We help register sole trader AND limited companies
View Packages
Personal trainers and fitness instructors’ education levels vary greatly, with 67% possessing a bachelor’s degree. Often sports science based but not necessarily. This level of education is not compulsory.
Gym work experience and a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification are the usual route to take and highly recommended. This will give you great overall knowledge and a solid foundation for the next step.
To operate as a qualified personal trainer in the UK, you must first achieve an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Personal Training degree that is approved by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) . This must be provided by a registered training body such as Future Fit or Diverse Trainers , there are others.
While a Level 3 certificate is not legally required, it is strongly recommended, especially for anybody wishing to start their own personal training business.
Additional courses such as yoga, nutrition or sports massage can be very useful add-ons to a personal trainer’s sports bag of tricks. These extras will of course need qualifications that are recognised by a professional body.
Joining a professional body or more than one is advised. This shows you have a high standard of training and it will give your clients reassurance that you are competent at your job.
Professional development bodies include The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) , the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). There are others.
It’s recommended, but not compulsory, that you have an appropriate first aid qualification, which should include a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).
How much can I earn as a Personal Trainer? The amount charged will depend on everything from your expertise and experience to where you’re based and how much demand there is for personal trainers in your local area at the time.
Location is everything. In London personal training sessions usually range from £50 to £150 per session whereas in the Midlands you would be charging £25-£50 per session.
Research your local area and find out what other Personal Trainers are charging their clients,
Your qualifications will make a big difference as well. If you have an advanced degree in Sports Science and Ofqual-regulated certifications, you can charge higher for your services. Experience means more. Obviously a personal trainer with 20+ years of experience will charge higher than one with only 5 years of experience.
Specialisms such as pre and post-natal training may have higher rates than others because of the distinctive nature of the specialisation and the qualifications involved. As does online support, dietary guidance and menu planning.
Startup costs Becoming a personal trainer doesn’t require high start up costs. What you d need is knowledge, desire and a few pieces of equipment.
You may already have some professional certifications if you have previously worked in a gym before making the break to become your own boss. As previously mentioned unless you have the Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Personal Training certificate, you will struggle to succeed.
This course can cost £600-1500 depending on the length of the course and if it incorporates any add- on training such as first aid training, nutrition, rehabilitation etc .
You will obviously need some equipment and a space to train your clients. Many personal trainers initially rent a space in a gym to train their clients and use their facilities. If you rent a space for solely for yourself you will have more freedom, but you will have it kit it out, which can be very expensive.
Using outdoor space is popular, such as parks and sports playing fields, remember to ask permission from the relevant authorities.
You´ll need transport if travelling to clients homes. How far are you willing to travel?
Plus you will need a decent recording/filming system if you intend to give 1-2-1 or group classes online.
Whether you are about to embark on gaining your Personal Training certificate, or maybe you have just qualified or you are an experienced gym instructor and have now decided to go solo, your first task is to write a business plan.
Choice of business structure This is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur , you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company .
I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.
This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.
Consider the long-term goals and vision for your personal trainer business when making this decision .
Search through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names using our FREE Company Name Checker Tool Here you can find your memorable name! You can also see what alternative domain names are available.
If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice, my team is available to walk you through this in a clear and concise way you will understand.
Start by formulating a business plan . We highly recommend you do as it can be immensely beneficial.
A business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, helping you clarify your business idea, set goals and plan for the future. It also helps to focus on delivering a clear message to your potential customers.
There are many different types of business plan available on the internet from everyone from accountants, insurance companies to banks. But you can use my no nonsense 1 page business plan here.
It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up your personal trainer business.
Do Your Research
When starting any business it’s important to research the other fitness and personal trainers in the area and the services they offer. This will help you identify any gaps in the market and determine what extra services you can offer to stand out from the competition. Adding another string to your bow will widen your client base beyond general fitness.
As a PT, offering additional services can not only set you apart from competitors but also enhance the overall learning experience for your clients. Here are some standout ideas for additional services you can offer to get you off the ground as your business grows:
Offer personalised nutritional guidance to complement clients’ fitness routines. Develop meal plans, educate clients on healthy eating habits, and provide ongoing support to help them achieve their dietary goals. If qualified, help clients overcome emotional eating and adopt mindful eating practices.
Virtual Training Programs :
Extend your services to a global audience by offering virtual training programs. The benefits are obvious, as you can work remotely while still providing the same advice, support and guidance. Give live online sessions, create pre-recorded workout videos, or develop custom fitness plans that clients can follow remotely. There´s huge flexibility for both trainers and clients
Fitness Retreats and Workshops :
Fitness retreats or workshops where clients can immerse themselves in a focused fitness experience are very popular. This could include a weekend getaway with intensive workouts, wellness activities and nutrition workshops. Team up with some other personal trainers and organise group sessions for multiple clients at once.
Expand your knowledge and help the community :
Work with clients who have been referred to you by their GP. To become an exercise referral specialist you have to complete a Level 3 GP Referral qualification. You will work closely with GPs making effective changes and management strategies for clients with chronic illnesses and conditions.
If you have the qualifications you can introduce specialised sessions targeting specific needs or interests, such as prenatal fitness, post-rehabilitation exercises or sports-specific training.
Corporate Wellness Programs :
Partner with wellness companies to provide alternative programs for companies. Group classes or 1-2-1 tutoring on stress management and wellness can be very highly beneficial to both employees and employer.
Take fitness beyond the gym and into the fresh air by offering outdoor adventure training. Activities like circuit training, trail running or obstacle courses can add an element of excitement to workouts while promoting overall fitness.
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your offerings, such as yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Addressing mental well-being alongside physical fitness can provide a more holistic approach.
Fitness Challenges and Competitions :
Have mood boosting fitness challenges or competitions for all your clients. This could involve setting goals, tracking progress and celebrating achievements. It adds a fun and competitive element to their fitness journey.
Embrace technology by incorporating fitness tracking apps, wearables and other tech tools into your training programs.
Technology is revolutionising the fitness industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) will play increasingly important roles, creating immersive and interactive experiences for clients to work out in. As a personal trainer, you will have total control and will be able to give important real-time feedback and track clients performances more effectively. This will greatly enhance workout sessions and nutritional advice.
If viable, investing in this technology would be an excellent way of attracting customers. It can also motivate clients to continue using a personal trainer’s services as it is new, fun , engaging, gives lots of variety and is accessible to people of all ages.
Community Building Events :
Embrace your community. Organise fitness-related events. Charity runs, group hikes or workout meet-ups. Building a community can enhance client retention and is a great way to attract new clients.
There is an increasing trend for senior clients who want to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Personal trainers that specialise in senior fitness must design detailed, personal programmes that are targeted at age related conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritic conditions and mobility concerns.
A rewarding, in-demand business that we can help you start fast Click Here .
Here are some tips to help you market your business effectively.
This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.
Most potential clients are going to find a personal trainer using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.
Google knows that when someone is looking to get fit, they want to see results close to where they live.
This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.
If your PT business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a professional, enthusiastic personal trainer.
For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “ high local marketability” .
High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google, you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.
So if potential clients can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you.
And guess what? That means someone else is motivating and inspiring them get fit and you’re missing out!
Getting your personal trainer business on Google maps results can bring in tons of enquiries.
So how do you dominate Google search results for this business? You have to optimise for the Google maps listing. How do you do that?
10 great steps to marketing a PT business:
Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines. Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.
Provide LOCAL PROOF . Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Plus a mobile number.
Provide SOCIAL PROOF . Show reviews from real clients on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into clients!
Use LANDING PAGES . A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to book sessions with you NOW! They show the client what they want to see.
Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.
Share FEEDBACK . Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from your clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new team member.
AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.
PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.
MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.
Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.
The Live Chat Function This is great as it gives your potential clients a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you.
Using live chat on your website can boost the number of enquiries you will receive.
Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your PT business effectively: Promoting your business is crucial to attract new clients and grow your business. Here are some tips to get your business marketing underway:
This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more clients.
Create a great company and domain name for your website
Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential clients. Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other trainers. Our Company Name Search Tool will help you stay out of trouble!
Company Name Search
Try it!
Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domain and trade mark registration.
We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers. So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look so much better?
You will then have to register a domain name for your website . We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running.
Our easy to use Domain Checker and let´s get you onto the world wide web!! Give it a go.
Protect your Company Domain Name
Use our domain name search tool to find available names for your business.
Not thought of a business name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas
Most new businesses find they can't do everything themselves quickly enough. Many businesses don't want to!We can provide support and outsourcing services in the critical areas your business will need to achieve a successful launch .
Create an attractive, eye-catching website
We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today! The health and fitness industry is no different to any other.
But can you design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and encourages them to pick up the phone and find out more about you and your training methods?
We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start.
Give lots more information about your business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Introduce yourself and give your experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. Don´t be camera shy! A dd a photo or two. Many clients will want to see who you are before contacting or meeting you.
If you love chatting and imparting your knowledge to your clients? Put it down on paper….well their screen actually, and write a blogs about topics that you are passionate about.
Make it clear to your clients what is expected of them and what expectations they should have of you.
Prices don´t always have to be on your website. Some clients would rather know upfront costs before contacting you and others will just contact you.
Photos and videos are great. Videos of fitness techniques and explanations “How to…” will add interest and can be a talking point with your clients.
Don’t forget that market research can be ongoing. Once you have started training clients, talk to your them and find out what their likes and dislikes are. Knowledge is POWER!
We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.
Always ask for References and Reviews on your website.
Potential clients WILL look for what previous clients have said about your business. Every time a client reaches a milestone, give them a shout out on your site/social media with a photo! Be proud of both their achievement and YOURS !
Also give special offers, ask your clients to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount on their next block booking!
Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential . Potential clients WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade.
This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy, fit client who has improved their fitness, both physically and mentally will want to help you up the ladder every time.
is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated!
The foundation of successful word of mouth marketing is providing exceptional service. When your clients have positive, visible experiences, they are more likely to share them with others.
Taking the plunge to get fit or improve fitness for many, is incredibly daunting, so establishing a personal connection with your clients is incredibly important. This can lead to a deeper level of trust and a higher likelihood that they will recommend your services to others.
Always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! A satisfied, happy customer is the golden
Design an eye-catching logo
Your logo is often the first visual element that potential clients encounter. An eye-catching logo creates a positive and memorable first impression, setting the tone for the overall perception of your fitness business.
The logo should represent you and your business and can be used on magnetic car signs, car stickers, business cards, your gym gear, leaflets etc.
If you join an association and organisations, make sure this is shown on all your marketing materials as well as your website.
QR codes are perfect for business cards, giving website links and tips on how to do the perfect squat! They are also an easy way to get that all-important customer feedback and can be added to invoices and receipts that go directly to your review page.
Go back to basics!
Print flyers and distribute them around your local area. All ages want to improve their fitness, distribute them in colleges, supermarkets, libraries, cafes…… Maybe add in an offer for early “beach body” block bookings!!
Social media platforms such as Facebook , Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your business. Celebrity personal trainers have perfected the art. As you probably follow many of them already, choose who stands out for you and why.
As a new kid on the block, you´ll need to shout out loud what makes you and your business unique! W hatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there.
Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential clients.
Ask clients if they would share their experiences of working with you on video or in a blog. Have they had life-changing improvements in blood pressure, insulin management and mental health or are they simply pain-free and now boosted with confidence?
Create relationships with other fitness or wellness businesses. You can help each other and shouldn´t see them as competition.
Small business networking events aren´t everyone’s cup of tea but they are a great place to meet people with similar goals and exchange ideas. Even if the events aren’t specifically for your niche, simply being among other business owners might encourage you and help you build valuable contacts. Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup are excellent resources for discovering up and coming events and activities that may be interesting to you.
There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking sessions, saving customer details and progress and receiving payment.
Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly.
We can easily help you decide what is relevant to you and your business
SEO (Search engine optimization)
is the art of getting your business website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business.
If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.
We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.
Look after yourself and your business. Looking after yourself, both physically and mentally is crucial to running a successful business. One person will struggle to run a new business, take care of the accounts, run a smooth social media campaign and website etc.
Often something has to give and it is often their mental health. Make sure you plan thoroughly and get the correct help when you need it.
As previously mentioned joining associations and organisations are high recommended so your interests are properly represented if required. Professional development bodies include The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) , the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Let’s talk about the boring stuff! What´s your bookkeeping like?
Open a bank account
Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes. How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.
You will need Insurance
Accidents do happen and as a fitness guru you have probably suffered from one or two over the course of your training and work life. However, now that you have become personal trainer you’ll need to also get specialist insurance. This insurance offers additional coverage due to the risks associated with health and fitness industry.
You will require public and product liability insurance to cover claims from your clients/third-party bodily injuries or third-party property damage.
Also Professional indemnity insurance will protect your business against claims made by your clients if they lose money because they followed your advice or due to negligent services you’ve offered.
If you employ someone Employers’ liability insurance is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you,
Protect yourself and your finances further by taking out personal accident insurance and income protection cover . If you have an accident or become ill, theses polices will protect you when you are unable to work, which is crucial when running your own business.
Car or van insurance is a must. As is insurance for your equipment. F eel protected. Don’t be without it!
There are lots of companies offering individual personal services to suit your requirements, so have a good look around and take their advice.
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your personal brand identity and grow your business.
Becoming a personal trainer isn’t just a career choice, it’s a lifestyle. If you have a passion for fitness, a desire to make a positive impact and a love for continuous learning, this profession is perfect for you.
You’ll get to know some of your clients over a significant period of time and will have to learn what makes them tick to keep them motivated. You really will be a personal trainer. So, be the best you can be and they´ll keep returning week after week.
There has to be an ongoing commitment to learning, adapting and inspiring. Stay updated on the latest trends, technology and techniques in the personal training industry, as it is continuously evolving. This way you will retain current clients and attract new ones.
And never forget the power you hold to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. The positive influence you can have on someone’s fitness journey could give them a longer, happy life. It’s not just about transforming bodies….it’s about transforming lives.
Lace up, get that Lycra on and let the fitness adventure begin!
Get in touch with my team for no nonsense guidance and get your new business fighting fit today!
Start this business with Our FREE Domain, FREE email + FREE website offer.