If you've been thinking about starting your own personal training business, one of the first big questions is probably, "What's this actually going to cost me?" Most trainers can expect to invest somewhere between $2,000 and $10,000 to get started.
That might sound like a wide range, but that's because not all training businesses look the same.
Some trainers turn garages into home studios, others travel with equipment, and many personal trainers coach online via apps and video calls.
What is the cost to start a personal training business? The short answer is: it depends.
The smartest move is to map out both your upfront expenses and your ongoing costs before you jump in.
That way, you're not surprised by hidden fees down the road, and you can price your services so the business stays profitable.
The single most significant factor is your business model. Setting up a full, in-person studio is going to cost more than offering online sessions from your living room.
Mobile training (where you travel to clients' homes or meet them at local parks) falls somewhere in between, since you still need equipment but don't have to outfit an entire space.
Your location also plays a role. Urban areas often mean higher licence fees, insurance rates, and marketing costs, while rural or suburban locations might be more forgiving.
And your target market matters: training corporate clients or competitive athletes may call for higher-end gear and branding than general fitness sessions.
Finally, there are compliance permits, licences, and insurance. These aren't optional; they protect you legally and give clients confidence that you know your craft.
Before you can open your doors (whether those doors are physical or virtual), it helps to know exactly where your money will be going.
Here's what most trainers spend to get up and running.
If you're not already certified, this is your first stop. In the US, popular options include the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Canadian trainers often go with Canadian Fitness Professionals (CanfitPro), while in the UK, you'll want qualifications recognized by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
You'll also need Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, which is often required by certifying bodies. For these credentials, expect to spend somewhere between $500 and $1,500.
Check your local rules for licensing and permits. You may need a general business licence, a home occupation permit, or other approvals if you're training clients at home. Most trainers spend between $50 and $300 here.
Insurance is your safety net. Professional liability insurance covers you if a client is injured because of your programming, and general liability covers accidents like trips or falls. Costs typically range from $150 to $500 per year.
Of all startup expenses, equipment is where you'll see the biggest range. If you're keeping it lean, you might spend $500 to $2,000 on resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, mats, and a bench.
A mid-range setup (barbells, squat rack, kettlebells, and some cardio kit) could be $2,000 to $5,000. And if you're going all-in with commercial-grade gear, $5,000+ is realistic.
Mobile trainers can save by buying portable, durable equipment, while online trainers often need only a small selection for demo purposes.
Even if you're starting out, a professional online presence matters.
A simple website featuring your services, contact information, and testimonials might cost $100–$1500 to build, with DIY options being at the low range and upper market designers at the higher range.
Add a logo and branded visuals, and you're looking at an additional $100–$1,000, depending on whether you DIY or hire a designer.
For managing clients, delivering programmes, and taking payments, a platform like PT Distinction can handle it all for as little as $19.90 a month, saving you the hassle of piecing together different tools.
Even the best trainers need a solid social media plan. With about $100, you can print flyers, boost posts, and optimize your Google Business Profile.
A budget closer to $1,000 lets you add targeted ads, local SEO support, and community event sponsorships.
A clear budget not only guides your strategy but also helps measure which efforts bring the best return.
Once you've launched, you'll have ongoing expenses to factor into your monthly cash flow.
Software subscriptions keep your scheduling and programme delivery running smoothly.
Insurance renewals keep your coverage current. Certification bodies often require continuing education courses, which carry their own costs.
Your equipment will need maintenance or replacement over time.
And marketing is never a one-and-done task; you'll always need to bring in new clients to replace the ones who move away or pause training.
For example, if you end up building your own personal trainer website, you'll need to consider recurring web hosting, domain registration, support, and potentially website management costs.
You're looking to spend anywhere between $30 and $150 per month, depending on the level of support and management you need.
You either need to invest your time and a little money, or more money if you outsource these tasks.
The exact totals will vary, but a little forecasting now means fewer surprises later.
Going online is typically the lowest-cost route. You can begin with a laptop, a stable internet connection, and just enough equipment to demonstrate exercises on camera.
Many trainers start with a free or low-cost video conferencing tool, a tripod, and basic lighting, then invest in higher-quality gear once they have steady clients.
In many regions, yes. Expenses like equipment, software subscriptions, and even a portion of your home utilities (if you work from home) may be tax-deductible.
Keep receipts for every purchase, and check with a local accountant so you understand what qualifies in your area.
No, not at all. Some trainers lease or finance larger equipment purchases, while others spread out expenses over several months to ease the financial load.
For example, you might buy your core equipment now, invest in branding next month, and put marketing spend into month three once you've had time to line up clients.
Most trainers will spend between $2,000 and $10,000 to launch, but the actual cost ultimately depends on your model, market, and the level of leanness you decide to pursue.
Planning for both startup and ongoing expenses means you can set prices that keep you profitable from the start.
If you invest wisely, prioritize the essentials, and run your business efficiently, you'll give yourself the best chance at long-term success.
Whether you're just getting your business off the ground or looking to scale, PT Distinction gives you the tools, systems, and support to grow with confidence. Start your 1-Month free trial today and take your coaching to the next level!
We'll get you up and running in no time. Start with our zero-risk free trial and build your personal training empire today.
