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Any tips on how to start a in home training busines

by Kelly
(Red Bank NJ)

fit chic

I have owned a Pilates studio for 4 years.I recently moved to another state So starting form scratch. I have been teaching at local gyms for the past 2 years slow progress. i also work out of my home. I recently had ten studying for my NASM PT. I am looking to start a in home personal truing company na dire 3-4 instructors, Market /advertise ect. i wanted to know what waivers I would need.. How to price.. Independent contractor vs employee.. How to brand the company and any helpful advice! thanks

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Take this course
by: Katie - Admin

You should take the HFPA course on starting a home based fitness business. We negotiated a reduced rate for our readers and you can get about half of your CEU requirement done for most certs.

More info here:
https://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/discount-ceus.html

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Training out of house

by victor
(macomb, MI)

Hello, i am getting ready to start a personal training busniess out of my house. I am 24, have 3 years expierence at Fitness Together.

Have those of you who train out of your house, have trouble with clients taking your busniness serously? My only worry is people feeling uncomfortable with a basment gym. I see some of you have beautiful gyms, and nice websites, i assume you are doing well. How long did it take until your income was enough to make it worthwhile. Any advise you can give is welcomed. Also, how many hours do you put in a week?

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go for it
by: girltime fitness

I think that is awesome. I want to start my own business but I will go to the client in their homes as opposed to them coming to mine.

Perhaps I could do a combination of the two.

Let me know how it goes. I am curious.

What part of the country are you practicing in? I am in Louisiana.

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reply
by: victor

I am from Michigan. Terrible economy, but i figure that it may work in my favor as far as charging slightly lower rates. Though, many say not to, in order to not appear to be a lesser value. I will just because there will be no over head and to get a steady client base. Good luck with your goals and thanks for replying!

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Same here
by: Ashley

I am wanting to do the same thing. I am just trying to figure out which certification is right for me, seeing as I would like to do the business out of my basement.

I'm curious as to what insurance costs you per year for something like that, and also what kind of equipment you have? Can the purchases of equipment be used as a tax write-off? Do you consider it an official "business". Just trying to get an idea of the marketing/legal aspects of doing it out of the home. I'm from Wisconsin.

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In Home/Mobile Fitness Training
by: Machelle Lee - The Invisible Gym

Hi Victor,

My name is Machelle Lee and I have been doing mobile fitness training for 8 years. My business is called The Invisible Gym.
http://www.the-invisible-gym.com/

Being able to service clients in multiple locations makes you unique and it doesn't require a lot overhead. The competitive advantage of in home/mobile training is that it doesn't require a large investment up front. I just recently finished a manual called, The Mobile Trainers Guide To Business Success. Having done mobile training for 8 years, I became frustrated with the lack of resources for the mobile trainer.

To help new Mobile Fitness Trainers get started, we’ve compiled a 123-page resource manual called the Mobile Fitness Trainers Guide to Business Success. This manual is full of tips and strategies with proven results. It also includes ready made business forms and operations. This is the only business resource on the planet specifically for the Mobile Trainer!

http://www.the-invisible-gym.com/mobile-fitness-professionals.html

I will be presenting at the IDEA Health and Fitness World Conference in a few weeks and it is my hope that in home and mobile training become an integral part of the industry.

feel free to email me directly if you have any additional questions. Good luck.

getfit@theinvisiblegym.com

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PT business
by: Annette

I live in Michigan too, and find having a Personal Training business very challenging to get up and running and to maintain a client base. I would like to start using my basement for my PT business as well because individuals can not afford the cost of PT plus a gym membership. Any suggestions or advice on how to manage this?

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Home Training Has Many Benefits
by: Jeff Drock

You should train out of the house or go into other people’s homes without feeling that clients will not take your basement gym seriously. No need to feel awkward about training at a home gym! There are actually so many advantages to training at a home gym. Some major gym chains such as LA Fitness and others have actually taken the "home gym style approach" and roped off a specific personal training area! The home gym style approach allows personal training clients to spend their training session time training instead of having to waste time waiting to use equipment that other gym trainees are using. They home gym approach also gives them some privacy. Oftentimes trainees who walk around with personal trainers at the gym do not feel very comfortable being gawked at by the other members. Those are just two of the many advantages of training at a home gym. Obviously, not working at a gym will also enable you to set your own hours, train clients of your choosing, and you no longer have to share a big percentage of client session fees with the gym.

The toughest part about having an in home fitness business would be targeting, marketing, and obtaining clientele, and also retaining clients. I would say that a person can have an adequate home gym setup by spending just a few hundred dollars on portable fitness equipment such as a mat, medicine balls, dumbells, a stability ball, and a bench. Of course many more fitness tools can be added as well.

Those wanting to know more about the business side of in-home fitness training should check out the Home Fitness Professionals Association/Home Fitness Training Specialist course. This is an approved continuing education course for several fitness certification organizations. You can easily find it here in the CEU DISCOUNTS section or on the Action Certification website (also discounted there). We can also be viewed on several other certification organization websites.

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Starting a new studio.

by Xtephen
(TN)

I am an ACE certified PT (Personal Trainer) that has worked 3 yrs as a Army medic, 1 yr as a "home-to-home PT, and going on 2 yrs as a corporate PT with a major gym in the area. I am now attempting a studio in my 850+ sq ft detached garage.

I train mostly obese and middle aged type female clients. What equipment would you suggest to be pertinent to opening the studio and giving it that "I am a serious training facility" feel and operation? I have the basics (i.e. power blocks, stability balls, med balls, bands, steps, etc.) but am curious as to the major pieces. I am considering a treadmill, a power rack w/ adj. bench, and a dual cable machine. Are my ideas in the right place because money is tight and throwing it out the window on "Fancy Equipment" isn't what I am going for at all.

Any suggestions or thoughts on these items, or reallocating money to things more beneficial would be appreciated. The good stuff ain't cheap but, is it necessary?

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Consider suspension trainng
by: Anonymous

I would suggest suspension training systems (TRX). They take up very little space, are relatively low cost (with TRX being the most expensive) and have the ability to work EVERY part of the body.

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The important stuff that sets you apart
by: Anonymous

Squat rack can double as a bench. Depending on how much you use barbells, can get a set of squat stands too.

You can get away with what you have, but if you are knowledgeable and want to be able to work with people for long periods of time, youll need:

-TRX
-Mats
-Real Dumbbells, not powerblocks
-Solid steps, not aerobics steps
-Superbands for pull ups and agility work
-Kettlebells, unless you dont use them

A cadio piece like a rower, ski erg, or assault bike is key. No treadmill (the ground is free:))

Although people makedo with little to no equipment, their clients are limited in their progressions. Weight loss is centered around eating habits and strength training.

Happy to help if you have anymore questions

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Home Fitness Studio Design

by Sue
(Twin Cities, MN)

I am looking for some advice... I am starting up a personal training business where there will be an option to come to my studio in my home or go to clients home to train. My question is does anyone know a good place or resource I could use to design my personal training studio? I have about 1000 square feet to work with. I love this website.
Thank you!

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Studio space - less is better
by: holisticwellnessnetwork.com

Don't clutter your fitness studio with machines that just take up space and only work on limited movement patterns. Stick with the basics.

Small 45/55cm and Large 65cm stabilityballs
10-30lb kettlebells (until your clients get stronger)
very large padded mat (4'x6') Matsmatsmats.com is great.
a set of resistance bands.
A massage table used for stretching clients and various exercises is very useful for saving your knees from kneeling on the floor, but comes with a hefty price. I still feel its worth it. Oakworks.com is the best for tables.
bosu ball is also a great investment. My home page has a link to the best site on the net for ordering training products. Check out my website and let me know what you think.

John
holisticwellnessnetwork.com

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Home Studio Design
by: Verna

You can check out my studio as well at www.the-garage-fitness.com. I use my garage which is about 16' x 26'... it was a challenge finding everything I needed in the space--I felt some sort of lat pulldown was essential so I got a functional trainer that has proved invaluable as well as a bench that is compact and can be used as a squat rack-- I also have bosus, resistance bands, free weights, medicine balls, stability balls... it looks nothing like a "garage" and I have enough space to do small classes.

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Studio Design
by: Drew Edmonds

There are many fitness consultants and personal trainers that can help you design your personal training studio. These professionals can help you with layout, equipment procurement, etc. I would be more than happy to help you!

My wife and I have a studio in our home that has about 400 sq ft. We have an assortment of band,stability balls, dumbbells from 2 1/2 to 50 lbs, a smith machine with 2 benches, and a multi-station. We have comfortable space for up to three clients for circuit training. We also travel to our clients, bringing a portable bench, stability ball, bands, bixing equipment, and dumbbells.

Yours in health,

Drew Edmonds
drew@trainme247.com
www.trainme247.com

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in home training
by: Anonymous

In regards to training from within your home and or in your client's home...what type of liability insurance have you all found to be the best??

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pt studio
by: Anonymous

hey, i found a great site to design a studio weather it is for a home studio or a comercial gym. go to www.cybexintl.com

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PT Insurance
by: Anonymous

Can-Fit-Pro has a company that they recommend...I think its www.sthunt.com/canfitpro

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Personal training in my home

I'm ACE certified and wanting to do some personal training out of my home. Does liability insurance cover me in my own home? Or just the client's home? What if my home isn't zoned for businesses? Can this be considered a hobby? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks.

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Insurance
by: Roberto www.musclerob.com

Hi, you should check the small print of the insurance you want to buy, but - generally speaking - what you are insuring is liability for damages and legal costs arising out of third party loss, injury or damage, in connection with your personal training activity, regardless of the place where you train people that can be in the gym, in your home, in their home or in a mutually agreed public place (such as a park).

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Insurance??
by: Leslie

Hi - I'm just starting out as well and plan on seeing clients in my home and their home. My agent suggested: Professional Liability, Property Damage and Bodily Injury. I've contact 2 places...fitnessandwellness.com and americanprofessional.com - they say "all of it's covered" but I want to see it in writing - they want you to purchase it THEN they will send the policy. If any one can recommend a reputable insurance program - please share it w/us freelancers. Thanks.

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An add on question
by: Anonymous

I am also curious about the legality of training clients in a university fitness center. I have a client who would like me to train him at a nearby public university and purchase a membership for the both of us. Since this is a public place should it necessarily be allowed granted I'm insured and a paying member?

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insurance
by: Anonymous

I came across TrainerInsurance.com - apparently asking for $175/yr...anyone know about this business?

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Training at homes

by Bonne
(Michigan)

I just got my cert and have only trained a couple clients and those were free. So my question is: the lady that I have shadowed at her pt business designs programs with equipment that most people do not have at home. So when you go to someones home shouldn't you make a plan that works for them with what they have.

Also does anyone feel you can start a small training business out of your home with a client base. I do not have a local gym to work at but managed a gym for 2 years.

How do you get experience with out a gym to work at? Sorry have a lot of questions.

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training at homes
by: Julie

Your questions were relevant. Yes, you should always write programs for members that involve using equipment they have at-home, equipment they want to use. What if they don't have any equipment? - Then you write them a strictly bodyweight exercise routine. If the client asks you to do shopping with them to pruchase equipment for use (which some will ask you to do), I usually accept the offer and shop with them so they are buying the proper equipment. Ask each person when you meet with them for the initial consult about what equipment they have or would like to use so you'll write them a program they want to do.

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Garage conversion
by: Anonymous

I've owned several Health clubs, but am currently launching a personal training business out of my 1 car garage! I was afraid at first it would just be too small, but as I thought long and hard I decided it could be done. I'm taking off the garage door and replacing it with French doors. The external side wall ( with a window) will be painted, the opposite wall will be mirrored. The entire concrete floor will be covered with rubber flooring.

Ok, but what makes his work will be the equipment. Two major pieces of equip - a Functional Trainer (which enables you to work he entire body), and, a Jones machine, which also allows for many key exercises working almost all muscle groups as well. There will be enough space between those machines for my client to do floor exercises, stretching, or work with Resistanc tubes, etc. Plus I will have a recumbent and an upright bike.

I think it will work albeit being a very small space.

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Training from your own home

by Emily
(Olathe, KS)

Hi, I am a newly certified PT. I will be training part time in addtition to my current job as a private language instructor. I have to work around my existing schedule and am therefore planning on having my own business and not working in a gym. I have a nice home gym (large room in finished basement with windows and a good amount of equipment) and was planning on offering sessions either at the client's home or here at my own home.

Has anyone ever trained from their own home? Are there any cons? I will be insured. That's the only thing I thought could possibly be an issue. As long as my insurance covers me working out of my home is there any reason not to? I could get in so many more clients without the drive time and wouldn't have to lug equipment all over.

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Things to think about when training from your own home....
by: nat

I currently teach circuit training classes for small groups (3-4) out of my home studio. I think the biggest obstacle is having strangers come into my home, knowing where I live. Let's face it, all potential clients are strangers, initially, until they become regulars & more familiar. This is a concern for me since I am a female trainer, living in a very nice neighborhood.

I have been a trainer now for 20 years & had a very successful business training clients in their homes for 15 years - very little overhead. Then I moved from Miami to Atlanta & had to re-evaluate my business, as the demographic in Atlanta is much different than in Miami - more disposable income in Miami. Which is why I decided to start teaching small groups at a lower cost out of my home, less expenses.

Things to think about:
*Do you have a separate entrance, if not, clients will be walking through your home & you will have to constantly keep things clean & professional enough, not a problem if you have the money to hire a housekeeper, otherwise you become your own janitorial service, cleaning all the time!
*Do you have enough parking if training a few people at a time
*Can you train without interruption from other family members or pets or neighbors
*Will you be able to separate business from personal- will you be able to relax at home & not be constantly thinking of work since they are one in the same
*Do you have cardio equipment that you will be using on a regular basis & be in need of repair, just plan for this in your budget, sometimes you don't think about your personal equipment, even bands & balls & mats, being used by a lot of different people, that have to be always cleaned of germs & sweat & will require more maintenance than if only you were using them
*IN home studios are definitely less professional & have a more casual vibe, so choose your clients wisely when deciding on marketing demographic

That being said, the pros definitely outweigh the cons when owning your own business with such low overhead! Good luck!

Love this website!

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