Writing a personal training business plan can seem a bit daunting. Most PTs love fitness and programming but aren’t so keen on the admin side. The good news is it doesn’t have to be difficult – with the right guidance and some practical examples to follow, it’s actually pretty easy.
In this article – learn how to write a personal training business plan in 7 simple steps (with samples, templates, and a downloadable checklist).
Why Write a Business Plan?
If you want your personal training business to be successful, then it’s vital to have a plan. It’ll help you secure investor funding or a business loan, which many PTs require in order to get off the ground.
But even if you don’t need the start-up finances, writing a plan makes you more likely to succeed. In fact, research shows that business plans double your chance of success. So, it’s really a no-brainer if you’re serious about being successful.
Here are a few of the reasons why creating a business plan is important…
- It crystallizes abstract thoughts and ideas into something tangible
- Helps you communicate your business concept in a way others will understand easily
- Required to secure funding from investors and banks
- Provides a structured plan to work through
- Helps you decide which areas to spend money on and where not to invest
- Ensures you understand what you’re letting yourself in for in terms of money, time, and effort
Whether you want to go freelance, become a mobile PT, start a personal training studio, or your own gym, you’ll definitely need a plan.
Essential Elements of a PT Business Plan
Writing a personal training business proposal might sound daunting but this 7-step guide makes it easy. It’ll walk you through the exact process to follow so you’ll have your plan completed in no time. Here’s an overview of what you need to include…
- Executive summary
- Industry and market analysis
- Business overview
- Services offered
- Sales and marketing strategy
- Financial details
- Implementation plan
Now let’s look at each of these sections in more detail…
1. Executive Summary
Get straight to the point – why should the bank or investors lend your business money? Include your mission, key financial info, and unique selling points. Although it goes at the beginning of your plan, you should prepare this section last.
2. Industry & Local Market Analysis
Demonstrate potential – show that the personal training industry is growing and there’ll be a strong demand for your services. Include research statistics, competitor info, and relevant government initiatives.
3. Business Overview
Summarise the business – objectives, location, ownership, legal status, personnel structure, and operations.
4. Services
The fun part – describe the different services you plan to sell including the pricing structure. This could be in-person PT sessions, online programs, specialist workshops, fitness products, etc.
5. Sales & Marketing Strategy
How you’ll attract clients – explain your brand positioning and outline your marketing plan by listing the activities you’ll do to generate revenue, attract clients, and promote your PT business.
6. Financial Information
Time to open a spreadsheet – potential investors and banks aren’t just interested in your figures. They’ll want to know how you arrived at those figures so show your calculations. Include breakdowns of profit and loss, cash-flow, breakeven figures, and the capital expenditure needed for start-up. Project 12, 36, and 60 months ahead.
7. Implementation Plan
How you’ll make it happen – provide a step-by-step list of actions you’ll take, including milestone dates.
You might also like… 50 Catchy Personal Training Business Name Ideas or How To Promote a New Fitness Business From Scratch.
Personal Trainer Business Plan Examples & Templates
Looking at a personal training business plan sample can be really helpful as it puts these sections into context. Reviewing examples will give you ideas for how to create and present your own plan. You should never copy another plan since the details will be unique to you but they can be a useful reference…
- Dragon Fitness Training produced this interesting personal trainer business plan as an academic exercise.
- Ibis World produced this thorough 60-page sample, which is a great source of financial projections.
- Catalyst Fitness created this CrossFit business plan with a detailed risk assessment.
- Launceston City Council created this aquatic center and health club business plan.
- The Yoga Lunch Box offers a comprehensive yet easy-to-read yoga business template.
- Fitness Texter has a nice little guide that includes helpful questions to ask yourself.
Creating a business plan is 100% worth the time and effort. It helps you validate demand, maximise profitability, and identify any potential pitfalls early.
This plan will be your playbook for the next 3-5 years so don’t rush the process. It’ll help you secure investor funding or a bank loan if you want to go down this route. Considering how you’ll acquire paying clients and manage cash flow now will ensure you’re well-prepared for life as a fitness business owner.
You might also like… The Ultimate Yoga Business Planning Guide & Template.
Downloadable Checklist & More Templates
The best way to write a business plan is to work on it in bite-size chunks. Trying to get the whole thing done in one go is the quickest route to overwhelm.
So, we recommend working on one section each day. This will enable you to complete the whole thing within a week, with zero stress or hassle. To make things easy, we created a handy PDF checklist that walks you through the 7 sections.
You can download it as part of our Personal Training Business Bundle. It includes marketing plan templates, business name ideas, sales scripts, and loads more resources.
Caroline @ Wellness Creative Co
Qualified personal trainer (BSc Sports Science) & nutritionist (MSc Human Nutrition) with 15+ years of fitness & wellness marketing experience working with global brands.
