Personal Trainer Business Overview

Personal trainers help clients achieve their fitness goals through customized exercise programs, workout instruction, and lifestyle guidance. They work with individuals and small groups to improve physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and overall health.

Personal trainers create workout plans, demonstrate proper exercise form, monitor client progress, and provide ongoing motivation and accountability. Most trainers hold certifications from recognized organizations and maintain insurance coverage for their services.

The most common business models include:

• Gym Employment: Working as an employee or contractor at fitness centers, providing training services to gym members
• Independent Contracting: Operating as a freelance trainer within established gyms, paying rent or commission for facility access
• Mobile Training: Traveling to clients’ homes or preferred locations to deliver personalized workout sessions
• Private Studio: Running a dedicated training facility that offers one-on-one and small group sessions

Related: Checklist To Start A Business

How Do Personal Trainers Make Money?

Personal trainers earn revenue by charging clients for their expertise and time. Most trainers bill hourly, with rates ranging from $30 to over $100 per session, depending on their location, experience level, and target market. Training packages typically include a set number of sessions purchased in advance, which provides stable income and encourages client commitment.

Additional revenue sources that personal trainers often develop include:

• Nutrition Planning: Creating customized meal plans and offering dietary guidance to support clients’ fitness goals
• Online Training: Delivering virtual coaching sessions and digital workout programs through video calls or mobile apps
• Group Classes: Leading specialized fitness classes focused on specific workout styles or goals
• Fitness Assessments: Conducting detailed evaluations of clients’ physical condition, including body composition, strength, and endurance measurements
• Exercise Programs: Selling pre-designed workout routines that clients can follow independently between training sessions

Industry Statistics

Personal trainers operate within NAICS code 812990 – Other Personal Services. Here are some statistics about the industry.

Personal Trainer Industry Size & Growth: The personal trainer industry generated $12.9 billion in revenue last year. The industry has grown by 3.3% annually over the past five years. Growth projections remain positive, with continued expansion expected as health consciousness rises and the aging population focuses on preventive health measures. (IBISWorld)

Number of Personal Trainers: There are approximately 1 million personal training businesses operating across the country. The industry remains highly fragmented, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. Most personal trainers work independently or as contractors within larger fitness facilities. The number of businesses has increased by 7% annually over the past five years. (IBISWorld)

Personal Trainer Profit Margin: Personal trainers maintain an average profit margin of 12%. Independent trainers typically see higher margins since they have lower overhead costs compared to those operating their own facilities.

Also See: Ideas for Naming a Personal Training Business

Costs To Start a Personal Training Business

Starting a personal training business generally costs between $2,000 and $50,000. The lower range represents starting as an independent trainer working at existing facilities or clients’ homes, while the higher range includes opening a private training studio.

There are several expenses when starting a personal training business. Here are some of the more expensive items:

Certification and Education: Personal training certifications from accredited organizations cost between $400 and $2,000. Additional specialized certifications in areas like sports nutrition or corrective exercise can add to these costs. Most certifications require ongoing education to maintain.

Equipment and Supplies: Basic fitness equipment for mobile training typically costs $1,000 to $5,000, including resistance bands, weights, medicine balls, and portable cardio equipment. For those opening a private studio, equipment costs can range from $20,000 to $40,000 for a full setup of strength training machines, free weights, and cardio equipment.

Insurance: Professional liability insurance and general business insurance typically run between $500 and $2,000 annually, depending on coverage levels and the scope of services offered.

Location: For trainers opening their own studio, initial costs include first and last month’s rent, security deposit, and any renovations needed to create an appropriate training environment. These expenses typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on size and location.

These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, but actual expenses will vary.