Ready to turn your passion for fitness into a thriving, lucrative business? If you’re nodding along, it’s time to figure out your game plan – AKA your business plan. This essential roadmap isn’t just some boring, by-the-book necessity. It’s the first step toward flexing your talents and building your fitness brand.

In this guide, we’ll explain why you need a personal training business plan and guide you through writing one, step by step. We'll also share our best tips and tricks for improving your business plan to strengthen your entrepreneurial muscles.

3 Reasons Why You Need a Business Plan As a Personal Trainer

A business plan is kind of like a training schedule – it helps you clarify your goals so you can keep making progress toward them. Here’s why you need one:

1. Defining Your Goals

A business plan is a chance to map out your vision, whether you dream of a modest studio space or an online fitness empire. It makes you set clear, actionable goals that prioritize what matters most. With a plan this solid, you’re more likely to stay on track and make your career dreams come true.

2. Impressing Investors

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A well-crafted business plan shows potential investors you’re serious, organized, and ready to make things happen. It’s an opportunity to showcase your strategy, setting you up to attract financial backers who believe in your vision. When you pitch a clear, confident business plan to investors, they’ll see your potential and feel excited to support you.

3. Bringing In Clients

Clients may never see your business plan, but writing one helps you start attracting clients as soon as possible. It lays the groundwork for your business by helping you identify the something special you have to offer – your passion, dedication, or unique approach to fitness. Your business plan shows you’re not just winging it, but building a brand clients can trust. 

How to Write a Personal Training Business Plan

Writing a business plan might sound overwhelming, but don’t fret. Breaking it down into the essentials makes writing faster so you can start making an impact ASAP. Here’s a quick rundown of the key sections you’ll need to nail:

1. Think about your vision

What are your main goals for your personal training business? What is most important to you and where are you willing to compromise? What do you want your personal trainer brand to be? Think about these questions before building your plan. This way, when you’re making tough decisions about the business model, you can have your vision as a guide.

2. Outline of services

This is where you get to flex your expertise. How will you appeal to customers, and what’s your ideal client base? What services will you offer – one-on-one training, group classes, online coaching? Do you want to specialize in weight loss, sports performance, or hop on the latest fitness trend?

Lay it all out here, and make sure you highlight what sets you apart from the rest. Show how your offerings will make clients want to sign up, stat.

3. Operations plan

Next, decide how your business will run day by day. Think about how you'll balance all your clients and manage your calendar to keep things running smoothly. 

Also, consider all the behind-the-scenes magic that helps self-care businesses shine. For example, consider the personal trainer software you’ll use. You’ll need a powerful client relationship management (CRM) tool to keep up with everyone’s goals and progress. Try GlossGenius’ CRM and scheduling tools to streamline bookings and stay organized.

Start managing clients with GlossGenius today! 

4. Legal considerations

This part is a little boring but absolutely necessary: Make sure you’ve got all your legal ducks in a row by outlining your personal training business model. Will you operate as a sole proprietor or open an LLC? You’ll also need to think about business licenses, fitness certifications, and any contracts or waivers you need for clients.

Getting these details sorted early on will save you headaches later. It’s all about protecting yourself – and your clients – as your business and reputation grow.

5. Market analysis

Let’s talk about competition. Who’s out there offering similar services, and how are you different from them? A market analysis helps you pinpoint your target audience, understand their needs, and find a niche that works for you. 

In this section, you’ll then show investors that you’re ready to stand out in a crowded market. For example, if the neighborhood you’ll open in is full of studios that focus on HIIT workouts, you might opt for a powerlifting studio that changes up the local offerings.

6. Pricing structure

This is one of the most important parts of your fitness trainer business plan. For your business to succeed, you’ll need to turn a profit – and you want to bring in a personal trainer salary worthy of all your hard work.

Price your services in a way that reflects the value you bring while staying competitive in your market. Include your rates for personal sessions and group classes, plus any extra services, packages, or memberships you plan to offer.

7. Projected budget

You’ll have to spend money to make money, so set a budget for yourself. Forecast your income, expenses, and profitability for the first few years of operation. Make sure to factor in the cost of personal training apps you’ll use as well as your personal trainer insurance. 

When you’re seeking funding from investors, this step is essential. You need to outline a path to profitability to show them they’ll see a return on their investment. If you need help with your financial planning, try GlossGenius’ Finance tools – we’ll help you crunch the numbers.

8. Marketing and sales strategy

Your marketing and sales strategy is your blueprint for getting clients to notice you and try out your services. Outline exactly how you plan to market your services. For example, maybe you’ll build a stunning personal trainer website that highlights your expertise, client success stories, and easy booking options.

Think carefully about your brand voice. Everything from your personal trainer business name to your personal trainer bio should reflect your unique approach to fitness. Tailor the content you post online to match this vibe. This helps clients see the value you bring to the table and feel inspired to start their fitness journey with you.

Don’t forget about one of the most powerful marketing tools – social media! Use Instagram or TikTok to share workout tips and motivational quotes that will strike a chord with your target audience.

Also, take the time to research some tailored marketing strategies for personal trainers, and think about how you’ll convert leads into loyal clients. Getting clients in the door is just the first step – after that, you have to keep them coming back.

9. Executive summary

Finally, write an executive summary of your business plan. This is a quick, punchy rundown of the highlights – your vision, mission, services, and goals – that gives readers a sneak peek of what they can expect from your business.

Even though you write the executive summary last, you should put it at the top of your personal training business proposal. This section sets the tone for everything that follows, so make it count!

4 Tips to Craft a Good Personal Training Business Plan

Still feeling stressed about writing your business plan? Here are four tips to make it easier:

1. Be specific

When writing your business plan, don’t just outline broad, vague ideas – get into the nitty-gritty. Be as specific as possible about your services, pricing structure, target market, and everything else. Consider setting SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound – to frame your vision and guide progress.

This level of clarity gives potential investors a clear picture of what you’re offering. The more detailed you are about your goals and how you plan to reach them, the more confident others will be in your inevitable success. Plus, it helps you know exactly where you stand and segments your vision into actionable steps.

2. Know your worth

Anyone can write a business plan, but only you can write one that showcases your strengths as a personal trainer. This is your chance to highlight what sets you apart from the competition, whether it’s your fitness philosophy, specialized certifications, or the connection you create with clients.

As you write, try to answer this question: What makes you the trainer people can trust to help them achieve their fitness goals? By focusing on what makes you special, you demonstrate how your distinctive approach leads to real, measurable success. You also prove to investors why you’re worth their funding, and build confidence in your own ability to succeed.

3. Use a template

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It’s important to make your business plan personal, but starting with a template can save you lots of time and effort. A personal training business plan template helps guide you through the essential sections, such as your marketing strategy and executive summary, so you don’t forget to address anything important.

However, be sure to customize the template to reflect your unique business model and goals. The template is just a skeleton – you need to add the muscle and personality.

4. Seek feedback

Before finalizing your business plan, seek feedback from others in the industry or experienced mentors. Having a fresh set of eyes look over your plan can reveal things you may have missed or improvements you could make.

Ask for constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or even potential clients. You can also turn to online forums or business networks where entrepreneurs share insights and advice. Once you have this feedback, implement it – this helps you ensure your business plan is as effective as possible.

Empower Your Personal Training Business with GlossGenius

A solid business plan is the first step you’ll take toward building a thriving personal training business. With the right strategy in place from the beginning, you’ll be ready to stay on track and even scale. Once you’re ready to take the next step in your career, partner with GlossGenius.

GlossGenius is the ultimate business management platform for personal trainers. Take advantage of our suite of tools that can help you boost your business – like Online Booking, Marketing, and Point of Sale. Start your free trial today and watch your business set PR after PR.