6 Steps to Create Your Personal Trainer Business Plan (Because Yes, You Do Need One)

This article is part of my Strong Tips series. Subscribe today and join 100,000+ other personal trainers who receive my weekly fitness business domination roundup, Stronger Sundays.

(The valuable advice in this post comes from fitness business consultant David Crump.)

A business plan helps you stay focused. It puts you in control and leads you where you want to go so you 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.

So don’t wait. Don’t try to make it perfect. Just start writing. As you get better, your plan will too. 

1. Write your mission statement

In two or three sentences, explain 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.” 

2. Look at the fitness industry

Research your local market (look up local gyms, talk to locals), and the national market (connect with fellow trainers online). This helps you figure out where you fit in.

3. Map out revenue streams

How will you deliver your service? Will you train one-on-one? Lead group classes? Train online? Start with one or two, and see how it goes. Add more later, or don’t. A sharp focus lets you excel.

4. Plan for operating costs

Add up all your expenses (rent, equipment, fees). Then tackle revenue projections, figuring out the best- and worst-case scenarios. Comfortable with those numbers? If not, rejigger the plan until you are.

5. Create your sales and marketing plan

Let your strengths guide you. Does the camera love you? Shoot video for social. Great with people? Network. Create an action plan for how often you’ll do these things.

6. Honestly assess your risk

We said “honestly.” Seek feedback from a fellow fit pro for a neutral perspective. Decide how much risk is in your plan, and how much you can tolerate. Those with less to lose can typically tolerate more. 

Quote of the Day:

"You can’t have what you want while at the same time not wanting the risk and responsibility that comes along with it. Nobody gets to be the adjective without repeatedly doing the verb." —Brett Bartholomew on Twitter

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Jonathan Goodman is the founder of the Personal Trainer Development Center, the largest independent community of fit pros in the world. He’s also the founder of the first-ever certification for online fitness trainers, the Online Trainer Academy. Originally from Toronto, Jon travels the world with his wife and young son in the winters.

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