry. These include the L2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, the L3 Certificate in Personal Training, and the L3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training.

• L2 Certificate in Gym Instructing : This foundational qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to instruct gym-based exercise effectively. It’s an essential stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications.
• L3 Certificate in Personal Training : This qualification takes your skills to the next level, enabling you to provide one-on-one training, fitness assessment, nutritional advice, and progressive programming.
• L3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training : This comprehensive qualification combines the L2 and L3 certificates, providing a broad base of knowledge and skills applicable to various fitness settings.

3. Showcasing Your Qualifications: When including your qualifications in your business plan, it’s important to highlight not just the certificates you’ve earned but also the skills and competencies they’ve equipped you with. Also, consider how these qualifications enable you to deliver unique value to your clients. For example, having an L3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training allows you to provide a wide range of services and cater to diverse client needs.

In conclusion, your qualifications are a testament to your professional competency and dedication to your client’s fitness goals. By including them in your business plan, you enhance your credibility, bolster your value proposition, and establish a strong foundation for your personal training business.

Target Market Identification

Identifying your target market is a crucial step in crafting your personal training business plan. It involves determining who your potential clients are and understanding their needs, preferences, and behaviours. A clear understanding of your target market allows you to tailor your services, marketing strategies, and overall business approach to meet your client’s specific needs.

Why Identifying Your Target Market Matters

Understanding your target market has numerous benefits:

• Focused Marketing : Once you know who your target market is, you can tailor your marketing messages to appeal to them directly, making your marketing efforts more effective.
• Product Development : Understanding the needs and preferences of your target market can inform your service offering, helping you design workouts, programs, and packages that your clients will find valuable.
• Customer Satisfaction : By understanding and meeting your client’s specific needs, you can increase customer satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and more referrals.
• Profitability : Focusing your efforts on a specific target market can be more profitable than trying to appeal to everyone, as it can reduce wasted resources and increase the chances of attracting clients willing to pay for your services.

How to Identify Your Target Market

Identifying your target market involves understanding the demographic, psychographic, and behavioural characteristics of your potential clients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Analyze Your Services : Look at the services you offer or plan to offer. Who will benefit from these services the most? Are they suitable for beginners, advanced athletes, or a specific age group? Your services can give you clues about who your target market should be.
• Research : Conduct market research to gather data about potential clients. You can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups, and also study industry reports and competitor strategies.
• Segmentation : Break down the larger market into segments based on variables like age, gender, income level, fitness goals, occupation, and lifestyle. Consider which segments are most likely to be interested in your services.
• Targeting : Choose the segments that best align with your business goals and where you can provide the most value.
• Create Client Personas : Develop detailed profiles of your ideal clients, including their demographic details, fitness goals, challenges, and preferences. These personas will help guide your marketing and service development efforts.

In summary, identifying your target market is about understanding who your clients are and what they need. This understanding forms the basis of your business strategy, enabling you to create value for your clients and build a successful personal training business.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps you understand your business’s internal and external factors that could affect its success. The acronym SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Here’s a closer look at each component:

• Strengths : These are internal factors that give your business an advantage over others. This could include your qualifications, unique training methods, exceptional customer service, or a prime location for your gym.
• Weaknesses : These are internal factors that could put you at a disadvantage compared to competitors. This might be a lack of experience, limited financial resources, or a small client base.
• Opportunities : These are external factors in your environment that your business could use to its advantage. This could include an increasing awareness of health and fitness, a rise in corporate wellness programs, or a gap in the market for specialised training services.
• Threats : These are external factors that could pose challenges to your business. This might include competition from other personal trainers, changes in regulatory policies, or economic downturns.

Why is a SWOT Analysis Important?

A SWOT analysis offers several benefits:

• Understanding Your Business : It provides a structured way to understand your business’s internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats.
• Informing Strategy : The insights gained from a SWOT analysis can inform your overall business strategy. For example, you can leverage your strengths to take advantage of opportunities and take steps to address your weaknesses and mitigate threats.
• Supporting Decision-Making : Whether you’re considering a new service offering, looking for ways to differentiate yourself from competitors, or trying to identify areas for improvement, a SWOT analysis can support informed decision-making.
• Planning for the Future : By identifying opportunities and threats in your environment, you can plan proactively for the future and ensure your business is ready to adapt to changes.

In your personal training business plan, a SWOT analysis is a critical component that provides a clear snapshot of where your business currently stands and helps map out a strategy for future growth and success. It’s a practical tool that helps you understand your business better, make informed decisions, and plan strategically for your business’s future.

Offerings and Revenue Streams

In a personal training business, diversifying your offerings and identifying multiple revenue streams is crucial for sustainability and growth. Not only does this approach enhance your earning potential , but it also mitigates risks associated with reliance on a single income source. Here’s how you can identify and plan for multiple revenue streams in your personal training business:

Identifying Revenue Streams

• Personal Training Sessions : This is the most obvious income source where you provide one-on-one training sessions to clients.
• Group Training Sessions : Conducting group fitness classes allows you to serve more clients simultaneously, increasing your hourly income.
• Online Training : With the rise of digital technology, offering online training sessions or video-based workout programs can cater to clients who prefer to work out at home or have scheduling constraints.
• Nutritional Consulting : If you have the required knowledge or qualifications, you can offer nutritional advice or meal planning services in addition to training sessions.
• Fitness Products : Selling fitness-related products, such as workout gear, supplements, or branded merchandise, can serve as an additional income source.
• Workshops and Seminars : Hosting educational workshops or seminars on fitness-related topics can generate income and also position you as an expert in your field.

Planning for Multiple Revenue Streams

• Align with Your Skills and Interests : Choose revenue streams that align with your qualifications, skills, and interests. For instance, if you’re passionate about nutrition, offering nutritional consulting could be a viable and fulfilling income source.
• Understand Your Client’s Needs : The services you offer should meet your clients’ needs. Conduct market research or get direct feedback from your clients to understand what additional services or products they might be interested in.
• Feasibility and Profitability : Consider the feasibility of each potential revenue stream. Do you have the necessary resources and capacity to offer it? Can it generate a reasonable profit margin?
• Test and Iterate : You may not get your offerings right the first time, and that’s okay. It’s essential to be open to feedback, willing to make adjustments, and flexible enough to try different things until you find what works best.

By diversifying your income sources, you not only boost your earning potential but also create a more resilient business model that can withstand market fluctuations and changes in client preferences. It’s about finding the right mix of services and products that resonate with your clients, align with your skills and interests, and contribute positively to your bottom line.

Marketing Strategies

Effective marketing is key to the success of your personal training business. It helps you attract new clients, retain existing ones, and build a strong brand reputation. Here are some tips for creating effective marketing strategies, including the strategic use of social media:

• Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes you different from other personal trainers? This could be your unique training approach, specialised skills, impressive results, or excellent customer service. Defining your USP helps you stand out from the crowd and gives prospective clients a compelling reason to choose you over competitors.
• Develop a Strong Brand: Your brand is more than just your logo or tagline; it’s what people think and feel when they hear your name. It’s about the promise you make to your clients and how consistently you deliver on that promise. A strong brand builds trust, creates a positive image, and fosters customer loyalty.
• Use Social Media Effectively: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are powerful marketing tools for personal trainers. They allow you to reach a large audience, engage with prospective clients, and showcase your skills and success stories. Post regularly, engage with your followers, and make sure your content is relevant and valuable to your target audience.
• Leverage Content Marketing: Create and share valuable content such as blog posts, workout videos, nutrition tips, and success stories. This not only attracts and engages your audience but also positions you as an expert in your field.
• Offer Referral Incentives: Encourage your clients to refer their friends and family by offering incentives such as a free session or discount. This is a cost-effective way to attract new clients, as people are more likely to trust recommendations from someone they know.
• Utilise Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from your clients and website visitors, and send regular newsletters with useful content, updates, and special offers. Make sure your emails provide value to keep your subscribers engaged and less likely to unsubscribe.
• Network: Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with other fitness professionals. Networking can lead to referrals, partnerships, and valuable learning opportunities.
• Track Your Results: Use tools like Google Analytics and social media analytics to track the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. This data can provide insights into what’s working, what’s not, and where you can improve.

In summary, effective marketing requires a mix of strategies tailored to your target audience’s preferences and behaviours. It’s about building a strong brand, engaging with your audience, providing value, and continuously tracking and improving your efforts. With the right marketing strategies in place, you can attract more clients and build a successful personal training business.

Financial Plan and Projections

The financial plan is a critical component of your personal training business plan. It provides a snapshot of your current financial situation, sets financial goals, and outlines how you plan to achieve those goals. The financial plan includes key financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Let’s explore each of these and understand their importance:

1. Income Statement: Also known as a profit and loss statement, it summarises your revenues, costs, and expenses over a specific period. It shows whether your business is profitable or not. The main components are:

• Revenues : The money you earn from your business activities.
• Costs : The money you spend to provide your services, such as equipment costs or rent.
• Expenses : The operational costs of running your business, such as marketing or administrative expenses.
• Net Income : The final figure after deducting costs and expenses from your revenues. If it’s positive, you’re making a profit; if it’s negative, you’re running at a loss.

2. Balance Sheet: This statement gives you a snapshot of your business’s financial position at a specific point in time. It lists your assets (what you own), liabilities (what you owe), and equity (your net worth in the business). The balance sheet is crucial for understanding the financial health of your business.

3. Cash Flow Statement: This statement shows how much cash is coming into and going out of your business over a certain period. It’s divided into three categories: cash flow from operating activities (day-to-day business operations), investing activities (purchase or sale of assets), and financing activities (loans or equity investments). It helps you understand your business’s liquidity and whether you have enough cash to cover expenses.

Why Include These in Your Business Plan?

Including these financial statements in your business plan is important for several reasons:

• Planning and Forecasting : They help you plan for future expenses, forecast revenue, and set financial goals.
• Investor Attraction : If you’re seeking external funding, potential investors will want to see these statements to understand your business’s financial health and potential profitability.
• Performance Tracking : Regularly updating these statements allows you to track your financial performance and make necessary adjustments.
• Risk Management : By showing you where your money is coming from and where it’s going, these statements can help you identify financial risks and take steps to mitigate them.

In conclusion, your financial plan is a crucial tool for planning, monitoring, and improving your business’s financial performance. It helps you make informed decisions, attract investors, manage risks, and ultimately build a profitable personal training business.

Risk Assessment

Understanding and planning for potential business risks is crucial for the success of your personal training business. Risks can come from various sources, including market conditions, competition, client retention, regulatory changes, or financial challenges. Here’s how to conduct a risk assessment and develop strategies to manage those risks:

Identifying Risks

The first step in risk assessment is to identify potential risks that could affect your business. This could include:

• Market Risks : These are risks related to market conditions, such as a decrease in demand for personal training services or an increase in competition.
• Operational Risks : These are risks related to your day-to-day operations, such as client injuries, equipment malfunction, or loss of key staff.
• Financial Risks : These are risks related to the financial aspects of your business, such as cash flow problems, increasing costs, or lower-than-expected revenues.
• Legal and Regulatory Risks : These are risks related to changes in laws or regulations that could affect your business, such as changes in certification requirements or data protection laws.

Assessing Risks

Once you’ve identified potential risks, the next step is to assess them based on their likelihood of occurring and the potential impact on your business. This helps you prioritise your risk management efforts based on the severity of each risk.

Managing Risks

After assessing the risks, you should develop strategies to manage them. This could include:

• Avoidance : This involves changing your business plans or strategies to avoid the risk. For example, if there’s a high risk of injury associated with a particular training method, you might decide not to offer that service.
• Mitigation : This involves taking steps to reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk. For example, you could reduce the risk of client injuries by ensuring proper safety measures and training procedures.
• Transfer : This involves transferring the risk to another party, such as through insurance. For example, you could obtain liability insurance to cover potential claims from client injuries.
• Acceptance : This involves accepting the risk and developing a contingency plan to deal with it if it occurs. For example, you might accept the risk of a temporary decrease in demand due to seasonal fluctuations and save up a cash reserve to cover your expenses during those periods.

Regularly reviewing and updating your risk assessment is important to ensure it remains relevant as your business grows and market conditions change. By identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks, you can make more informed decisions, prepare for uncertainties, and build a more resilient personal training business.

Establishing Your Personal Training Brand in the UK Market

In the crowded fitness market of the UK, building a distinct and impactful brand for your personal training business is crucial. Your brand is your promise to your customer. It’s derived from who you are, who you want to be and how people perceive you to be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a strong personal training brand:

1. Define Your Brand

This includes understanding your mission, identifying your unique selling proposition, and defining your core values. Your brand should reflect your personality, your training philosophy, and the unique benefits that clients can gain from training with you.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of who your ideal clients are. Consider factors such as age, gender, fitness level, fitness goals, and location. The better you understand your target audience, the more effectively you can tailor your services, marketing messages, and brand positioning to attract and retain them.

3. Create a Visual Identity

This includes designing a logo, choosing brand colours and fonts, and creating a consistent visual style for all your marketing materials. This visual identity should be used consistently across all platforms, including your website, social media, and any physical materials like business cards or flyers.

4. Deliver Consistent Brand Experiences

Every interaction that a client or potential client has with your business contributes to their perception of your brand. From your training sessions to your customer service, to your social media posts, it’s important to ensure that all aspects of your business align with your brand and deliver a consistent, positive experience.

5. Build an Online Presence

Having a professional website and being active on social media platforms are crucial for brand building. Your online presence is often the first point of contact for potential clients, so it’s important to ensure that it reflects your brand, showcases your expertise, and provides valuable information.

6. Engage with Your Community

Building relationships with your clients and the wider community can help to raise awareness of your brand and build a loyal following. This could include sharing client success stories , participating in local events, or collaborating with other businesses or influencers in your industry.

How Many Clients is Good for a Personal Trainer?

The number of clients that is ‘good’ for a personal trainer can vary greatly depending on factors such as your business model, your pricing, your capacity, and your personal and financial goals.

If you’re offering one-on-one sessions, you might aim for around 20-30 clients per week, given a five-day workweek with four to six sessions per day. This allows time for programming, administration, and personal downtime.

For group training, you could handle more clients per week, depending on the size of your classes.

Keep in mind that it’s not just about the number of clients, but also about the quality of your services. It’s better to have fewer clients and provide high-quality, personalised training than to have many clients but not be able to meet their needs effectively.

Finally, remember that retaining existing clients is just as important as attracting new ones. Offering excellent customer service, regular progress checks, and personalised training can help to keep your clients satisfied and encourage them to continue training with you.

By following these guidelines, you can establish a successful personal training brand in the UK market, attract and retain a suitable number of clients, and build a fulfilling and profitable career in personal training.

Understanding and Navigating the Costs of Operating a Personal Training Business in the UK

Running a personal training business involves a variety of operational costs. Understanding these costs is crucial for financial planning, pricing your services, and ensuring the profitability of your business. Let’s take a look at some of the common costs you’ll need to consider:

If you’re running your personal training business from a gym or fitness centre, you’ll typically need to pay rent for using the space. The cost can vary widely depending on the location, size, and quality of the facility. In some cases, the gym may take a percentage of your earnings instead of charging a fixed rent. Remember that the convenience and attractiveness of the location can significantly affect your ability to attract and retain clients, so choose wisely.

2. Equipment

Depending on the type and intensity of the training you offer, you may need to invest in various fitness equipment. These could include weights, resistance bands, fitness balls, mats, heart rate monitors, and more. Keep in mind that equipment will wear out over time and will need to be replaced.

3. Certifications and Professional Development

As a professional personal trainer, you need to stay updated with the latest knowledge and techniques in fitness and wellness. This could involve costs for attending workshops, courses, and conferences, as well as maintaining any necessary certifications such as your L2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, L3 Certificate in Personal Training, and L3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training.

4. Insurance

Having the right insurance is crucial to protect your business from potential liability claims. This could include public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and possibly others depending on your specific business model.

5. Marketing and Advertising

To attract and retain clients, you’ll need to invest in marketing and advertising. This could include costs for website design and maintenance, social media advertising, print materials, and more.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

These include costs for utilities, cleaning and maintenance, office supplies, transportation, and other day-to-day operating expenses.

Profit Margins for Personal Trainers

The profit margin is a key measure of the profitability of your business. It’s calculated by subtracting your total costs from your total revenue and dividing the result by your total revenue.

As a personal trainer, your profit margin can be influenced by various factors including your pricing, the number and retention of your clients, your operating costs, and your efficiency in managing your business.

While there’s no standard profit margin for personal trainers, a good target could be a net profit margin (after all expenses) of around 20-30%. However, keep in mind that your profit margin could be lower when you’re just starting out and may increase as you gain more clients, improve your services, and streamline your operations.

By understanding and carefully managing your costs, you can improve your profit margin, ensure the financial sustainability of your business, and build a rewarding career as a personal trainer.

Concluding Your Personal Trainer Business Plan

The conclusion of your personal training business plan serves as a summary of your vision and plans. It reinforces the points you’ve made throughout the plan and leaves a lasting impression, inspiring confidence in you and your business. Here’s how you can write a powerful conclusion:

1. Summarise Key Points

Reiterate the most important parts of your business plan, such as your mission statement, target market, unique selling points, financial projections, and marketing strategies. This helps to remind readers of the main takeaways and strengthens their understanding of your business.

2. Showcase Your Commitment

Your conclusion is a great place to express your dedication to your business and clients. Emphasise your commitment to providing top-quality personal training services, maintaining professional standards, and helping your clients achieve their fitness goals.

3. Highlight Your Future Vision

Describe your long-term goals and vision for your personal training business. This could include plans for expanding your client base, introducing new services, or growing your brand. This helps to convey your ambition and forward-thinking approach.

4. Make a Call to Action

Encourage readers to take the next step. This could be a call for potential clients to contact you for a free consultation, an invitation for potential investors or partners to discuss opportunities, or a prompt for readers to visit your website or social media channels.

5. Encourage Feedback

Open the door for feedback and discussion. This can help you gain valuable insights and show that you value others’ opinions and ideas. This is particularly important if your business plan will be read by potential investors, business partners, or mentors.

Here’s an example:

“In conclusion, with a firm commitment to our mission of empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals, we at [Your Business Name] are ready to make a positive impact in the personal training industry. Our well-researched strategies, targeted services, and strong financial projections set the foundation for a successful and sustainable business. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, whether as a client, partner, or supporter, and welcome your feedback and ideas. For more information or to discuss potential opportunities, please contact us at [your contact information].”

Remember, while your conclusion is the last part of your business plan, it’s often what sticks most in readers’ minds. So make it count by being clear, inspiring, and focused on the future. This will leave your readers with a strong impression of your personal training business and its potential for success.

Taking the Leap: Launching Your Personal Training Business in the UK

Once your business plan is complete, the next step is to put that plan into action and launch your personal training business. It may seem daunting, but with careful planning, perseverance, and passion, you can build a successful career in the fitness industry. Here are some actionable tips for setting up your PT business in the UK:

1. Register Your Business

In the UK, you’ll need to register your business with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). You can choose to operate as a sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company, each with its own requirements and implications. Make sure to understand the pros and cons of each before deciding.

2. Get Insured

Before you start training clients, ensure you have the necessary insurance coverages to protect your business from potential liability claims. This might include public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

3. Set Up Your Training Space

Based on your business plan, find and set up your training space. Whether it’s a rented space in a gym or a home gym, ensure it’s a safe, comfortable, and motivating environment for your clients.

4. Purchase Equipment

Buy the necessary equipment needed for your training sessions. Be mindful of your budget, but don’t compromise on the safety and quality of the equipment.

5. Build a Website and Social Media Presence

Set up a professional website and social media profiles to establish an online presence. These platforms will serve as an essential tool for marketing your services, attracting new clients, and communicating with existing ones.

6. Start Marketing Your Services

Implement the marketing strategies outlined in your business plan. This could involve social media marketing, email marketing, networking, offering introductory discounts, or other strategies that target your identified audience.

7. Keep Learning and Improving

As you gain experience, continue to learn and improve. Stay updated with the latest fitness trends and research, take on additional professional development opportunities, and seek feedback from your clients to continually improve your services.

In conclusion, launching a personal training business in the UK is undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires dedication, planning, and a commitment to helping others achieve their fitness goals. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can create a fulfilling career in the fitness industry.

Planning is a crucial step towards achieving success in any business, and personal training is no exception. With a solid business plan, you can chart a clear path towards your business goals, effectively manage risks, and ensure your business remains financially healthy.

A well-thought-out personal trainer business plan covers all aspects of your business – from understanding your target market to crafting your unique mission statement, from strategic marketing plans to realistic financial projections. It should also reflect your passion and commitment to helping people achieve their fitness goals.

The process of creating a business plan forces you to take a deep dive into your business idea, assess the competitive landscape, identify opportunities and challenges, and plan your strategies accordingly. It’s not just a document, but a strategic tool that guides your decisions and keeps you on track towards achieving your business goals.

Moreover, in the fast-growing fitness industry, being equipped with the right qualifications is key to standing out and offering your clients the best possible service. If you’re considering a career in personal training, it’s worth considering courses such as the L2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, L3 Certificate in Personal Training, and L3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training. These qualifications will not only enhance your credibility but also equip you with the skills necessary to deliver effective training sessions.

At Educate Fitness, we offer these qualifications and are dedicated to helping aspiring fitness professionals launch their careers. Our courses are comprehensive, industry-recognised, and designed to provide you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to excel as a personal trainer.

Starting your own personal training business can be an exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling journey. It’s a path where your success can positively impact the lives of others, helping them to achieve their fitness goals and lead healthier lives. So, why not take the first step today?

Embarking on this journey might seem daunting, but remember – every great journey begins with a single step. And with careful planning and the right qualifications, you can turn your passion for fitness into a thriving personal training business.

Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive exploration of creating a personal trainer business plan. We hope it has equipped you with the knowledge and inspiration to take the next step. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to get in touch with us.

Here’s to your success in the fitness industry!

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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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How to start a personal trainer business

Our experts, written and reviewed by:.

Despite the turbulence of the economic downturn, the health industry has remained relatively stable; in fact, market research firm TGI claims the number of gym members in Britain has increased by one million since 2000. Yet the gym culture is being transformed, as more and more people turn to tailored, one-on-one support from a personal trainer.

According to renowned trainer Vicky Mahony, “personal training in now the norm in most health clubs and gyms. More and more people are using trainers to get fit and healthy compared to 10-15 years ago. With more focus on health and well being than ever before, people are willing to invest in their health by getting a personal trainer.”

Britain’s leading gyms are rushing to cash in on this trend. According to fitness industry leader FitPro , David Lloyd reaches 5% of its membership through personal training and delivered approximately 400,000 personal training sessions in 2013 – that’s 7,600 a month. At Virgin Active, the figures are even higher and the industry continues to grow every year.

There is also an ever-increasing number of people looking to make it on their own, by creating their own personal training business. Many are specialising in outdoor training, following the lead of British Military Fitness, the park-based exercise club which now boasts 130 venues across the UK.

Andy Brown, editor of FitPro Network magazine, says you simply need to “look around your local park, or witness the popularity of shows like The Biggest Loser” to see the new-found popularity of outdoor exercise, which plays into the hands of independent personal trainers.” Furthermore, many people now believe that getting fit outdoors offers more flexibility, and satisfaction, than the sweaty, harshly lit confines of a gymnasium.

A report in the Daily Telegraph  found that exercising outdoors provided greater physical and mental health benefits, and greater enjoyment, than a conventional gym workout. This can only be good news for personal trainers, who have the freedom to hold their classes in parks and other public spaces.

There’s no doubt that as the government gears itself up for the battle against obesity that sporting activity is only going to increase – so the rise of the personal trainer is perfectly timed.

What is a personal training business?

As FitPro’s Andy Brown says, personal training is all about specialism – you need to identify an area suited to your skill and expertise and stick with it. Once you have decided which area you want to specialise in, (helping people lose weight, working with pre-natal women or even training elite athletes), you need to find a suitable course which will give you the training and qualifications you need. While there’s no singular qualification for fitness instructors, some are more respected than others.

Other than the cost of training, which can be anything from £300 to £6,000, depending on your specialty and prior knowledge, other overheads are limited. Insurance is a must, and will usually cost at least £100 per year, and transport is also vital, but other costs depend on you.

Investment in the necessary equipment, such as free weights or a blood pressure machine, is usually an early outgoing, with equipment being replaced or updated perhaps every couple of years. You also need to be clear on what devices and instruments you need, because the choices are endless. Jane Walker, co-founder of FitPro, says that “the equipment we used in the early 90s was limited to bands, weights and steps, but now there is a plethora of tools to train with in classes or with clients.”

In terms of marketing yourself, most trainers agree word of mouth is the most effective – and cheapest – way of raising awareness. Roger Bradley, a fitness trainer based in Witney, Oxfordshire whose clients include famous writers and even an indie rock star, claims that one client will often lead to another. “I have a number of fairly affluent clients and I started off by going to their houses and working with them. I once secured work with both the head chef and the nanny of one client purely as a result of my work with their boss.”

To build his business, publicise his services and give his business a more professional look, Bradley spent in the region of £7,000 on a van that would accommodate all his equipment and an additional £450 on having his name and logo painted on the side – a cheap way of getting his name known wherever he travels.

Many personal fitness trainers have also set up a website to give themselves a broader reach, but generally find it isn’t as effective as it can be for selling other products and services, because the nature of the job traditionally requires close geographical proximity. But there does appear to be a growing market for training people virtually. You can also use the internet to market your business; social media is a great way for any business to reach potential customers, and you can make some fitness videos to show of your skill – plus followers can then easily recommend you via social networks.

“I have about ten clients who I deal with mainly by email, sending them workouts, receiving their feedback and adapting the programme accordingly,” comments Bradley, who spent £500 setting up his site. “I then meet up with them once every two months.” This often suits busy but motivated people who require the expertise to achieve a particular goal but are happy to carry out the training themselves.

However, while being a personal fitness trainer might sound attractive because of its limited overheads, hungry market and opportunity to earn, the job will not suit everybody.

Who is personal training business suited to?

Linda Grave, a fitness fanatic who ran a successful personal training business before recently changing careers, was surprised at the role counselling plays in the health and fitness industry. She qualified at the YMCA, and worked in a number of gyms for more than ten years before striking out on her own in 2002. “I was shocked at the number of clients who look upon you as a confidante. A bit like a doctor or dentist, people look to their trainers almost as a counsellor for problems in other areas of their life. You have to be very confidential, particularly as many clients know each other.”

Being a good listener and able to relate to a lot of different people is almost as important as your ability as a fitness trainer. Grave estimates the balance is about 50/50. This is backed up by renowned industry thought leader Robert Cappuccio, who says that, “as well as the importance of a specialism, one emerging trend is the role of the ‘wellness coach’,” whereby a trainer plays a more holistic role in their clients’ well-being. With this in mind, FitPro editor Andy Brown says that, “for anyone wanting to be a PT, I’d say – make sure you develop your ‘soft’ (customer) skills as much as your technical knowledge.”

The need to work all hours is also more pronounced as a self-employed fitness trainer than in other start-ups. While you can work as much or as little as you like because you are your own boss, the success of your business depends on your being available at times when it suits clients.

Nick Page, a self-employed fitness trainer based near Windsor, Berkshire explained, “If I decided to work 9-5 I would be out of a job. You have to be flexible. Of course you can decide to work only three days a week or whatever, but on the whole you have to be willing to work as early as 5am and as late as 8pm because that’s when people want to do their training.” Page will often do a 16-hour day, and will sometimes work seven days a week.

Your reasons for becoming a personal trainer will dictate the hours you make yourself available. If maximising your income is a priority then working hard, especially at the beginning while you build a reputation, is essential.

If you have other priorities and want to become a trainer to supplement your household income and remain flexible, being part-time is also a feasible option. During her time as a personal trainer, Grave worked four days a week and her hours were fitted around her children, who were at school. She built up a client base of women in a similar position, ensuring their hours were complementary and that she could relate to their lifestyle.

Becoming a personal trainer: Where do I start?

There is no one UK exam that qualifies somebody to be a personal fitness trainer, but there are a number of courses that are well respected within the industry. Your desire to either specialise in one area, such as weight loss, or offer a diversity of expertise will dictate what courses will suit you.

YMCA is one of the most popular names in the fitness industry, offering an Advanced Diploma in Personal Training in the form of a seven months to one year course or an intensive course that’s 35 days over seven consecutive weeks, at a cost of £2,999. It also offers Gym Instructor and Exercise to Music Instructor Awards which are the equivalent to an NVQ Level 2. These are ten-day intensive courses costing £839, but can also be carried out over a seven-week period to suit different people’s lifestyles.

The National Register of Personal Trainers (NRPT) endorses reputable trainers, supplying names and numbers to people seeking an instructor. It will assess each trainer on its merits before allowing them to join. The NRPT looks for a certain number of criteria to be fulfilled, including a combination of specific health and fitness qualifications as well as valid insurance. It costs £101.11 per year to be a registered member and is advisable as both a stamp of approval and access to new business opportunities.

You should also consider insurance for your personal trainer business. This guide has all you need to know on personal trainer insurance and the covers you’ll need .

How much is a personal trainer’s salary?

This is dependent on several factors, not least how hard you want to work, but the low overheads associated with the profession does mean it can prove quite profitable. Steven Jones, sales manager at Savage Strength, says the average hourly rate charged by fitness trainers is between £20 and £50. “It depends on several factors such as how well known you are, your location, your specialist skills etc. I know one guy in London who charges £100 per hour.” It is also dependent on whether you are using your own equipment or someone else’s and how far you have to travel.

Linda Grave, a former personal fitness trainer from Suffolk, says that, during her training days, she charged up to £30 per hour, and began charging as soon as she left the house. She adds that she always made sure she did a triangular route, avoiding the need to go back on herself and waste petrol – and enabling her to make a significant profit.

In addition to working with individuals, there is a considerable opportunity to work with businesses and teams depending on how busy you want to be. Industry business leader Michael Scott Scudder recently told industry website  PTontheNet that one of the most significant developments in the personal training sector has been the rise in small group training sales; indeed larger corporates are increasingly offering gym membership or even in-house gyms as an incentive to employees, and many sports clubs and teams now hire someone to oversee their fitness.

Bradley got into working with teams because his wife plays hockey for a local club and they enlisted his services. “I now coach two local hockey clubs, and charge anything from £50 to £100 per hour for a team, depending on what work we are doing.” Bradley also runs a circuit training class in a local hall two evenings a week, attracting in the region of 30 people who each pay £5. Rent for the hall is £25 and Bradley looks to make a profit of about £60 for an hour’s work.

If you’re keen to train clients outside, you should be able to turn a healthy profit – but be warned that more and more parks are now charging personal trainers who run classes on their land.

In April 2011, Hammersmith and Fulham Council made headlines for imposing a £350 charge on personal trainers using its network of parks, they continue to do so and a number of other local authorities followed suit. Although this has yet to become a nationwide policy, the introduction of financial charges for outdoor trainers seems likely to continue.

Terms and conditions

It is wise to include a clause in your terms and conditions to protect you from people dropping out at the last minute or simply not paying. Grave says that, after the initial assessment, she asked people to pay in advance for their first session.

Thereafter, customers were charged 50% of the fee if they cancelled within 24 hours and the full fee if they cancelled within an hour. “It protected me from people letting me down and certainly helped my cash flow,” comments Grave. “It also meant that people think twice about cancelling on a whim – it helped to motivate them!”

Tapping into the growing fitness market

If you want to set up a personal training company as a sideline, or extend your company’s coverage across the company, you may want to set up an online business – receiving requests on your website and delivering tailored programmes to clients by e-mail.

North-easterner David Riley wanted to set up his own personal training business as a part-time job, around his main work in exercise referral, but he realised he wouldn’t have the time to see all his clients face-to-face. So he set up a web-based company, Dr. Exercise , at a cost of around £300.

David says that a prospective customer will register their interest on his website, and he will then send them a questionnaire and an exercise sheet to find out about their goals, their abilities, and any health problems they may have. Based on these responses, he will work out a six-week exercise programme, and e-mail it back to them.

While he strives to visit clients in the North-East in person whenever possible, David deals with a number of clients in other parts of the UK by e-mail only. All payments are made on David’s website through Paypal, which charges a small commission for the service.

David says that,”it’s a lot easier to do a programme this way. With one-on-one personal training you’ve got to dedicate an hour to the tuition, and driving to and from the client as well. But this is much more efficient.”

David’s comments are echoed by seasoned fitness instructor Keith Daniel, who set up his own online business, Full Effect, in 2001. Together with his IT literate brother, Daniel set up and designed a web site himself, spending £500 on a secure server and a credit card transaction facility. This was his only initial outlay, as he worked from home and thus didn’t have to rent office space.

“There is a massive target market out there,” said Daniel. “Anyone who has found that programmes or diets don’t work for them is a potential customer. Operating solely over the internet also means that, as well as keeping the trainer’s costs at a minimum, clients can do their training and communicate with the trainer when it suits them. Its very flexible and potentially lucrative.”

Tips and useful contacts for becoming a certified personal trainer

Tips for success

• If possible, undergo training in a range of fitness areas to keep your options open. Doing this will give you a good understanding of what you might want to specialise in.
• Make sure you get public liability insurance to cover you in the event of any accidents.
• Always get some payment up front and include a clause that full payment must be made if customers drop out at short notice.
• Hand business cards out to all customers – many will have friends who are interested.
• Try and update your knowledge of new fitness training techniques at least twice a year by attending courses and seminars run by industry bodies.

Useful Contacts:

National Register of Personal Trainers Tel. 07971 954662  www.nrpt.co.uk

Premier Training Tel. 01225 353555 www.premierglobal.co.uk

British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Tel. 0113 289 1020 www.bases.org.uk

YMCA Tel. 0207 343 1850 www.ymca.org.uk

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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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How to Create a Personal Trainer Business Plan

As a personal trainer you’re always planning for your clients, but how often do you take a step back and consider planning for your business? Below, we show you how to create a personal trainer business plan and include a free template for you to download and use at the end.

What We'll Cover

Use the links below to jump straight to each section:

What is a personal trainer business plan?

Why do you need a business plan as a personal trainer.

• How to create a personal trainer business plan: step by step
• Free personal trainer business plan template

A personal trainer business plan is a written document that defines your objectives and how you plan to achieve your goals. Think of it as a roadmap for the future of your business, outlining where you want to get to and how you will get there.

While it might sound scary at first, especially if you haven’t written one before, it doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. In fact, some of the best personal trainer business plans are relatively simple.

At its heart a business plan really has three core elements – the three Cs:

Customer – who is your ideal customer, what are their needs and pain-points?  And why do you want to work with them?

Concept – how do you provide unique value for them and what does your product offer need to look like in order to do this?

Cash-flow – what are your operating costs and revenue targets? And therefore how much do you need to charge and how many clients do you need?

Having a personal trainer business plan helps you to determine 3 key questions:

• Why are you doing this?
• How are you going to do it?
• What do you want to get in return?

There is a great book and TED talk on this topic by Simon Sinek – Start with Why.  It’s impossible to build a great business and brand without answering these questions, hence why your plan should start here. But a business plan will also help you to solve more immediate and practical challenges, such as:

Which area to launch your business in : If you know who your target client is then you’ll know which is the right area to work from to best reach them.

What kind of facility to work from : Should you work for a commercial gym where you might find clients easily but earn less per session, or work at an independent PT gym and potentially earn more, but need to generate demand yourself?

What work/life balance looks like for you : Should your business be in-person, online or both? What will your working hours be?

If you need any expert support : Do you need help with marketing and building your brand? If so, are these costs factored into your pricing model?

Who your target audience is: If you don’t know who your target customer is, you won’t be able to communicate with them effectively with your marketing efforts.

How to create a personal trainer business plan: step by step

The three Cs can be broken down into steps to help you build a simple but powerful personal trainer business plan.  You don’t need expert business skills or lots of resources, but you do need to be prepared to do some desk research and put the work in…in the same way you expect your clients to!  

1. Write out your mission statement

Start with the end in mind! This is one of the 7 habits of successful people .  Take time to visualise what the end destination looks like. If your business was a huge success and achieved everything you wanted it to, what would that look and feel like? Answering the following questions might help you to write out your personal trainer mission statement: 

• What kind of clients are you working with?  (this will be your key target audience)
• What goals are you helping them achieve?
• How are you changing their lives for the better?
• How many clients do you have?
• Do you have your own gym?
• Do you have a team working for you?
• How are you living? (i.e. what lifestyle do you want)
• How much money are you earning?

Paint as vivid and energising a picture of the future as you can as you build this out. Create a future that you’re excited to start moving towards.

2. Research your competition

This won’t come as a surprise but there are already a lot of personal training businesses out there! Everyone from freelancers to the big brands.  Each is making a pitch to the market about why consumers should choose them.  To succeed you’re going to need your business to stand out.  

A good way to do that is to familiarise yourself with your competition.  You can do this from the comfort of your own home through checking out their websites.  But if you’re feeling adventurous I’d definitely advice going and speaking to PT's who have already taken the leap to go it alone – nothing beats the insight you get from high quality discussions with smart people.  

Here are a three top tips:

Steal with glee – Very little in business is new!  If you see something you think will work well for you, then don’t be shy to steal it! Just make sure you don't steal something that needs to be unique to you, such as your PT business name .

Where are the gaps? – Do you see a gap in the market in your local area that is under-served?  Do you see an opportunity to do what others are doing, but better?  Keep an eye out for opportunities like this as you do your research.

Be comfortable going niche – Finding a niche is one of the most powerful things you can do. Having a focused offer for a defined target audience (e.g. personal training for new mums) can make it easier to stand out from the crowd in your marketing efforts.

3. Map out your revenue streams

This is a great question to ask early on so you can start to build the right structure from your business on day 1.

You will potentially have primary revenue streams:

• Will the bulk of your revenue come from in person PT sessions?
• Will they be delivered at an independent facility where you can earn much more person session or will you work from a chain gym?
• Will you generate revenue from online programmes?  If so are these scalable programmes or just online sessions? (the former will take a lot more upfront time and cost to build but will pay back bigger over the long term)

And Secondary ones:

• Will you deliver other complimentary services like massage, nutrition and mindset coaching and will these be delivered in person or online?
• Will you create and sell merchandise?

4. Calculate your costs and expenditures

There are basically two kinds of costs ‘capital costs’ (i.e. the money you need to spend to get going) and ‘operational’ costs (the money you need to spend to run your business day to day).

Capital costs – these will be things like, getting your website built, getting a logo designed, buying any kit or uniform etc  It’s crucial that you make sure that you keep enough cash in reserve to cover your operational costs for the first few months as you build your client base.

Operational costs – renting a gym space , marketing costs, equipment maintenance and upkeep, professional insurance, subscriptions for digital tools such as client management apps, CRM tools etc

Mapping and then managing your costs closely is going to be a key behaviour to ensure you create a successful business.

5. Outline your marketing strategy

Now that you know your target audience and service offering (your value proposition), you can work out how to start reaching them.

Basically, there are paid and ‘organic’ (unpaid) channels that you can use.  I’d advise starting with unpaid ones such as social media and referrals from friends. This will allow you to test your messaging and content to refine it and understand what connects best. Creating a website is another important step to take to build up your network and brand.

Once you know this you can start to experiment with performance (paid) marketing campaigns.  But this is a big step up and takes time to master.

You should also start to think about retention – i.e. how you keep your existing clients (the basic marketing rule of thumb is that it is much more expensive and time consuming to recruit new clients rather than retain existing one).

To learn more, read our in depth guide on Personal Trainer Marketing .

6. Decide on your pricing Strategy

Now that you know your audience and your costs you’re ready to define your pricing.

You want to try and make sure that you price so that you have a minimum profit margin of 60% - this means that once you’ve deducted all of your costs you’re left with 60% of your revenue (e.g. if your cost base equates to £40 a session then you need to charge £100).

The best thing to do is research what other similar trainers to you – same level of experience and with a similar niche / proposition are charging. This will give you the industry benchmark, you can then decide to undercut it (I wouldn’t recommend doing this if it means you drop below a 60% profit margin), match it or exceed it (exceeding it will mean more margin but might mean less volume…i.e. it might be hard to attract a high volume of clients willing to pay the higher price point).  

But this is where your business and lifestyle goals come in.  You might want to work less hours to have a better work /life balance so are therefore prepared to have fewer clients paying a higher price point.

So remember:

• Understand the industry standard in your area
• Ensure you have a 60% profit margin
• Be clear on your business and lifestyle goals

7. Conduct a SWOT analysis

A personal trainer SWOT analysis is a simple planning tool that can help you refine your product offer and business plan. It’ll take a bit of time to do well so get yourself a cup of tea and work through each area:

• What do you do better than anyone else?
• What else gives you a competitive advantage (previous experience, skills, sporting ability etc)?
• What resources do you have (money, digital tools, people, space etc)?
• What capabilities do you have (ability to build a website, accounting skills etc)?
• What skills do you lack to succeed (e.g. marketing)?
• What do your competitors do better than you?
• What resource limitations do you have (e.g. money)?
• Is your proposition weak and unclear?

OPPORTUNITIES

• Is your area underserved by PTs?
• Are there any niches or gaps in the market?
• Are there any emerging trends or consumers needs you can exploit?
• Do you have any tools for getting visibility (e.g. friends who are influencers)?
• Who are your key competitors?
• Are there likely to be any new and emerging competitors?
• Is consumer behaviour changing / likely to change in a way that would undermine your proposition?
• Is access to capital and talent likely to be an issue that will stop you growing?

Understanding the answer to these questions will help you be clearer about where the opportunities and risks sit for you.

Download your free personal trainer business plan template

Now you have a better idea of what it’ll take to build your business plan. Why not start building yours now using our free business plan template for personal trainers? Click here to download yours now.

Join the UNTIL Community

If you’re looking to grow a PT business in London then come and talk to us!  We not only provide flexible access to the very best gym floors for PTs in London, helping you deliver a better client experience and earn more money, we also have a community of London’s best health and wellness professionals.

We even provide advice and support to help you grow your business.

Apply to join now

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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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PERSONAL TRAINER BUSINESS PLAN: How to Write a Business Plan for Personal Trainers

• by Kenechukwu Muoghalu
• August 13, 2023
• No comments
• 7 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

• What Is a Personal Trainer Business Plan?

Importance of Having a Personal Trainer Business Plan

#1. create your summary and pitch, #2. your background and credentials, #3. define what you sell, #4. who is your target market, #5. advertising $ marketing strategy, personal trainer business plan template, the process is too demanding not to worry, how much should i charge as a personal trainer uk, how much can personal trainers make uk, is being a personal trainer worth the money.

A step-by-step plan can help you avoid silly mistakes that could render your personal trainer’s business useless. Having a business plan for your personal training career can help you stay focused and successful. You will discover that most of your goals can be attained without even lifting a finger. Having a sample ready-made personal trainer business plan will even make those goals more successful.

Indeed, most personal trainers don’t see a reason why they need to own a business plan. But no matter what form or type of business you have, a business plan will always give you an edge in your career. This article covers multiple reasons why every personal trainer needs a business plan and how to create a successful one. Sample templates needed to compose a personal trainer business plan will also be made available. Read on!

What Is a Personal Trainer Business Plan ?

A personal trainer business plan is a written description of the future of your business. If you make a living as a personal trainer, then you need a business plan to make it more successful. Whatever business plan you create will cover your services, products, people, competition, and cost. 

Let’s assume you presently work in a gym, but you have plans to own your own gym. You have gained quality insight into how the management has handled clients so far, and you feel you have even more to offer your customers. Great plan! 

Read Also: New Business Ideas 2023: Small Business Ideas To Try Out This Year

Sailing off to greatness, you finally managed to open a small gym. Let’s quickly measure the growth. For example, if you don’t have any personal trainer business plans on standby, you’re less likely to grow. Why?? Because you have no mapped-out action or roadmap to help you get to your dreams. You will keep making mistakes, repeating those mistakes, and even losing clients. 

But if you had a business plan, you would be in control. Even if some mistakes are likely to occur in every business, your plan will help you bounce back and counter those mistakes. Your clients will also see how capable you are and, hence, keep coming.

At this point, your dream is not enough. Everyone has a dream, right? But not everyone has achieved their dreams. Achieve yours. 

As a personal trainer, your business plan will help articulate the actions you take and the reason for those actions. For example, when it is written down, it will help you stay more focused. It can be tempting to just go right in and start working with clients. But when you do this, you are neglecting the bigger picture. Not just that, you would also be losing profits that a business plan can get you. 

For example, if you can handle 3 clients per week as a personal trainer, a successful business plan can help you handle 5. What you need to note is the high possibility of growth that comes with working with a plan. When you understand it, you won’t neglect the power of a business plan. 

Read Also: BUSINESS CONTINGENCY PLAN: Easy How-to-Create Guide

A business plan can also be tweaked and changed into a better idea or decision. It is normal. The important thing is, to begin with, one and then modify overtime if need be. 

A business plan can also serve as a means whereby you can get investors to finance your small business. Once those investors see a plan stipulated just for your business, they will see how credible you are. They can end up providing capital for your gym equipment because they are already convinced of the validity of the business. Yes, you have succeeded in showing them that. 

Let’s check out how one can even create this business plan with ease and accuracy. 

How to Write a Successful Business Plan for a Personal Trainer

Before you even start with “how”, you must first ask yourself “why”. Why have you chosen to use a business plan for your investment? Are you doing it for yourself, the gym, or for investors? Because who you are doing it for will determine the tone in which you will write, either with jargon (good ones) or in a professional tone. After a decision is made, carry on with the other steps below.

While creating your summary and pitch, you will need to be concise and clear. This is where the SMART goals come into play. Yeah, the same SMART goals that appear in your level 2 certificate in fitness instructing qualification. You can obviously set it up for your clients but fail to set it up for yourself. This is the time. Talk about what you do, what you want to achieve, and how you intend to achieve it. 

Time to talk about you. Be selfish (in a good way). Speak forth and state why you are the right person for the job. Discuss how skilled you are naturally and also how your credentials have enhanced that effect. Convince your readers or yourself that no one can do it better. 

Tell them what it is that you sell. This section is not as easy as you think, don’t be carried away. Include your income and streams and guide them through all you can sell just to increase revenue. State the benefits of your products, how you would sell, who would buy and how it will be delivered. As a personal trainer, you should not have just one form of income. 

A lot of personal trainers state ” gym-goers” as their target market, but that is not a target market. What happened to being precise and specific? Where are your ideal customers and clients. The people behind the type of services you offer and a goal of achieving it? There are some market target samples that a personal trainer can use when creating a business plan. 

• A 35-45-year-old executive woman for fat loss can serve as a target market. This is also a popular UK target market. Having a fat loss qualification can even make you stand out from other trainers. 
• Children’s training for weight loss is also a target market. These children can be 16 and under. You can state how you can offer a fun and interactive outdoor training program that will engage the kids. So they can attain the desired results. 

Training 50 and overs for general wellbeing and training aspiring athletes through strength is another market target. You can choose from these different options and talk about the capabilities and qualifications you have that will aid these markets. 

Adding market trends in this section will also boost you business plan. While adding it, you can include credible resources on why your market is using that particular methodology.

There is a clear difference between advertising and marketing . In the advertisement, you spend some cash and place your advertisement at the same time. That’s the difference. In this section, you will need to determine your assets or what you are good at. 

Do you prefer videos? Or physical marketing? Will you go for social media or even networking? Once you determine this, you will then create an action plan and define how often you will use those resources. It can be twice or once a week. Just make sure to refine it as time goes on.

A template can serve as a example or sample when creating a personal trainer business plan. This sample template can also aid you to formulate a plan that best works for your personal trainer business. We have created the best checklist just for you. They include:

• Check your mission statement
• Analyze the fitness industry and your competition
• Map out a revenue stream
• Plan for operating costs 
• Create your sales and marketing plan
• Assess your risks

Just because your comfort is our priority, a successful personal trainer business plan has been made available for you. 

This article is capable of encouraging you to compose a business plan for yourself, but it is understandable that time might not be so friendly.  

That is why we have gone out of our way to create a professional personal trainer business plan just for you. Our business plan is truly special because it has succeeded in giving numerous success stories to many personal trainers out there. 

You could be lucky enough to be among the numerous personal trainers that have used this business plan to boost their business. What are you waiting for?? Take action now!

As a personal trainer, the same way you set up training plans to help your clients adhere to their fitness programs is the same way a business plan will help you adhere. Still note that a business plan does not always guarantee an immediate growth, but it sure sets you out on the right foot. And this right foot will lead you to success. 

If you are in London, you can charge up to £200 for a physical session. If you are based outside the capital, then you can also charge up to £15 per hour. It all depends on your location and the experience of your customers. In essence, an average UK personal trainer can charge £30 per hour.

As a personal trainer, you can earn between £15,000 and £60,000 a year. But your salary for the year solely depends on your experience and qualifications. Because if your customers like the services you render, then more money will be made.

Yes, it does. Even as a self-employed personal trainer, you tend to improve and grow more compared to personal trainers who work in commercial gyms. Be good at what you do and you will attract customers that can give irresistible reviews.

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Kenechukwu Muoghalu

Kenny, an accomplished business writer with a decade of experience, excels in translating intricate industry insights into engaging articles. Her passion revolves around distilling the latest trends, offering actionable advice, and nurturing a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape. With a proven track record of delivering insightful content, Kenny is dedicated to empowering her readers with the knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of business.

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Starting a Personal Trainer Business in the United Kingdom

• Starting a Personal Trainer Business…

Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Personal Trainer Business in the United Kingdom

This article explains the industry practices, business registration process, and licensing requirements you need to start a personal trainer business. We want to help you successfully turn your business ideas into action with this guide to company registration in the United Kingdom .

What Is a Personal Trainer Business?

Personal trainers provide personalized, safe, and effective fitness programs and training. Most of the business’s clients are individuals who have had a lot of injuries from exercising in the past. Or it could also be that they were not satisfied with their progress with the previous trainer or needs one-on-one training to achieve a goal. Personal training businesses customize workout plans, provide mental and physical guidance, and ensure that clients do not get injuries doing them.

Personal Training business can take many forms. Boot camp personal trainer provides high-intensity workouts that build strength, endurance, and agility. Lifestyle personal trainers help clients maintain an overall healthy lifestyle by teaching them how to eat right and train the right way. Performance personal trainers usually cater to athletes and focus on developing workout plans that increase power, speed, and strength.

Moreover, the demand for personal trainer businesses relies heavily on economic conditions. An economy where people have sufficient income to spare for non-necessity is the best condition for starting a personal trainer business. The increasing health consciousness in the population also fuels this demand. Since 2019, there has been a surge of interest in hiring personal trainers to keep fit and healthy amidst the ongoing global health crisis.

The competitors of personal trainer businesses are gyms, health clubs, and sports facilities. To rise against the competition, personal trainers now adopt modern strategies to capture broader markets and provide less expensive training programs. Many personal trainer businesses are also now offering their personalized services through mobile applications that customers can access and perform anywhere. Virtual coaching also enables remote personal training services where trainers can monitor and assess the client’s progress and provide feedback via chat, email, or text.

How to Start a Personal Trainer Business

To start a personal trainer business, you have to plan the details from the location, service listing, pricing, equipment acquisition, operations, and promotions. You can start by identifying your target market. Research about what the market is looking for and that no one has still delivered. Your target market is crucial in the later decisions relating to picking a location and coming up with marketing strategies.

Next, pick a location that will make you accessible to your primary target demographics or population. For example, if you want to cater to working professionals who have very little time to work out, place your business in commercial areas near firms and business establishments. Next, choose which services you want to offer. Remember that your service offering should be within your capacity and budget. Your services will determine which equipment you need to acquire and how many employees you need to hire.

Also, research about payment schemes and methods the industry employs. You can offer installment methods by session payment or other service subscription methods. Additionally, you can start an account with PayPal, Payoneer, or Google Pay so you can conveniently receive the payments. This is a form of promotional strategy, so make sure to consider your target market and plan how you will entice them to get your services.

Finally, develop your brand and market it in different channels. Competition is rising, and you don’t want your business being overshadowed by established and rising personal trainer businesses. Plan out the details and execution of your brand to ensure the market identifies, sets apart, and remembers your brand. Then, market your brand and services through TV, radio, and signage advertisements. You can even bring your brand online by creating social media accounts and a business website.

How to Register a Personal Trainer Business in the UK

To register your business, you first have to consider what type of business you want to start. The most common business structures in the UK are a sole trader or self-employed, partnership, and limited company. The registration process of sole traders and partnerships is different from limited company registration. The former generally takes little time and requirements to complete, while the latter is more complicated.

To register a sole trader or partnership, all you need is a National Insurance (NI) number. In the process, you have to pick a unique business name. The business owner/s may choose to register the business name for trademark, but it is not a requirement. For partnerships, they have to nominate a nominal partner who is responsible for tasks like tax filing. And then, if you expect your business to earn an income over £85,000.

Moreover, registration of limited companies requires more paperwork as you are practically creating a new entity- the company. This is what gives the business owners protection against company debts. The owners and the company are separate and different entities. Owners register the company with the Companies House via an online application, by post, or through an agent. Self-processing the registration typically costs £12, and the application is processed within 4 hours.

To register a limited company, you’ll need to prepare the company name and business address, appoint a director and secretary (optional), and name your shareholders. You’ll have to create the memorandum of association that proves all shareholders consent to creating the company. You’ll also have to prepare and submit the association articles that detail how the company will run. Company incorporation services in the United Kingdom can make the process for you if you need assistance in completing the business registration process by yourself.

Licenses and Permits to a Personal Trainer Business in the UK

There is no business license required to start and operate a personal trainer business in the United Kingdom. However, the market expects personal trainers to at least be eligible in providing training services. Personal trainers can acquire certifications from NASM, ISSA, and ACE. Some certifications you can acquire are NASM-CPT for a personal trainer, NASM-CNC for nutrition coach, and senior fitness specialist certification.

Aside from the personal trainer certification, you also need first aid certification. You can take first aid courses online to get a certification that is valid for three before you need to renew it. Additionally, if you plan on keeping computerized records of your customers’ personal details, you need to register as a data user with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). And if you’re going to hold sessions in public parks and open spaces, you may need to get permission from your local authority.

Furthermore, personal trainers may voluntarily join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). The organization provides regulations for instructors and trainers that personal trainer businesses uphold the industry’s National Occupational Standards . Becoming a REPs registered trainer enhances your chances of attracting customers as it adds credibility to your being a competent and knowledgeable trainer.

You may need to look at other legal concerns in starting a personal trainer business, including consumer protection, health and safety, and equality. Personal trainer businesses must practice fair and honest trading in dealing with contracts, advertising claims, and handling clients. And you also have to set measures to ensure the safety of not just your clients but of your staff and the general public. Lastly, your practices and methods must not discriminate against age, gender, religion, race, and disabled individuals.

Hire Professionals to Complete Business Startup Legalities

Planning to start a business is already challenging. How much more is putting these plans into action? 3E Accounting is a United Kingdom corporate service provider that can help you deal with matters like business registration, licensing, and other legal matters on your behalf. With professionals handling these procedures, you can focus more on finalizing plans and handling startup operations. What’s more, you get incorporation services and other startup services that are economical yet efficient and hassle-free!

Experience the full benefits of company registration services from an internationally recognized service provider in the UK. Contact 3E Accounting today to get a quote for our services.

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How to start up a personal training business

We have pulled together some top tips to help you set up your own Personal Training business using our industry expert knowledge.

Here are the steps you need to take to get your Personal Training business set up and on track!

• Register with CIMSPA
• Take out public liability insurance
• Open a business bank account
• Register for National Insurance contributions
• Make provisions to meet your tax liabilities
• Register your PT business

You have done the hard work and qualified as a personal trainer; fantastic ! If you’re considering starting a Personal Training business , the hard work doesn’t stop here . With this in mind, we have tried to make this easier for you. To help you get started, we’ve put together a few simple tips and steps to follow to help set up your new PT business.

1. Register with CIMSPA

Firstly, it is essential that you register with CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). It launched in 2011 as the professional development body for the UK’s sports and physical activity sector. CIMSPA has been awarded chartered status by the Privy Council, which came into effect at the start of January 2012. They provide leadership, support and empowerment for professionals working in sports and physical activity and a single unified voice for the sector.

In 2015, Sports England announced it was backing CIMSPA to be the single body within the sector that safeguards standards through regulating training and qualifications. As such, most employers within the fitness industry will soon require employed or self-employed staff to be members of CIMSPA and adhere to their CPD requirements.

2. Take out public liability insurance

The next step is to take out  public liability insurance . You can research several different insurance providers and find a few good deals. The amount you need to pay will vary on the services you offer. You are responsible for sourcing and investigating the best options for your requirements. You should ensure that you are fully insured when undertaking your first home visit or gym session.

Ensuring you have liability insurance is a must as a Personal Trainer as this covers you for claims from a third party. Working in an active industry, there is a chance that a client could injure themselves during a session, so it’s not worth risking. This would also include any damage done to equipment if you are working within a gym. An accident claim or the cost of replacing equipment can be expensive, so it’s best to make sure you are completely covered with the right insurance.

3. Open a business bank account

When starting a Personal Training business, the next thing to tick off is opening a business account or separate account for all your earnings. This will give you a dedicated bank account to log every client and every payment. Keeping your business account separate from your personal account will make it much easier for you to keep track of your personal outgoings separate from your business expenses. Legally, you do not need to open a business account if you are self-employed, freelance or a sole trader, meaning you could use your personal account for business; however, business accounts are a good idea.

4. Register for National Insurance contributions

National Insurance contributions will cost you around £3.15 per week, depending on your earnings. This can be paid by direct debit, or you can pay quarterly at your bank/post office. If you register yourself as self-employed, you’ll have to submit a self-assessment tax return to HMRC every year. This would work out how much of your earnings should be taxed and how much national insurance you should need to pay.

5. Make provisions to meet your tax liabilities

Save a percentage of your earnings for tax in a separate account – preferably a savings account. 25% of your monthly earnings should be sufficient – and remember that you have a personal allowance that will not be taxed. You will then be taxed on approximately 20-40% of the rest of your income, depending on how much you earn. These figures change each year, so keep up to date by visiting the HMRC website. You will pay income tax and national insurance on all your profits. Your profits, however, are defined by all your business income minus any business expenses.

This means anything spent on business expenses will then be deducted from your total income, leaving you with the correct taxable income. You can either decide to try and manage this yourself or alternatively the best route would be to employ an accountant to do this for you, this avoids any mistakes being made with the potential of enduring extra costs.

6. Register your pt business

You need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (0300 200 3504) within three months from the end of your first month of trading to register your business.

So to recap – register with CIMSPA, make sure you’re fully insured, set up the appropriate bank accounts for tax and earnings, organise your National Insurance contributions and don’t forget to register your business. You will then have successfully set up and started your own business. N ow you have done all the legal requirements and key business set-ups, you could look at setting up your own personal training studio.

We wish you luck and success in your new personal training business!

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A guide to setting up a personal trainer business  .

As people become more focused on prioritising self-care, they are increasingly seeking ways to look after both their physical and mental health, with many turning to qualified personal trainers to help them achieve their goals.   

From boot camps and community clubs, to virtual or in-home consultations, tailored nutrition, and exercise plans – personal trainers have a diverse range of avenues to deliver their skilled services, be it remotely or face to face.  

So, if you’re thinking about starting your own personal trainer business, then this guide covers everything you need to know to get set up in just seven steps. Let’s dive straight in.

1. Get qualified

The first step to becoming a personal trainer is acquiring the relevant professional qualifications. While not technically a legal requirement, getting qualified is crucial to gaining trust and building credibility in the industry. Not only this, but it is essential in demonstrating your commitment to health and safety.  

In the UK, you should obtain an Ofqual regulated Level 3 Personal Training qualification that’s accredited by the Chartered Institution for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (known as CIMSPA) .   

The course has an entry level pre-requisite of a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, so it is important you first complete this foundation knowledge before embarking on your personal training studies.    

There are a number of reputable course providers you can choose from, with programmes ranging anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on your mode of study. Once completed, you’ll qualify to work as a personal trainer. 

2. Register with CIMSPA

Once qualified, you’ll need to register with CIMSPA ,  the UK’s professional body for the sport and physical activity sector.   

Registering with CIMSPA gives you access to a library of resources and bolt-on courses, to help you continually enhance your skills and stay up to date with the latest industry trends. It also assures clients of your commitment to professionalism and ongoing development, positioning yourself as a reputable and qualified personal trainer.  

Registration costs £30 each year and will need to be renewed annually. 

3. Choose your business structure

The next step is to choose a business structure and officially register your new business. As a personal trainer, your two most suitable options will likely be to operate as a sole trader, or a private company limited by shares.  

Sole trader

Many personal trainers choose to start out as sole traders. This means that you’d be self-employed and required to register for Self Assessment with HMRC .  

Each year, you’d be responsible for completing a tax return and paying any Income Tax and National Insurance you owe to HMRC through Self Assessment. This is the most straightforward type of business structure to set up and maintain, with very few regulations and administrative responsibilities.  

However, you will have unlimited personal liability for business debts and any legal claims brought against you.   

Limited company

The other popular option for personal trainers is to register as a limited company. This business structure provides you with greater professional status, as well as limited liability for any debts or legal claims your business may face. Plus, you’ll be able to access a range of tax-saving and tax-planning options that could save you money.  

• Sole trader and limited company – what’s the difference?
• How we can help you on your company formation journey

In exchange for these benefits, limited companies are subject to stricter regulation, and you’d have more filing, reporting, and disclosure obligations. However, using a company formations agent like 1 st Formations can help ease this process.   

4. Find a suitable location

In today’s dynamic fitness industry, selecting the right location for your personal training business is a critical decision. There are a whole host of approaches to evaluate when it comes to how to deliver your services. Let’s take a look in closer detail at three of the most popular choices:   

Physical location

Operating from a gym, hiring a studio or even converting a space such as a garage, can offer a professional setting for your training sessions.  

An established gym or studio space can prove to be one of the most affordable options, with access to fitness equipment and facilities saving you the cost of purchasing your own.  

As well as being cost-effective, a shared gym space can open the doors to a larger pool of potential clientele and help boost your credibility.   

However, one small drawback to consider is that utilising a third-party gym might entail more limited control over scheduling and facility usage compared to other potential options.  

Online environment

Delivering training sessions online has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly during the pandemic when personal trainers had no other choice but to deliver their services via video call or online tutorials.   

The great thing about offering your training sessions online is that you’re able to reach clients beyond your local area, allowing you to expand your client base without geographical boundaries.   

Not only this, but both you and your clients have the flexibility to schedule workouts according to convenience.  

And of course, operating virtually eliminates the need for physical space, meaning lower overheads and bigger cost savings.  

With that said, it’s worth noting that virtual training might not appeal to clients seeking in-person interaction for motivation, which is the unique benefit of face-to-face training.  

Mobile service   

Offering a mobile service can involve travelling to client’s homes, workplaces, or outdoor spaces. This provides optimal convenience to clients, allowing them to train in familiar surroundings without the commute or having to share a space with others; enabling more personalised workouts and often a stronger client-trainer relationship.  

However, moving between client locations can eat into your schedule and you will also need to consider factors like equipment portability and the associated costs. which in turn can limit the range of variety you’re able to offer in your workouts.   

Each option comes with its own advantages and challenges; your choice will depend on various factors including your target market, budget, and your own personal preferences and style of training. 

5. Fund your personal trainer business

Setting up your personal training business will involve several upfront costs, but the investment can be well worth the long-term reward providing you plan carefully.  

Initial expenses can vary significantly based on the type of service you plan to offer and the level of quality and convenience you wish to provide to your clients. You will need to budget for qualifications, location, equipment, marketing efforts and any ongoing expenses.   

There are a number of funding options to consider in support of your plans, such as:   

• Your own personal savings: This can be the most straightforward way to fund your personal training business when you’re just starting out, if viable. 
• Bank loans: One of the most typical methods for acquiring funds as a new business. If you have a good relationship with your bank and a well-researched business case, this could be a great option for you.
• Government grants: The UK Government offers a selection of approved grants that can potentially support your startup plans.   

6. Get insured

Public liability insurance is an important consideration, no matter what your business type. But for personal training businesses, whose services pose a greater risk of injury to clients and damage to third-party property, it is an absolute must-have.  

Whether you’re training clients at their homes, in fitness premises, or in an outdoor space, accidents can happen easily. Public liability insurance will provide cover should any claims be brought against you and your business.  

• 10 types of business insurance for SMEs

Not only this, but many gyms and leisure centres will often not allow you to use their facilities without this type of insurance protection in place.   

Having adequate coverage could prove to be a vital lifeline, so we strongly advise seeking professional assistance from an insurance expert, to ensure you have the correct protection for your business.  

7. Build an online presence 

Some of the most successful personal trainer businesses operate almost exclusively on social media alone. Whether you’re running your business online or not, potential clients will usually turn to your website or social media channels as their first port of call when deciding to use your services. This means building a strong online presence is essential for your business if it is to be a success.  

• How to create a website for a new business
• 10 things your company website absolutely must have

Nowadays, there are plenty of user-friendly platforms offering professional and customisable templates to help you easily create an on-brand website, such as Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress . Your website should act as a central hub for your services; offering potential clients an overview of your services and allowing them to make a booking with you.   

Leveraging social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, can quickly grow your business exposure and help drive traffic to your site. Consider posting regular photos, video workouts, positive reviews, and useful tips that will inspire and motivate your target audience. This can help get you recognised as a thought leader in the fitness world and grow your reputation.  

Wrapping up 

So, there you have it. We hope you’ve found this guide useful and that it’s given you enough information to get started on your personal trainer business.

We understand that setting up your first company can be a daunting and complicated process – remember, we’re always here to help. Reach out to our team of experts today for more advice on getting started.

Author:  Ciara Conway

Ciara Conway, content writer at 1st Formations, has over ten years of experience writing about small business and virtual office services. She enjoys sourcing solutions for ambitious start-ups to help in their development and future growth. In her spare time, Ciara enjoys reading, yoga and travel.

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Setting up a Personal Training Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Personal Training Business?

With more people than ever being conscious of living a healthier lifestyle and improving their fitness, now could be a great time to set up a personal training business.

A personal trainer works with individuals and groups of people and helps them to achieve their fitness and health goals.

This could include:

• Facilitating a healthier diet.
• Guiding them with weight loss.
• Assisting with strength training and the strengthening of their cardiovascular capability.
• Improving a client’s muscular endurance or speed.
• Assisting with toning and increasing a client’s flexibility.
• Assisting with health management.

Personal trainers offer each client a personalised experience with custom workouts and diet tips depending on their current health and their health and fitness goals. Every client could have a different level of fitness and different health concerns and difficulties. This means that the type of personal training offered will vary from client to client.

A personal trainer will have different responsibilities, including:

• Evaluating clients’ fitness levels, health conditions and goals.
• Creating tailored workout routines and exercise programmes for each client.
• Creating nutrition plans (if necessary).
• Teaching clients the correct (and safe) way to use the workout equipment.
• Teaching clients the correct way to perform specific exercises, including correct form and posture.
• Providing clients with feedback.
• Giving motivation during sessions and at other times.
• Monitoring clients’ progress.
• Educating clients on health and fitness.
• Provide assistance with health and nutrition plans.

You can work with your clients one-to-one or in a group setting. You will also have the option of running exercise classes, attended by larger groups of people.

As a personal trainer, you will be expected to have expert knowledge of nutrition and exercise and the use of exercise equipment, such as weights, cardiovascular machines and muscle-strengthening machines. You may also require knowledge of floor exercises, including stretching, toning, yoga and Pilates.

If you are considering starting up a personal training business, you will have several options available to you. You could focus on a specific type of business or offer diversity.

Some of your options include:

• Working in one specific gym or fitness centre.
• Offering at-home personal training in your clients’ homes.
• Travelling with clients so they always have access to personal training.
• Working as an online personal trainer.
• Working for a business, company, educational establishment or another establishment.

If you are considering starting up a personal training business, you will need to ensure you have a good understanding of health, fitness and nutrition. Maintaining a good level of fitness yourself is also recommended, as not only does this set a good example to your clients, but you may also be required to work out with your clients or demonstrate exercises to them.

Personal trainers also require good communication skills, patience, empathy and the ability to inspire, encourage and motivate their clients. Good timekeeping and organisational skills are also recommended. If you think you have the necessary skills and knowledge to become a personal trainer, read our full guide below, to help you achieve your dream.

Types of Clients

Personal training clients usually fall into a specific category:

1. Performance:

Performance clients are usually athletes or aspiring athletes. They often participate in sports or running and want to improve their performance or compete at a higher level. Performance clients are usually very dedicated and may already have a good understanding of exercise and nutrition.

2. Physique:

These clients are aiming to improve their physical look. They may want to appear slimmer or more toned and are mainly focused on their physical form. Physique training could also include training bodybuilders who need to look more muscular. Physique training will include assisting with both diet and exercise. Physique training could also include Body Recomposition, which is a weight loss approach that focuses on losing fat and gaining muscle.

3. Fitness:

Fitness clients are extremely diverse. They want to improve their physical fitness but may focus on their overall fitness or a specific type, such as their cardiovascular fitness or muscular fitness. Fitness clients may want to lose weight, improve their health, or improve or maintain their fitness. Many fitness clients enjoy exercising but don’t want to push themselves to the next level by performing in races, competitions or sports.

4. Mental wellbeing:

Some clients start in this category before moving into another category. They may begin working with you to help with stress relief or to improve their mental health or wellbeing. They then often find that the endorphins released during exercise and the changes they feel and see in their body and fitness inspire their fitness journey to continue or intensify, or change the type of training they do.

5.Weight loss or fat loss:

In many cases, this type of client is either new to exercising or hasn’t exercised for some time. They may want to lose weight or fat for health reasons or aesthetic reasons. You will need to help them establish exercise routines and improve their diet.

You could choose to specialise in one type of client or offer personal training to a variety of types. Determining which category each client falls into is essential for ensuring you offer a tailored programme that is customised to their health and fitness goals.

Equipment You Will Need

The type of equipment you will require depends on where you run your business from. For example, if you operate from a gym or fitness centre, you may be able to utilise their equipment and may not need to purchase some of the equipment yourself.

Below is a complete list of equipment typically required by personal trainers. Consider how your business will operate when determining what equipment you require.

Business Equipment:

Personal trainer software

This can be used to schedule training sessions, track your clients’ progress and manage your business. You will also have the option to live stream personal training sessions so your clients can access your sessions from home. Some types of software also have marketing features to help you grow your business. Prices start at £15 per month.

Client logbooks

A client logbook allows you to keep physical, written records about your clients’ sessions and progress. This can include the number of sets or reps they achieved and any weight loss or muscle gain. A physical logbook not only looks more professional compared to using your phone during sessions, but it can also be motivating to your clients when they can see a physical record of their progress. Logbooks can be purchased for as little as £5.

Client forms

These forms should be completed by new clients during your client consultation. It should include their personal details, emergency contact information, known health conditions and injuries and their personal training goals. You can create client forms yourself and print them out at minimal cost.

Weight scales

This allows you to track your clients’ progress. Choose scales that also measure body fat, lean mass, muscle gain and BMI to allow you to more accurately track progress. This type of weight scale typically retails for between £50 and £150.

Skinfold callipers

Callipers measure the thickness of the fat underneath your skin (the subcutaneous fat). It helps you to measure the total amount of body fat. Skinfold callipers allow you to measure your clients’ fat loss progress over time. They typically retail for between £100 and £200.

A measuring tape

You will need to take your clients’ measurements when they first begin working with you and periodically after this. Measuring tapes are a low-cost piece of equipment, with prices starting at £2.

A blood pressure monitor

This helps to ensure your clients are safe when exercising and don’t have any underlying health conditions that they are unaware of. Digital blood pressure monitors can be purchased for between £20 and £200.

A first aid kit

In case of an accident or injury, a first aid kit is an essential piece of equipment. You may have to treat cuts, grazes, sprains or swelling, or even treat a more severe injury before professional medical treatment is sought. A fully stocked first aid kit can be purchased for approximately £15.

A website is useful for advertising your business. It should contain your contact information, your experience and areas of expertise, your training and qualifications, where you operate, the typical services offered and your client reviews. Design your website to include your business logo and to reflect your branding.

Business cards

Business cards are an important marketing tool and can be given to new or existing clients. They should include your business name, contact information and the types of services you offer.

Exercise Equipment:

A stopwatch

A stopwatch allows you to time your clients’ exercises and activities. A stopwatch looks more professional than using a phone. Stopwatches can be purchased for £5.

Exercise mats

These are vital for any floor work such as Pilates, yoga, planking and crunches. They help to prevent slips and falls and can prevent injuries. A strong reliable exercise mat typically starts at £20.

Medicine balls

These can be used to build muscle, strength and power. They can be thrown around without causing any damage to property. Medicine balls are available in different weights, typically from 3kg to 12kg. The cost of one medicine ball ranges from £10 to £40.

Exercise balls

These are often used to strengthen and stretch the body, improve core stability and improve balance. You may use them as part of your warm-up and cool-down routines. Prices range from £5 to £40.

Kettlebells

Kettlebells are one of the must-have items for personal trainers. They can be used to improve arm, shoulder and core strength, balance and coordination. They are great for fat loss and building muscles. You will need a set of kettlebells ranging in weight, with weights usually ranging from 4kg to 24kg. A set of kettlebells can cost between £50 and £450.

Dumbbells are similar to kettlebells, except they have a thicker handle for better grip and different weight distribution. Dumbbells are typically used for creating more muscle mass. A set of dumbbells can typically be purchased for between £50 and £150.

A suspension kit

A suspension kit can be used for bodyweight workouts. They comprise anchored straps, handles and foot stirrups and allow your clients to build their strength and core stability and improve their balance and mobility. Prices typically start at £25.

Boxing pads and boxing gloves

Boxing is a popular form of exercise and is a great way to directly engage with your clients’ workouts. A complete set of boxing equipment typically starts at £25.

Skipping ropes

Skipping ropes are a great cardiovascular exercise and can improve your clients’ stamina, strength, stability, balance and coordination. They can also be used as part of your warm-up routine. Skipping ropes can be purchased for £10.

Foam rollers

Foam rollers are great for cooldowns as they can help to relieve muscle tightness and soreness and reduce inflammation. Foam rollers typically start at £10.

Lifting straps

Lifting straps are great for your clients who are trying to build muscle and increase their strength. Lifting straps act as a support when lifting heavier weights and help to protect your clients’ hands. Prices start at £5.

Step-up boxes

Step-up boxes help to work out muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves. They typically retail for between £15 and £30.

Resistance bands

Resistance bands are available in an assortment of different strengths. They can be used to strengthen muscles and tone the body. Prices start at £10.

Typical Pricing

When planning your personal training business, is it essential that you calculate the estimated costs of setting up and running your business.

Calculating your expected costs can help you to better plan your business’s finances, estimate your monthly and annual costs and determine how much initial investment your business requires.

Some typical costs you can expect when setting up and running a personal training business are:

Your equipment will likely be your biggest expenditure. The type of equipment you require and the associated costs will vary depending on the type of personal training business you set up. To reduce your start-up costs, you could buy only essential equipment initially and then purchase more equipment as your business grows. You can expect to spend between £200 and £2,000 on equipment.

If you need to transport your equipment between clients or venues or need to take your equipment home at the end of each working day, you will need a vehicle. Depending on how much equipment you require and the size of the equipment, you may be able to use your current vehicle. If not, you may have to invest in a larger business vehicle. The cost of a vehicle can vary depending on the make and model, and whether it is new or used.

Maintaining, repairing and replacing equipment

Repairs, maintenance and replacements are ongoing costs you will need to factor into your budget. Correctly cleaning and maintaining equipment and ensuring it is used correctly can extend its life, but repairs and replacements are still inevitable, as using unsafe equipment could be dangerous.

Branding can help you to establish your personal training business’s identity and help your business to stand out from any local competition. Branding could include creating your business’s visual identity, a logo, your business name and your business website. You can hire a professional to help you with branding or do some of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £5,000, depending on the amount of branding you require.

Marketing and advertising

This can help you to attract clients and grow your business. You may require more advertising and marketing when your business first launches. It is recommended that you spend no more than 1%-3% of your annual revenue on advertising costs, for example, if you make £40,000 per year, you should spend between £400 and £1,200 on advertising. Some of the ways you can advertise are via your website, in local gyms and fitness centres, through leaflets, posters and business cards and via social media. As your business grows and you build your client base, you may be able to reduce your advertising costs.

You will need to enrol on several training courses in order to operate safely as a personal trainer. The costs of training courses can vary but prices typically start at £20 per person per course.

You may initially operate your business independently and then hire staff as your business grows. You could hire staff as permanent employees or as independent personal trainer freelancers. If you hire staff permanently, you will need to pay them at least the national minimum wage of £9.50 per hour and account for other expenses such as holiday pay, sick pay and maternity/paternity pay.

Business insurance

There are several types of coverage you could choose for your personal training business. Prices can vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose.

Business insurance typically chosen by personal trainers includes:

• Public Liability Insurance.
• Employers’ Liability Insurance.
• Business Vehicle Insurance.
• Personal Accident Insurance.
• Equipment and Stock Insurance.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Once you have calculated the typical costs associated with setting up and running your personal training business, you can then determine your pricing.

The majority of personal trainers charge per hour, although you may choose to charge per course. In order to attract new clients, you could offer discounts for booking a block of sessions. Your prices can also vary depending on whether you offer 1:1 or group sessions.

On average, personal trainers charge between £20 and £60 an hour.

However, your pricing can be affected by factors such as:

• Your location – prices are usually higher in city-centre locations.
• Your qualifications and training.
• Your experience.
• Your reputation.
• The type of training you offer.
• The venue you operate from.

Safely Running a Personal Training Business

Personal training, exercise and fitness can be a high-risk business. Accidents and injuries are common, whether from unsafe equipment, improper techniques, carelessness or unsafe practices.

Implementing safety procedures can help protect you, your business and your clients.

Some ways you can safely operate your personal training business include:

Properly maintain and set up equipment

Ensuring equipment is properly maintained, correctly set up and stable and safe to use can help to protect your clients from accidents or injuries. This is particularly important when using heavy equipment or moving equipment, such as exercise machines and weights. You should also perform regular equipment inspections to ensure your equipment’s safety and help to extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Register with a relevant body

Joining a professional register not only displays your professionalism but will also provide you with professional recognition, offer you continued professional development (CPD) and ensure your business and the industry is regulated. There are several registers you can choose from, including:

• The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
• The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Ensure all clients complete disclaimer forms

Any individual who engages in activities with an element of risk should complete a disclaimer form. If your client becomes injured during a session, a disclaimer form is a legal statement that limits your liability. Ensure you go through the disclaimer form carefully with every client and that they sign and date the form.

Complete a fitness assessment form and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

These forms allow you to establish your clients’ general health, including any health conditions, injuries and illnesses. They also allow you to record their health and fitness levels and exercise capabilities. Not only can these forms protect your clients, but they can also protect you and your business in the event of an injury.

Obtain emergency contact information and medical information

In the event of a serious injury, this will allow you to contact your client’s next of kin or inform medical professionals about any known allergies or health conditions.

Carry out risk assessments

Although risk assessments are only a legal requirement for businesses with more than five employees, they can help to ensure the safety of you and your clients. Risk assessments can help you to identify any potential hazards and risks in your business and how these can be reduced or eliminated.

As part of your risk assessment, you should:

• Identify hazards.
• Determine who could be at risk.
• Evaluate any potential risks.
• Implement relevant safety measures.
• Record the results of the risk assessment.
• Review the risk assessment regularly.

You may need to update your risk assessments if you get new equipment or if an accident or injury occurs.

Obtain health and safety training

Health and safety training can help to ensure safe practices at all times. As well as basic health and safety training, you could also obtain training on Fire Safety, Manual Handling, Assessing Risk, and PUWER Awareness. Consult our website for a complete list of health and safety training.

Implement cleaning policies and procedures

Strict cleaning procedures must be in place at all times, especially as many of your clients will use the same equipment. You should clean, disinfect and sanitise all equipment and surfaces between every client and then perform an intensive clean at regular intervals, such as every day.

Legal Requirements

Complying with legal requirements is essential for all businesses in the UK.

When operating your personal training business, some of the legal requirements you will need to adhere to are:

Obtain a personal trainer qualification

Most gyms, fitness centres and other establishments will require you to have a qualification in order to practise as a personal trainer. In fact, in many venues, you will not be legally allowed to work as a personal trainer without these qualifications.

Suitable qualifications include:

• Level 2 Fitness Instructor Certificate.
• Level 3 Personal Training Certificate.

Obtain a first aid certificate

You will need a valid first aid certificate in order to work as a personal trainer. Most first aid certificates are valid for three years, after which you will need to attend a refresher course and be awarded a new certificate.

Comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

These regulations apply to you and any other personal trainer you work with. You must ensure that any exercise equipment is fit for purpose, is maintained and inspected regularly, that health and safety risks are minimised to an acceptable level, that you have the correct knowledge and training to use the equipment, and that protective measures are put into place. You must also ensure the equipment is used under appropriate conditions.

Comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992)

Under these regulations , if your business has five or more employees you must ensure you conduct appropriate risk assessments, minimise any risks and maintain all equipment. Under the regulations, you must also make sure high levels of cleanliness are maintained and you have appropriate spacing. If you operate your business out of an existing gym or another venue, you will still need to ensure you comply with these regulations.

Comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

RIDDOR states that you must report all injuries, diseases and dangerous events that occur when your business is operating. Reports must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) using an appropriate recording document. This includes injuries that occur during workouts.

Comply with the Manual Handling Regulations (1992)

Manual handling is an inevitable part of personal training. You could be handling large or heavy equipment and supporting the weight or movement of your clients. Following manual handling regulations can help to protect you and your clients from sustaining an injury or illness as a result of manual handling tasks.

Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)

You must comply with both pieces of legislation when storing or sharing personal information, such as your clients’ contact details. You must also apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data Licence. If you process or store personal information such as client accounts and records, you will need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office and renew your registration every year.

Obtain a permit if operating outdoors

If you conduct any of your sessions in outdoor spaces, such as public parks and green spaces, your local authority may need you to obtain a permit (commonly known as a Personal Training Park Permit). The requirements can vary depending on where you live so contact your local authority for more information.

Obtain a criminal record check

If you train any children or vulnerable adults, you will need to apply for a criminal record check to prove your suitability.

The type of check you require depends on the country you live in:

• England: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Wales: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Scotland: Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
• Northern Ireland: AccessNI.

Apply for a music licence

If you play music during any of your workout sessions, you will need to apply for a Licence to Play Background Music from the PPL PRS and pay an annual fee.

Implement or follow health and safety policies and fire procedures

All businesses should have health and safety policies that help to manage health and safety in your business. You are also responsible for fire safety on your premises including conducting fire risk assessments and implementing fire safety measures and emergency procedures. When operating in other locations or venues, be aware of any emergency procedures you may need to follow.

Register your business

You must register your business with HMRC before you begin operating. You can register as a sole trader or as a limited company. You will need to register your business name and any other relevant information.

Register for self-assessment tax

This allows you to calculate and pay your own taxes each year. You will need to track your finances every month and submit any expenses as part of your tax assessment.

Positives of Owning a Personal Training Business

There are some great pros to owning a personal training business, such as:

Flexible hours

Your working hours will be completely in your control. You can choose to work weekdays or weekends, mornings or evenings, split shifts or full shifts, part-time or full-time. You could even choose to change your working hours regularly.

Make a real difference in people’s lives

Helping someone to improve their health, meet their fitness goals, improve their nutrition or succeed in a competition or race can be extremely rewarding. People with better fitness and nutrition usually have fewer health concerns and a longer life expectancy, meaning you can make a real difference in the lives of your clients.

Do what you love

Personal trainers usually love fitness and exercise and genuinely enjoy what they do. Being able to expand your education and knowledge, help people achieve their goals and exercise every day is a huge advantage to many trainers.

Stay physically fit

To succeed in your role, you will need to maintain a good level of physical fitness. You will spend a lot of your day helping your clients with exercise, demonstrating exercises, using machines and even leading exercise classes. You won’t be stuck behind a desk being sedentary for hours at a time, unlike many other professions. This can be beneficial to your own physical fitness and overall health.

It can be very rewarding

Seeing the difference you make in people’s lives can be very rewarding. You will witness the changes in people’s fitness, health and even their confidence, state of mind and wellbeing. This can be extremely rewarding.

Unlimited earning potential

You can set your own fees and take on as many clients as you choose. As your business and reputation grow, you can begin to charge higher prices. You can also expand your business by offering online sessions or hiring other staff. A personal training business can be an extremely lucrative enterprise.

Choose the type of personal trainer you want to be

There are many categories of personal trainers, and you can choose the type of business you want to run. Whether that’s a traditional personal trainer working in a gym, an at-home or online personal trainer or a trainer working in a non-traditional environment. You could also choose to specialise in a specific type of training, such as boot camp, weight management, or yoga instruction.

Constantly gaining new skills and knowledge

The personal training industry is constantly changing and improving, and you will always have the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge. New equipment, nutrition and diet plans and types of exercise are frequently introduced, and you will have constant access to resources.

Build your network

You can connect with like-minded professionals and other individuals or businesses working in your industry. This allows you to create a network and build your business.

Low start-up costs

A personal training business is a low-cost enterprise. You will have relatively low start-up costs and running costs, allowing you to maximise your profits and increase your income.

Work within your local community

Many personal trainers operate within their local area, for convenience. Not only will this allow you to make connections within your local community but it can also benefit both your personal and professional life.

Meet interesting people

You will meet a huge variety of people, with clients from different walks of life. As you will be spending a lot of time with your clients, you will likely get to know them, creating some great professional and personal relationships and learning about people from different backgrounds to you.

Client loyalty and recommendations

As you will spend a lot of time with your clients and they will place a high level of trust in you, you will hopefully experience client loyalty. As your clients see improvements in their fitness and health, they may also recommend you to their family and friends, helping you to grow your business.

Pick and choose your clientele

You can stop working with a specific client whenever you choose or choose not to take on a particular client if you are already too busy or feel like you cannot help them.

Face-to-face interaction

If you enjoy being around other people and connecting with new people, running a personal training business can be extremely rewarding. Most of your day, every day, will be spent with other people and you can meet lots of people in your local community.

You are your own boss

As the business owner, you can create your dream business, choose the type of personal training you will offer, choose your venue and choose your clientele. You will also have the power to design your own schedule.

Negatives of Owning a Personal Training Business

However, there are some negative aspects to running a personal training business that you should be aware of:

You may have to work unsociable hours

Although you can design your own schedule, personal trainers are most in-demand in the early morning or the evening and at weekends, when people are not at work and are more likely to go to the gym. To make your business succeed, you may have to work odd hours that are unsociable.

Lack of job security

As you will not be in a contract with any of your clients, they can choose to stop working with you at any time. Many people hire a personal trainer with the best intentions but then give up when they don’t see fast results. This means you have no guarantees for future work and could find yourself losing clients and losing income.

Lack of benefits

Not only will you not have a guaranteed income, but you also won’t receive benefits such as holiday pay and sick pay and pension contributions. You will also be responsible for paying all of your taxes yourself.

It can take time to build your business

Many personal trainers have to start small. It often takes a while to build your reputation and increase your client base. This could mean your profits are initially low.

It can be difficult to maintain your business long term

As you get older, working as a personal trainer can become more difficult. It may be more difficult to maintain a high fitness level and you may find it more difficult to attract new clients.

Competitive industry

Personal training can be extremely competitive, with there already being many successful personal trainers and personal training businesses. This can make it difficult to attract clients and even force you to lower your prices. Working in a competitive industry can also make it more difficult for your business to stand out.

Unrealistic expectation

Some of your clients may expect you to create instant results and may be disappointed when they don’t immediately see changes in their fitness and physique. They may stop working with you or leave negative reviews, which can have a detrimental effect on your reputation and income.

Work can be inconsistent

Personal trainers are usually busier at certain times of year compared to others. For example, many people join the gym in January or start exercising in the lead up to summer. This could mean there are other times of the year when you have fewer clients and your income is impacted.

High liability

A personal training business has many potential risks that could result in liability issues for you and your business. This could include accidents or injuries and the risks associated with using certain equipment. Not only can this be stressful, but it can also be detrimental to your business.

It can be stressful

As the business owner, you will have the sole responsibility of trying to make your business succeed. You will have a lot of important responsibilities, such as ensuring health and safety, advertising and marketing, creating health and fitness plans, training the clients and ensuring they are satisfied. This can be emotionally demanding, time-consuming and stressful.

Risk of your business failing

Starting up a personal training business can be risky. Many new businesses fail which could result in you losing money or getting into debt. Your business could fail for several reasons, such as high local competition, an ineffective business plan or if the UK encounters another recession or period of financial difficulty.

Planning Your Personal Training Business

If you are considering starting up a personal training business, an effective and well-designed business plan is essential. A business plan can help you to focus on the specific steps that will help your business succeed and grow. It can also help you to plan your short-term and long-term business goals and create your financial forecasts.

When creating your business plan, ensure it contains information such as:

• Your company information.
• Your company description.
• The services you will provide.
• Your branding, marketing and advertising plan.
• The structure of your business.
• The operational plan for your business.
• The financial plan for your business.

Some of the factors you need to consider when creating your personal training business plan include:

What type of personal training business will you run?

Will you operate out of a gym or fitness centre? Will you offer at-home or online training? Will you operate independently or in conjunction with another business or establishment? Deciding the type of business you set up will help you design your business brand and determine your target audience.

What type of training will you offer?

You may choose to specialise in a specific type of training or focus on a particular type of client, for example, training bodybuilders or athletes. Alternatively, you may offer broader training options to a variety of clients. Consider your qualifications and experience and your local competition when determining the type of training you will offer.

How will you attract potential clients?

Your marketing and advertising strategies will vary depending on the type of personal training business you set up. You could receive some clients through word of mouth recommendations, but you will also need an effective advertising plan. You could promote through social media, partner with other professionals in your industry, advertise in local fitness centres and give out leaflets.

What qualifications and training courses will you choose?

You will have several options available to you. Determine which qualifications will most benefit you and your business and which will be most attractive to your clients.

What are your equipment requirements?

Consult the list above to determine your equipment requirements. The equipment you require will depend on the type of personal training you specialise in and whether any equipment is available to use at your chosen venue. Once you have determined your equipment requirements, you can then calculate the initial costs of purchasing the equipment and the costs of repairs and replacements.

What are your initial set-up costs and running costs?

You need to determine your approximate start-up costs and running costs to enable you to calculate your initial investment and what your monthly or annual running costs will be. Creating a budget is a key part of your business plan. It can also help you to determine whether you can finance the business yourself or whether you require outside investment. Consult the list above to help you calculate the approximate costs associated with setting up and running your business.

What is your pricing strategy?

Once you have calculated your approximate costs, you can then determine your pricing strategy. You will need to decide whether to charge by the hour or per course. Your pricing will depend on multiple factors, such as your location, experience and the type of training you offer. You may want to consider offering discounts to help you attract new clients.

What are your sales forecasts?

You will need to determine how many clients you can feasibly take on each month and what your weekly, monthly and annual sales forecasts will be. As your business grows, your sales forecast will change. Your sales forecast and pricing strategy can be used to calculate your profit forecast.

How will you grow your client base?

An important consideration when planning your business is your strategy for growth. It can be difficult to grow your client base, especially when your business first launches. Creating a strategy for growth can help you to plan ahead and make it more likely that your business will succeed. Your strategy for growth is a key part of your one-year, three-year and five-year business plan.

What local competition do you have?

Analyse your local competition to help you determine how to make your personal training business successful. Look at the types of training they offer, their equipment, their price points and their marketing. You can then decide how to make your business stand out and how to attract clients. Investigating your local competition can also help you to confirm there is a market for your business.

What are your business objectives?

Determining your business objectives is an essential component when creating your business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your personal training business and help you to create a one-year, three-year, and five-year business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Achievable
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-bound

Have you complied with all legal requirements?

Consult the list above and ensure you have complied with all legal requirements before opening your personal training business. Failure to comply with the legal requirements could negatively affect your business and your profits.

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What To Include In Your Personal Trainer Business Plan

• 7th February 2019
• Insure4Sport
• Business Advice
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Running a personal trainer business is a lot like trying to improve your fitness. You need a detailed plan to give yourself the best chance of success.

After all, a company without a business plan is like a client without a programme – it can’t function to its full potential.

We know that creating a strong business plan to help you focus your efforts is no easy task, though. That’s why we’ve created a list of what to include in your personal trainer business plan.

Executive summary

The executive summary is essentially a synopsis of your business plan. It should tell the reader what your business is about, its mission and its financial projections.

This is considered the make-or-break part of your business plan, so keep it as clear and concise as possible. Ideally, your executive summary should be around a page of A4 and take up less than 10% of the document .

In addition to the above, there are several other key points to include in your executive summary which you may not have thought of, such as your marketing strategy, business model and target market.

Again, though, you want to keep this information as concise as possible. One or two sentences on each point should do the trick.

Check out this article for further tips on writing an executive summary for your personal trainer business.

Business overview

Now we move onto the more granular parts of your personal trainer business plan, starting with the business overview section.

Your business overview appears after the executive summary and should include your company’s name, location, target market, and ownership structure. For instance, whether you’re operating as a sole trader or partnership.

This section should also outline the facilities you’re operating in, the equipment you’ll use and your company’s unique selling points (USPs).

Another core element of the business overview is your mission statement , which should include your company’s values, what you’re trying to achieve and how you’ll get there.

A mission statement isn’t essential if you’re a sole trader, though, as it’s more geared towards employees and stakeholders.

Products and services

The products and services section of your personal trainer business plan should provide a brief description of what you’re offering and why.

For instance, if you’re providing a service such as one-to-one personal training sessions, you need to explain what they’ll involve and their benefits to clients.

The same applies if you’re selling a product like fitness supplements or e-Books. Why are you selling these items and what are the benefits to your clients?

You may also want to add in any future product or services you plan on offering. Even if you’re not providing them right now, you never know what the future holds.

Financial plan

No personal trainer business plan is complete without the financial plan section. If you’re a sole trader or small and medium-sized enterprise looking for investment, this acts as a snapshot for any potential investors and gives them an idea of how profitable your business will be in the long run.

The main questions you should be aiming to answer here are:

• How much are you going to spend?
• How are you going to fund your business?
• How much profit do you expect to make?

If you don’t know where to begin with all of this, don’t panic – once again, Google is your friend. This article explains in very simple terms how to create a financial plan.

Marketing strategy

Once you’ve established your business, you need to work out how you’re going to promote its service(s) to potential clients. This is where your marketing strategy comes in.

We touched on USPs earlier in the article – the marketing strategy section is where you’ll list your company’s USPs in more detail, and outline the online/offline marketing channels you’re going to use to communicate these USPs. Marketing channels which are commonly used by personal trainers include blogging, email marketing, social media, print marketing, and leaflet marketing.

In addition, this section should include some information on how you’re going to position the business, the prices you’ll charge and the factors influencing these prices

For more advice on how to market your business, check out our interactive guide for personal trainers .

Market analysis

This section of your personal trainer business plan is an opportunity to demonstrate that you know your industry and target market inside out.

Your market analysis should outline what your customer’s needs are and how these needs are being met.

Here are some examples of market insights you could include:

• General fitness industry trends
• The size of the personal trainer market
• The personal trainer market’s forecasted growth over the next five to 10 years
• How many people in the UK are gym members?
• How many people live within a five-mile radius of your facility?
• The age range and income of your target market
• The typical behaviours and lifestyle of your target market

Establishing the above will help you work out how you’re going to position your business to potential customers and what you can offer them that’s in some way different to the competition.

This leads nicely onto our next point…

Competitor analysis

You need to understand rival businesses as well as your own in order to be successful.

This is widely regarded as the most difficult section of a business plan, so carrying out extensive research is key before you fill this out.

The competitor analysis section should include such key information as:

• Who your competitors are
• Their strengths and weaknesses
• The benefits they offer to customers
• The marketing techniques they use
• How your business differs from theirs
• How you will take market share away from them

A quick search of their website and social media channels should give you most, if not all, of this information.

If you’re competing with a reputable company, you may also want to read trade magazines for any interesting promotions or news stories they’ve put out.

Operations plan

The operations plan is where you’ll summarise how you’ll carry out day-to-day jobs and how your company is structured. Specifically, its location, facilities, opening hours, any technology or equipment you use, details of suppliers, and so on.

For example, if you’re a sole trader – do you rent a gym or studio, who supplies your workout equipment, etc?

This article gives further guidance on how to write your operations plan and there are templates online which detail the key information you need to include.

Management team

Last, but certainly not least, is another major component of your personal trainer business plan – the management team section.

Whether you’re operating as a sole trader or employ other personal trainers, you need to include a management overview in your plan.

This section should explain how your company is structured and who’s responsible for its management – the important stuff potential investors will want to know about!

It should also detail the salaries of each person involved with the company and give some basic HR information. Namely, how you’re going to recruit staff and the training you’ll provide for them.

Once you’ve got this information down on paper, your personal trainer business plan is good to go and you can focus on attracting and retaining clients!

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• Business Plan for Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer Small Business Idea and Business Plan

Starting your own small business in the UK isn’t easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success.

To start a Personal Trainer business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan.

Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Personal Trainer business running like a well-oiled machine. The business plan you develop will help you organize the elements needed into a strategy that you can actually use to startup, by paving a clear road map as to what you need to follow for the lifespan of your business.

Starting a Personal Trainer business isn’t easy, but when done right, it can lead to a lot of success.

To help you get started, you can use the free business plan builder tool to develop your own Personal Trainer business plan.

The business plan template is very easy to use, is interactive and will quickly and easily help you create your business plan just by answering the needed questions about your small business idea.

Create your own Personal Trainer business plan for free using the Business Plan Builder

The free business plan template builder is divided into a few easy to follow steps.

The free business plan builder template is provided by UKStartups.org to help you develop your own business plan. For step by step guidance, see the 5 steps below.

Once completed, the result will be a clean, professional plan that will help you start your own Personal Trainer small business in the UK.

When you have completed your Personal Trainer business plan, the next step will be to find available funding that will help, or to speak with a funding adviser who will assist you each step of the way to securing the needed funds to make your Personal Trainer business startup.

If you are looking to limit your startup costs when starting up a Personal Trainer small business in the UK, this free business plan builder tool will be it.

Starting a Personal Trainer business is only one of the ways others have used this free business plan tool. There are hundreds of different ideas you can start, and if you need guidance, do reach out to a UKStartups expert to get the needed assistance and guidance.

Step 1. Your business information

To develop a proper Personal Trainer business plan with the free business plan builder template, it is important to answer each of the questions about your business to the best of your abilities.

What is your business? What are the products/services you provide? Who are your customers? What are your goals…etc?

Having a clear explanation will help you create a in-depth business plan that you can actually use to start the Personal Trainer business and to apply for needed funding to cover your startup costs.

Step 2. Projecting your revenues/income

The Personal Trainer industry can have great results. Planning and projecting the financial figures to approximate what you will make each year is crucial to building a strong business plan.

What do you think your business will make from each of its products/services? Simply list your products/services, enter the appropriate financial figures (costs and expenses).

If you don’t have the figures, in many cases it is recommended to do a a bit more research on other Personal Trainer businesses locally and within your own region to get an idea of potential revenue. You can do your best to estimate the figures and growth potential.

If you need assistance in projecting, you can always contact UK Startups funding experts for the help.

Step 3. Your business market

As a Personal Trainer business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level.

Explain your location of business, share specifics about your customers, showcase your competition and explain the advantages you have over your competition.

Step 4. The future plan

Starting your own Personal Trainer business and getting it off the ground is important to you.

No matter if you’re planning on applying for government funding for your Personal Trainer business or not, it is important to plan out the future and provide an explanation of how you will grow the business. This means explaining your marketing plan, your sales strategy and clearly outlining a growth plan for the next few years.

Be sure to break this down step by step to show how you intend on making sure your Personal Trainer business can grow each year.

Keep in mind that often business plans are focused on key people. Be sure to discuss yourself, your role and any other key figures in the business as well.

Step 5. The financials

In the end, it all comes down to the financials. If you are seeking funding, or not – the business plan you develop needs to have clearly defined financials or projections. The business plan builder tool makes it easy to develop your financial charts by simply entering your expected revenues per month and year. If you don’t have the figures as it’s a new business be sure to project the figures based on your expectations. If you need help with this, ask the UK Startups experts .

A clear breakdown of your funding needs is also recommended in case you are seeking funding and this free business plan template will help you with exactly that. When developing your Personal Trainer business plan using this free template, the above 5 steps are recommended in order to succeed. While there are other key points that will assist you in starting your business, finding funding...etc, the free template will help put you on the right path

Be sure to request a professional to review your business plan , to answer any questions you may have and to help you with the funding search once you’ve done the initial free template. You can request this directly via UKStartups.org and through the Small Business Startup Platform as a member.

If starting a Personal Trainer business is just one of your ideas, perhaps considering other options, here are some popular small business’s others have chosen to startup

• Hot Tub Store
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• Research Foundation
• Paraguayan Restaurant

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Key Legal Considerations When Setting Up a Personal Trainer Business

By Thomas Sutherland

Updated on 30 October 2023 Reading time: 5 minutes

This article meets our strict editorial principles. Our lawyers, experienced writers and legally trained editorial team put every effort into ensuring the information published on our website is accurate. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Learn more .

1. Business Structure

2. registration and licensing, 3. insurance.

• 4. Health and Safety 

Key Takeaways

Starting a personal trainer business can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour, allowing you to help new clients achieve their fitness goals while pursuing your passion. However, like any business, there are key legal considerations that you must address to ensure your venture’s success and compliance with the law. This article will delve deeper into the essential legal aspects that personal trainers must know when setting up their businesses.

Choosing the right business structure is a crucial foundational decision when starting a personal training business in the UK fitness industry .

In the UK, common business structures include sole traderships, limited companies, traditional partnerships, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, each structure has differing implications for liability, taxation and regulation.

For example, as a sole trader, you are personally responsible for the business’ debts and liabilities. While there is little administration in running the business, the fact your assets are at risk is significant.

Operating as a limited company provides the most protection for personal assets. The company is a separate legal entity, and your liability is limited to your investment in the business. However, setting up and maintaining a limited company involves more administrative requirements.

A traditional partnership involves two or more individuals sharing the business’ responsibilities and profits. Usually, they will agree to a written partnership agreement to outline the roles and responsibilities of each partner. In contrast, an LLP combines elements of both partnerships and limited companies by offering some protection of personal assets while allowing flexibility in management.

Depending on your business structure and location, you may need to register your personal trainer business and obtain the necessary licenses. In the UK, no specific license is required to become a personal trainer . However, you may need licenses or certifications if you intend to run a gym or offer specialised services (such as nutrition-based courses).

Verifying whether your local council or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires licenses or permits to operate your business legally is important. Additionally, if you plan to handle the data of potential clients, you must adhere to data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Insurance is a vital aspect of any physical activity-related business. It can protect exercise professionals from costly legal actions in case of accidents or injuries to clients. There are two essential types of insurance for personal trainers in the UK: public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance protects your business from accident claims during business activities. If a client is injured or suffers property damage due to your fitness instructing activities, this covers you. It is a fundamental insurance policy for personal trainers, as accidents can happen in a fitness setting.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional indemnity insurance protects you as the service provider. Specifically, it protects you against professional negligence claims, such as incorrect advice or injuries resulting from your training sessions.

It is crucial to have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your business and personal assets.

4. Health and Safety 

Maintaining a safe training environment is paramount for a personal trainer. Fitness professionals should know health and safety regulations, including:

• providing a safe space;
• properly maintaining equipment;
• establishing emergency procedures; and
• conducting suitable risk assessments.

Adhering to these regulations can reduce the risk of accidents and legal liabilities. 

It is also good to ask clients to sign a liability waiver. Clients sign this legal document to acknowledge the potential risks associated with physical training and release the trainer from liability in case of injury. While these waivers are not foolproof, they can provide legal protection.

It is advisable to consult with an expert lawyer to draft effective health and safety documentation and liability waivers tailored to your personal trainer business.

LegalVision’s Startup Manual is essential reading material for any startup founder looking to launch and grow a successful startup.

Starting and running a personal trainer business can be fulfilling, but it is crucial to be aware of the legal considerations involved. By addressing factors such as business structure, insurance, contracts, and compliance with health and safety regulations, you can set a solid legal foundation for your business.

Consulting with expert lawyers can provide valuable guidance throughout the process, ensuring that your personal trainer business operates smoothly and within the boundaries of the law. Personal trainers who understand and navigate the legal landscape diligently will be better equipped to help their clients achieve their fitness goals while building a successful and legally compliant business.

If you need legal assistance setting up a personal trainer business, our experienced business structure lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page .

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Personal Trainer: Sole Trader or Limited Company?

• Last Updated: 5th March 2020
• Personal Training Resources
• Verified By: Luke Hughes

As a personal trainer, you have the choice of registering as a sole trader or as a limited company. 

Regardless of whether you’re newly qualified or you have a couple of years of industry experience behind you, the opportunity to take control of your career and set up your own business is yours to take.

But, which option is best? 

Check out our comparison below and then keep reading to learn how to register your PT business. 

In the fitness industry, you'll want to make your business unique and the best way to do this is with our Sports Nutrition Course .

Enquire to find out how you can improve your service and download our course prospectus to see what we have to offer.

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The majority of people who start their own business in this industry register as a self employed personal trainer - but this isn't the only option out there.

Even if you want to set up a business completely on your own, you can still register as a limited company.

Choosing the right business structure to register your PT business is a big deal so obviously, you want to get it right. This is a really important decision so the best thing to do is weigh up the pros and cons of each.

Fortunately for you, we’ve got that comparison covered. 

Don’t worry if you’re not sure about which option is best, below we’ve explained the pros and cons of registering as a limited company vs sole trader so that you can work out which is best for your business.

Personal Trainer Business Registration: Sole Trader 

As we mentioned above, most people who are just starting out with their own business will register as self-employed. This is the same as becoming a sole trader.

If you’re wondering ‘what exactly is a sole trader?’, a sole trader is essentially a self-employed person who owns their own business, so you might find that we use the terms ‘sole trader’ and ‘self-employed’ interchangeably. 

One thing to know is you can register as a sole trader even if you have employees or plan to hire people in the near future. Being a sole trader does not mean you have to work alone, it means you are the sole owner of the business.

The number one reason that a personal trainer would choose to become a sole trader is that it is much easier to register as a sole trader than it is a limited company (at least that’s what most people think).

However, when it comes to registering your business there’s a lot more to think about than how hard it is to register. 

We’ll explain how to register soon, but for now, let's focus on the benefits of registering as a sole trader.

The Pros Of Being A Sole Trader

Considering that becoming a sole trader is the most common business structure in the UK, it’s clear that there are plenty of benefits associated with this business structure. 

So, here they are!

Be Your Own Boss

Seeing as you’re searching for answers to whether a personal trainer should register as a sole trader or a limited company, you’ve probably thought a lot about the benefits of being your own boss. 

This benefit isn’t exclusive to being a self-employed personal trainer, as you’ll still be your own boss if you form a limited company. 

However, as a sole trader you’ll have total ownership over your business and full control over any plans concerning future plans and the direction of the business. 

This could be the case if you started a limited company, but within that structure it’s likely you’ll have shareholders who will also have a say in how the business is run.

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Free & Easy To Set Up

As we touched on briefly above, probably the biggest benefit of registering as a sole trader is that it’s both free and easy to get set up and register your business for tax purposes.

We’ll explain the full process of how to register as a sole trader later, but for the sake of this comparison, all you need to know is that it’s really straightforward.

You can even get set-up online, and you won’t have to pay any costs whereas you would be required to pay a fee to Companies House if you were to form a limited company.

Minimal Bookkeeping 

Another reason that a lot of people steer more towards registering as a sole trader is that it’s a lot easier when it comes to bookkeeping and managing your accounts. 

You will have to submit a self assessment Tax Return to HMRC every year, but as long as you keep on top of your accounts then this won’t be difficult.

As a self-employed individual, you work out your profits by deducting any business expenses from your income.

Your bookkeeping can be as simple as lists of your income and your expenses. However, this needs to be supported by documentary evidence of sales and purchase invoices.

Although your bookkeeping is still fairly simple, it is still highly recommended that you hire an accountant when it comes to submitting your tax return to HMRC.

This will cost you around £300, but the role of all accountants is to organise your finances and save you money, you’ll find that they save you much more than they cost. 

Tax Allowances For Business Expenses

If you register as a sole trader, you’ll also have the benefit of being able to claim for PT business expenses .

These expenses will be tax deductible, so you can subtract these costs from your total profit, meaning you won’t have to pay tax for them.

However, you can only claim expenses that are incurred ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes.

That means that for any assets that you use for personal and business use, like your mobile phone, you can only claim for the expenses that were incurred for business purposes. 

For example, if you use the same phone for personal reasons and for business, you cannot then claim the whole cost of your phone bill.

But, you can claim for say 25% of your phone bill if you use your phone for business purposes 25% of the time.

When it comes to filing your tax return, you’ll find that you save a lot of money on tax by including these ‘little’ expenses as part of your business outgoings. It’s best to get an accountant to go through these expenses and file for your tax return above.

As we said above, this will cost you a small fee initially but the amount that your accountant saves you in tax will be much more than that.

You Keep All of The Profits

When you make money as a personal trainer , you keep whatever profits your business makes after tax.

Because you won’t have any shareholders or investors if you’re self-employed, you’ll be able to retain all of the profits from the business for yourself, without having to share them out. 

As a sole trader, your accounts and other details about your company will be private.

Whereas a limited company has to register with Companies House, meaning their Annual Return and Accounts are available on public records, this isn’t the case for sole traders.

This is a benefit as details of your business, shareholders, or directors will not be available to the public, and more importantly, your competitors. 

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Easy to Change Structure 

Finally, another benefit of registering as a sole trader is that it’s really easy to change the structure of your business should you want to further along the line.

There’s no doubt that you’ll consider registering your PT business as a limited company after reading the benefits of doing so a little further on, but it might not be right for your business right now.

This is especially true if you’re just getting started and you haven't got a good client base as of yet, or if you want to start off with a part-time business so that you can still have a salaried role for some income security. 

However, as your business grows and your profits increase, being self-employed might no longer be the best option.

Fortunately, changing your business structure from a sole trader to a limited company isn't a complicated process. If you decide that being a sole trader isn’t right for your business anymore, you can always form a limited company.  

The Cons of Being A Sole Trader 

Unfortunately it isn’t all good news, there are a couple of cons to think about before you go ahead and register as a self employed personal trainer.

Debts and Liability

One thing to really consider before you set up as a sole trader is liability.

If you register as a sole trader then there is no legal separation between you as the business owner and your business itself.

This means that when you register as a sole trader, there is no legal distinction between your personal money and your business' money, and so you (as the sole trader) are personally liable for all of the debts and liabilities of the business. 

This liability is unlimited, which means that there is a higher personal risk involved because your personal finances could be affected.

For example, if your business has any unpaid debts, then because you are personally responsible for repaying that debt it could come out of your personal finances or assets (e.g. your house or your car).

Paying Income Tax

Another downside of registering as a sole trader is that this business structure is not as tax efficient as a limited company.

As a sole trader, your entire taxable income will be liable for Income Tax and National Insurance.

You will have a personal allowance of £12,500 just as you would if you were paid a salary by an employer.   

After that, you pay basic rate tax of 20% for any income up to £50,000, and a higher rate of 40% tax on any income between £50,001 and £150,000. Any income over £150,000 is taxed at an additional rate of 50%.

Once your income really starts to increase, or if your business already has a sizable income, you’ll probably find that you pay a lot more tax as a sole trader than you would if you registered as a limited company. 

Note : These figures are correct for the tax year 2019/20, but they might change at the start of the new tax year (6th April 2020). 

If you’re reading this after the new tax year, then have a quick check for updated tax rates.

National Insurance Payments

In addition to Income Tax, self-employed people (or sole traders) also have to make National Insurance contributions.

If you choose to register as a sole trader, there are two kinds of National Insurance contributions that could apply. Those are Class 2 and Class 4.    

If the profits from your business are greater than £6,365 for the year, then you will need to pay Class 2 National Insurance which will cost you £3.00 a week.

If your profits exceed £8,632 a year, then you will also pay Class 4 National Insurance.

You’ll pay this at a rate of 9% on all profits between and £8,632 and £50,000, and then 2% on profits that exceed that £50,000 yearly threshold.

Remember that your profits are defined by your total yearly income with any business expenses deducted, not a salary that you choose to pay yourself out of the business profits.

Again, these figures often change at the start of a new tax year so it’s best to refer to the UK Government  website to be sure of the thresholds. 

After reading this article, you should also give these ones a read too!

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You’ll Be Perceived As A Smaller and Less Established Business 

Outside of having to pay more for tax and national insurance, another con of being a sole trader is that there might be a perception that your business is smaller or less established if you aren’t set up as a limited company. 

This in itself comes with a couple of disadvantages.

Generally speaking, being a sole trader rather than a company could make your services less attractive to clients or potential investors.

Seeing as we’re talking about personal trainer business registration, this isn't really something to worry about because it’s unlikely that your PT clients will care about your business structure.

However, if you want to expand or start a bigger business, for example if you’re thinking of opening your own PT studio, then being a sole trader might hold you back a little.

Personal Training Business Registration: Limited Company

You might be pretty set on the idea of registering your personal trainer business as a sole trader, but don’t make any decisions just yet. 

It’s worth knowing about the pros and cons of registering as a limited company so check them out below.

Pros Of A Limited Company

Debts and liability .

Registering as a private limited company means that your business is its own legal entity and your personal liability is limited - yes, that is why it’s called a limited company. 

Whereas a sole trader would be personally liable for all of their business debts and liabilities, that isn't the case if you register your PT business as a limited company.

In this case, your role would be the business director. As the director of the business, you are still responsible for all legal and financial decisions, but your personal finances are completely separate from that of the business. 

This is a huge benefit of this business structure because it eliminates the risks associated with working as a sole trader.

That’s because your personal assets and finances are protected by the law, leaving only your investment at risk if your business does fail. 

If your business falls into a lot of debt, you could choose to use your personal assets to pay off the debt, but legally you wouldn’t need to.

Tax Benefits

Another key advantage of registering as a limited company is that this is a lot more tax-efficient than being a sole trader.

If you register as a limited company, then you will pay corporation tax as opposed to income tax. 

Corporation tax is currently (tax year 2019/20) at a rate of 19% on all profits between £0 and £300,000, and according to the UK Government that rate might even reduce to 17% in April 2020.

This is a pretty significant difference to the rate you would pay as a sole trader, especially if you earn over £50,001 and have to pay the higher rate of 40%. 

Limited companies also save on National Insurance Contributions. As the director of a limited company, you need to pay National Insurance on salaries but not on dividends.

So as the director of a limited company, you can choose to take a small salary that comes just below the primary threshold for National Insurance (£719 a month) and then draw most of your income in the form of dividends. 

If this salary is your only income, then you won’t pay National Insurance or Income Tax, meaning that you’ll take home more money!

Low Start-Up Costs

Despite what most people assume, the cost of registering your business as a limited company is actually pretty low.

Not only that, but the amount of time it takes to get set up is also a lot less than you would think.

Personal trainer business registration can cost as little as £12 and you register online then the company is usually registered within 24 hours of making that payment. 

We’ll go through exactly how to do this shortly, but for now, we just wanted to point out that whilst a benefit of being self-employed is that it’s free to get set up, the cost of registering a PT business as a limited company isn't that much more.

Appear More Professional And Raise Capital

An advantage of setting up a limited company is that your business will appear more professional.

Limited companies can find it easier to raise capital because banks and investors tend to prefer dealing with limited companies, rather than sole traders.

This is largely because a limited company's accounts are more transparent as they have to register with Companies House.

For your average PT business, this might not be entirely relevant. But when it comes to building your brand, for example opening your own studio, you might need investors, a loan from the bank, or to deal with bigger companies.

In this instance, you’ll benefit if you’re registered as a limited company because you’ll find it easier to lend from banks and you’ll be able to raise capital by issuing new shares. 

Cons Of A Limited Company

Before you skip straight to how to register your PT business, have a look at some of the downsides to this structure so that you can make a fully informed decision.

Complicated Accounting 

The main reason a lot of people are put off registering as a limited company is that accounting for this kind of business is more complicated than that of a sole trader.

The accounts of a limited company accounts have to use double-entry bookkeeping to produce the year-end accounts. This also has to include a balance sheet with statutory notes and statements. 

As the director of the business, it would be your responsibility to record information on tax returns, business expenses, and keep the business accounts up to date, on a monthly basis. 

This can get pretty complicated, plus failing to file your tax returns or making a mistake will result in a fine from HMRC.

For that reason, you will need an accountant. 

The fee for an accountant will be slightly higher than that of a sole trader, probably costing you anything from £600 to £1200.  

But again this is 100% worth it. An accountant will make sure that everything is done by the book, and they’ll also save you some money, too.

Details On Public Record

As a limited company, you’ll have to publish your accounts to Companies House each year. Your accountant will handle this for you, however, one thing that you need to know is that these details will be made available on public record.

These details include your accounts, the business address, details of the director, shareholders, and anyone else with significant control over the business. 

This reduces the privacy of your business because your information will be publically accessible on Companies House record so anybody can order and access this company information. 

Shared Decision Making 

If one of your main motivations for starting your own business is being your own boss, then it’s worth thinking about whether you’d be happy having to consider the input and ideas of a shareholder.

This is only a disadvantage if you have a bigger business with a shareholder.

The bigger the share of the shareholders, the less ownership you have over your business, so their opinions and views have to be taken into consideration when you’re making any business decisions.

Closing A Limited Company Can Be Difficult

Finally, one thing that’s important to consider is the process of closing a limited company.

This can be pretty difficult as there are a lot more formal processes to go through before you can close a limited company.

This process is especially difficult compared to deciding that you no longer want to trade as a sole trader, so if you aren't entirely sure of which structure is best, it might be a good idea to start off as a sole trader before you make the commitment.

How to Register As A Sole Trader

By this point, you’ve hopefully got more of an idea of which structure suits your business best. 

If you’ve decided to register as a self employed personal trainer, then here’s what you need to know about the actual process of personal training business registration.

Name Your Business 

When it comes to naming your business you can choose to trade under your own name or you can choose a different name for your business.

As a sole trader, you don’t need to register your business name unless you want to stop other people from trading under the same name as your business. If that is the case, then you’ll need to register your business as a trade mark.

Your business name can not imply that your business is a limited company when it is not. For example, you cannot name your sole trader business ‘Bob’s Personal Training Limited’ or ‘Ltd’. 

Your name also can’t be offensive, contain a sensitive word, or a word that suggests that your business is associated with the government or a local authority.

Finally, your name can’t be the same as an existing trade mark so it’s worth double-checking before you start trading.

Registering Your Personal Trainer Business

First things first, you’ll need the following information:

• National Insurance number
• Date of Birth
• Postal Address
• Telephone Number
• Email Address
• Business Name
• Type of Business

To get started, you need to register for and file your Self Assessment tax return with HM Revenue and Customs. You can do this by completing the online form via HMRC online services .

If you would rather, you can print off the form and send it via post, or call HMRC to register. 

You need to complete this registration by the 5th of October in your business’s second tax year at the very latest. 

What Comes Next?

Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to send a Self Assessment tax return every year. 

A simple way to make sure that you can afford to pay your taxes when the Self Assessment deadline comes around it to put away at least 20% of your income every month.

You’ll also need to keep records of all of your business incomings and outgoings. 

That means you’ll need to keep all receipts for any business expenses, for example buying equipment or paying rent to the gym.

You’ll also need to make a record of your incomings, for a personal training business this will mainly be client payments.

A good way to do your bookkeeping is by inputting all of your incomings and outgoings on to a spreadsheet. 

Setting up an account on Google Docs and using Google Sheets is a good idea because it's free and it’s really easy to use. 

When it comes to filing your tax return, you should 100% hire an accountant. This might seem like an unnecessary cost but the peace of mind they provide, and the amount of money they can save you, makes it very much worth it.

Personal Trainer Business Registration As A Limited Company 

If you’re set on registering your business as a limited company, here’s how you can get set up. 

There can only ever be one active UK company with any particular name, so you can’t register a business name that's the same as another limited company.

Even if the name of your business is too similar to that of another company or a trade mark, you might still need to change it. 

Once you’ve registered with Companies House, your business name will be protected and no other company will be able to use the same name or one that is too similar.

Going back to our ‘Bob’s Personal Training limited’ example, if you choose this business name then another business won’t be able to register as ‘Bob’s Personal Training UK limited’ or ‘Bobs Personal Training limited’ because these are classed as ‘same as’ names. 

Registering Your Personal Training Business

If you choose to set your business up as a limited company, you’ll need to register with Companies House and Register for Corporation Tax.

Again, you can do both of these things online via the Government's website or you can register with Companies House by post, using an agent, or using a third-party software.

If you chose one of the latter options, you will also need to register for Corporation Tax separately within 3 months of starting to do business. 

You’ll need at least 3 of the following for yourself and any shareholders or guarantors:

• Town of birth
• Mothers maiden name
• Fathers first name 
• Telephone number
• Passport number 

To register online, it costs £12 and your company will be registered within 24 hours.

Once you’re registered, you’ll get a certificate of incorporation which is a legal document that confirms that your company legally exists.

Accounting for a limited company is a lot more difficult than that of a sole trader so hiring an accountant to help with your tax is the logical next step.

HMRC could fine you upto £3000 if your accounting records aren’t right, so even if you think you can manage your accounts yourself, it’s still essential to hire a professional to take control of your financial records.

Before You Go!

Now you've got more of an idea of whether you should register your personal training as a sole trader or a limited company you should focus on how to stand out from the crowd. With our Level 4 Fitness Courses , starting with our Sports Nutrition Qualification , you can offer clients more.

Download our course prospectus here and contact our team to find out what other qualifications you can gain.

Written by Abbie Watkins

Join Abbie on Facebook at the OriGym Facebook Group

Holding an MA Marketing Communications and Branding as well as a BSc Psychology from the University of Liverpool, Abbie’s experience encompasses the retail, hospitality and fitness industries. Since joining OriGym, she has become a qualified Personal Trainer and gone on to complete a specialist qualification in advanced Sports Nutrition. Abbie’s main focuses cover staying up to speed with YouTube fitness influencers, identifying successful and innovative content formats. She has contributed to various publications, including the Daily Express. Beyond OriGym, she enjoys going on scenic runs and upbeat exercise classes, and often found on the front row of a Saturday morning spin class. 

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How To Start a Business in the UK

Want to start a business? Here is what you need to know to pursue entrepreneurship and start a small business in the UK.

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Before starting your business, you should have a good grasp of the costs and expenses, including rent, goods and staff.

Ever find yourself wondering how to start a business? From the freedom and flexibility to getting paid to do something you love, there are many reasons why jumping into entrepreneurship can be a fulfilling career move.

Currently, there are over five million businesses in the UK — from sole traders to limited companies. And thankfully, getting set up as a business owner isn’t as complex as it first seems. This article covers the ins and outs of starting your own business.

The Bottom Line

Successfully launching your own business starts with solid planning. From a foundational business plan to setting up an emergency nest egg, you can turn your vision into a lucrative company with the right prep work. A detailed business plan, a comprehensive marketing plan, and solid bookkeeping are some of the foundational elements to setting up and running a business in the UK.

Creating a Business Plan for Your Venture

A business plan gives structure to your vision. It provides you with detailed insights including market research, market metrics, and other blueprints for your success.

A great business plan may include information like:

• Your unique selling proposition (what makes you stand out among your competitors)
• Insights into market conditions 
• A cash flow forecast 
• Roles and responsibilities 
• Financial and other business goals 
• Potential problems 

Tax and Financial Planning

Tax and financial planning should be high on your list of priorities. Most business owners in the UK must pay National Insurance contributions (Class 2 and Class 4). In addition, you’ll need to pay income tax on profits if you make more than £12,570 per year (the personal allowance for the 2023-2024 tax year). Even if you make below this threshold, you’ll still need to submit an annual tax return.

As such, it’s important to set aside money each month to ensure you can cover your tax bill at the end of the year. Many experts recommend setting aside 30% of your total income to give you some leeway if your tax calculations are off.

Bookkeeping

As a UK business owner, it’s crucial to keep track of all the money that goes in and out of your business. It’s also important to retain any receipts for your bills and expenses.

Several great accounting software tools are available to help make this more doable. Reputable options include Wave, Bonsai and Xero. Accounting tools can help process bills and invoices, automate payments, and keep track of earnings and expenses.

The Emergency Fund 

The first few years of business can be tough. Unforeseen expenses can arise, and you may struggle to find customers or clients while you are still establishing yourself. A savings account of three to six months of monthly expenses can help provide you with a safety net and much-needed peace of mind.

Marketing and Advertising

If you don’t have your marketing down, you don’t have a sustainable business. Creating bitesize goals that commit you to a regular marketing schedule is a great way to stay on track and keep new business coming in. Jennifer Goforth Gregory , author of The Freelance Content Marketing Writer, recommends undertaking five daily marketing activities. These can be small daily undertakings, like asking for an endorsement on Linkedin.

Building a solid website is critical when it comes to building a brand. It is difficult to attract customers without one. Make sure to find a website builder and website hosting service that fits your small business' unique needs. Many of these will also provide ecommerce options if you plan on selling physical or virtual products online.

Depending on your industry, you may also like to experiment with some of the following marketing approaches:

Networking 

Network with prospective clients, customers, and service providers in adjacent industries (e.g. painters and tilers), and even “competitors” who can refer work out to you when they don’t have the bandwidth for it.

Cold Email Outreach 

Admittedly, cold outreach has a low conversion rate of 2.9% . But it’s still one of the most effective ways to drum up new business when you’re just starting out. To increase your conversions, always include social proof — such as a list of impressive clients from a past role or a short testimonial. Always make sure your emails are General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.

Social Media 

Research your customers’ preferred social media channels—are they on LinkedIn, TikTok, or Instagram? Always follow the 10 to 1 rule: curate 10 interesting and informative posts for every sales-promoting ad to help effectively build your audience.

Things to Consider When Starting a Business

Costs and expenses .

You should have a clear understanding of costs and expenses when starting your business. To get off the ground, you may need to cover the costs of rent, goods, insurance, staff and more.

Once you have an understanding of your costs and expenses, you can put into play some strategies to help reduce them:

• Create a budget 
• Look into funding sources including investors, accelerators, crowdfunding and loans
• Minimize startup costs by seeking for reusable, second-hand or other low-cost alternatives
• Invest in automation

Rules and Regulations 

No matter where you are in the UK, you must register your business with HM Revenu & Customs (HMRC). For most business structures, this process is relatively quick and simple by using the HMRC online to register.

In addition, you should check if your type of business needs insurance, licences or permits from local authorities. For example, local street food vendors typically need a licence to operate.

Legal Protections

As a business owner, you should always have a system for contracts in place to help protect your interests. Be prepared to draw up unique agreements for customers, employees, and vendors.

Secondly, insurance is always a smart idea and may even be a necessity—depending on your industry. Insurance, like Public Liability Insurance, provides coverage you can potentially use to cover the costs of legal claims arising from injury or loss.

Different Types of Business Structures

There are several different types of business structures in the UK — each comes with its own legal and tax requirements, benefits, and downsides.

Sole Proprietor: The most common type of business model, with 3.1 million sole proprietorships in the UK accounting for 56% of the business population.

Partnership: With a partnership, you’ll enter into business with one or more partners. You’ll each share responsibility for the business’s ownership, liabilities, and profits. A partner could be an individual or a “legal person,” such as a limited company.

Limited Company: Most Limited Companies are limited by shares. That means the shareholders' responsibilities for the company’s financial liabilities are limited to the amount that the shareholder has agreed to pay for the shares.

In comparison, if you limit your Limited Company by guarantee then your company is owned by guarantors who pay an agreed amount of money towards the company’s debts.

Limited Liability Partnership: You can set up a limited liability partnership with two or more individuals or legal entities. Just like a regular partnership, each person or entity is entitled to a percentage of business profits. Similarly to the owners of a limited company, those in a limited liability partnership have a limited liability — only amounting to the amount you invest in the business.

Why Should You Trust Us?

Kirsten Lamb is a United Kingdom-based writer who has operated as a sole trader for over seven years. In that time, she’s worked with several Fortune 500 brands across the tech and ecommerce space. She’s used the advice she shares in this guide to successfully grow her freelance business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start-up costs vary widely. According to the latest research , the average UK start-up spends £22,756 in their first year of business.

Some businesses need a license from local or specific governing authorities to operate. Examples include street food vendors, taxi companies, construction companies, and businesses that sell alcohol. If you work in childcare, you must obtain a licence from an official governing body, such as Ofsted in England.

Starting a business involves several risks. If you set up as a sole trader, you are personally liable for any debts or legal costs that may arise. Insurance and a nest egg of savings can help buffer any financial hits.

While you don’t need an accountant or other financial advisor to start a business in the UK, these experts can help you more easily navigate the complexities of the tax system. They can also provide insights into where you can save on business expenses and help you prepare your annual tax return.

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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