How to Start a Personal Training Business

What it takes to legally start a personal training business in the US — licensing, structure, EIN, taxes, insurance, and your first customers. The steps are the same everywhere; the forms and fees depend on your state, so pick yours below for the exact links.

Typical startup cost

$1,000–$6,000

Licensing

usually local only

Best structure

LLC for most

First customers

referrals + local search

Check the licensing for personal training work
No state license, but reputable gyms and insurers require a recognized certification and CPR/AED. Liability waivers are essential. This is the part that varies most by state — some require a state license or registration before you can advertise, others leave it to the city or county. Confirm both your state board and your local government before you take a job.
Decide what the business needs to open
One-on-one and small-group fitness coaching, in-person or hybrid. The setup areas that usually matter for a personal training business: Nationally recognized certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA), Liability insurance + waivers, Gym contract or private space, Session and package pricing, Client management app. Typical cost to get operational: $1,000–$6,000.
Pick a structure — sole proprietor or LLC
You can start as a sole proprietor with no filing, or form an LLC (usually $50–$300 depending on your state) for liability protection. For hands-on trade work where something can go wrong on a customer's property, most owners choose the LLC.
LLC filing fee and steps by state ↗
Get a free EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.
IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗
Register for state taxes and get insurance
Register with your state's tax agency if you'll collect sales tax, then line up general liability insurance — most contracts and license boards require proof of coverage.
Get your first personal training customers
Your current gym's members, Instagram before/afters, and a referral incentive. Packages and monthly memberships keep clients committed. Results-based referrals and a transformation-focused Instagram fill the calendar.
Getting customers for a personal training business ↗

Build your personal training launch plan

FirstBearing turns this into a step-by-step roadmap for your exact business — the right forms, the official links, what to charge, and one next step every day. 7 days free. No credit card required. Then $19.99/mo only if you keep going.

Start free — no card required

Frequently asked

How do I start a personal training business?

Check the licenses for personal training work in your state, pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC), get a free EIN from the IRS, register for state taxes, open a business bank account, get general liability insurance, then set up a Google Business Profile and line up your first jobs. The order and the exact forms depend on your state.

Do I need a license to start a personal training business?

No state license, but reputable gyms and insurers require a recognized certification and CPR/AED. Liability waivers are essential.

How much does it cost to start a personal training business?

Plan for $1,000–$6,000 to get operational, plus $50–$300 if you form an LLC (varies by state). An EIN is free, and general liability insurance runs a few hundred dollars a year for most solo operators.

How much do personal training businesses make?

It depends on your rates, your utilization, and your area. See the income and pricing breakdown for a personal training business for typical owner take-home and what to charge.

Where do the first personal training customers come from?

Your current gym's members, Instagram before/afters, and a referral incentive.

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

How to Start a Personal Training Business

Check the licensing for personal training work

Decide what the business needs to open

Pick a structure — sole proprietor or LLC

Get a free EIN from the IRS

Register for state taxes and get insurance

Get your first personal training customers