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Posted by on September 27, 2019 — Updated on September 28, 2025
You can train your personal training clients virtually, in a gym facility, at their home, outdoors in a park, or even in a dedicated studio space. From gyms to parks to online, explore the best client training options—and manage it all with Exercise.com.
There are some important considerations when choosing a location to train your personal training clients. Learn what gyms allow outside personal trainers, where to train clients as a personal trainer, creative places to train clients, gym rent for personal trainers, and more (like this free gym rental agreement template you can use). With Exercise.com’s versatile platform, you can seamlessly manage and schedule sessions across various locations to best accommodate your clients’ needs and preferences. There are pros and cons to the various locations for training sessions.
So if you want to learn how to become a personal trainer, and learn how to start a personal training business, then you maybe don’t want to jump through all the hoops to open a gym (and all of the high costs of opening a gym) so learning which gyms allow private trainers, how to do in-house personal training, and how to be a personal trainer without a gym is important.
When you’re deciding where to train clients as a personal trainer, you’ve got three main options: working inside a gym, taking it outdoors, or going fully online. Each has unique benefits and risks, but the real win comes when you combine them using Exercise.com’s all-in-one platform.
| Training Model | Typical Costs | Risks & Limitations | Revenue Potential | How Exercise.com Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor (Gyms That Allow Independent Personal Trainers) | Flat rent fees ($200–$1,000/month) or revenue share (20–40%) | Limited client capacity, gym rules, liability insurance requirements | $50–$100/session, dependent on client flow | Automates scheduling, payments, contracts, and liability waivers inside gyms that allow private personal trainers |
| Outdoor Training / Mobile Personal Trainer | Minimal overhead (equipment, permits, insurance) | Weather, logistics, client cancellations, safety concerns | $30–$75/session, with group training scaling higher | Best outdoor fitness software for attendance tracking, invoicing, and shared personal training |
| Online Coaching / Virtual Fitness Coaching | Tech setup (apps, video, content creation), branding | High competition, retention challenges, client accountability | Unlimited scalability—digital programs, subscriptions, global reach | Full online training platform, custom branded apps, and tools to sell personal training online |
Instead of asking is it illegal to train someone in a gym or worrying about what gyms allow freelance personal training, the real question is: how do you create the most profitable, sustainable training model? The answer is hybrid. By mixing indoor training, private training sessions fitness platforms, and online personal training ideas, you maximize income streams, reduce risk, and offer clients ultimate flexibility.
Exercise.com is the glue that makes this work. You can manage in-person scheduling, automate billing for independent personal training, host virtual fitness coaching, and even launch a mobile fitness business—all without juggling multiple systems.
Many new trainers wonder can you personal train at any gym or if they’re limited to specific facilities. The truth is, most commercial gyms don’t allow outside personal trainers due to liability and insurance concerns. That’s why gyms that allow private personal trainers or independent personal trainer gyms have become such a hot topic. But this restriction doesn’t have to limit your career growth. With Exercise.com, you can offer hybrid memberships, host private training sessions fitness platforms, and expand into online training so you’re not reliant on gym permission to build your book of business. You can even make money selling workout plans online.
Finding gyms that allow personal trainers is key (full list below) if you want to work as a freelance personal trainer. These spaces often operate like shared coworking facilities for fitness pros: you pay a flat fee or a percentage per session and gain access to equipment and private training areas. The challenge is that overhead adds up, and competition inside these spaces can be fierce. Exercise.com gives you an advantage by providing a system to manage independent personal training clients across multiple environments—whether you’re in gyms for independent personal trainers, outdoors, or offering virtual fitness coaching.
If you’re a mobile personal trainer or looking to expand into outdoor personal training, location flexibility is your selling point. How to train clients outside comes down to two things: safety and structure. While outdoor training cuts costs, it also introduces challenges like weather, waivers, and scheduling. Exercise.com helps streamline these pain points by automating liability waivers, organizing shared personal training sessions, and offering best outdoor fitness software to track attendance and billing seamlessly.
If your clients are asking about flexibility, offering virtual fitness coaching is non-negotiable. Whether you’re exploring online personal training ideas, offering live workouts, or building passive revenue streams through digital programs, you need a professional system. With Exercise.com, you can start an online fitness business, package and sell workouts, deliver progress tracking, and manage client communication—all inside your custom branded app. This eliminates the patchwork of Zoom, spreadsheets, and messaging apps that limit most independent personal trainers.
The best path isn’t choosing between gyms that allow outside personal trainers, outdoor sessions, or digital coaching. It’s combining all three. Hybrid training gives you the flexibility to train clients in a commercial gym, offer private training sessions fitness platforms, and run online personal training programs. The problem is managing it all without dropping the ball on scheduling, payments, or lead generation. With Exercise.com, you can centralize your business—track every session, invoice automatically, manage personal training marketing, and even run courses on online client acquisition for trainers.
Many new trainers ask how to get personal training clients in a gym or find personal training clients in my area. The real question is how to scale beyond gym walk-ins. Exercise.com helps you:
Instead of relying only on foot traffic, you create recurring revenue through diversified training models—all managed in one platform.
Whether you’re a private personal trainer, a freelance personal trainer, or running independent personal training in multiple spaces, your long-term success depends on building a business model that doesn’t rely on one gym’s rules. With Exercise.com, you gain the software to operate anywhere—inside gyms that allow independent personal trainers, outdoors, or online. That’s how today’s most successful trainers grow beyond being employees and build scalable, profitable careers.
If you’re ready to control where and how you train clients, book a demo with Exercise.com today and see how we help trainers at every stage of their career thrive.
Exercise.com is here for you. From creating fitness assessments with fitness assessment software online…
To selling workout plans online…
To launching your own custom branded fitness app that has automatic fitness assessments right inside of the app for your clients to complete.
And much more.
See why using the best personal trainer software, the best online fitness coaching software, and the best apps for online fitness coaches can add rocket fuel to your personal training business income.
From running online fitness challenges, to creating one of the best fitness influencer apps (check out the best white label fitness app software), to selling workout of the day memberships, to learning how to create a fitness app, to much more, there are many ways to make money with fitness, and with the Exercise.com platform you have the best online fitness coaching software and the best software for fitness influencers all in one! (Not to mention the best gym software and the best personal training software).
Whether you’re an independent personal trainer, a freelance personal trainer looking for gyms that allow outside training, or building an online fitness coach business, you need software that centralizes everything. Exercise.com gives you the power to:
Book a demo today and see how Exercise.com empowers personal trainers to train clients anywhere—gyms, outdoors, or online.
It’s important to note that policies regarding outside personal trainers may vary by location and individual gym management, so it’s always best to inquire directly with the gym beforehand.
| Gym | Policy on Outside Personal Trainers | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime Fitness | Allowed | Check with individual franchise for specific guidelines |
| Gold’s Gym | Allowed | Some locations may require trainers to pay a fee |
| 24 Hour Fitness | Allowed | Trainers typically need liability insurance |
| LA Fitness | Allowed | Must sign a contract with the gym and provide insurance |
| Equinox | Allowed | Independent contractor status required for trainers |
| Crunch Fitness | Allowed | Must provide certification and liability insurance |
| Life Time Fitness | Allowed | May have specific requirements for trainers |
| YMCA | Varies by Location | Policies may differ between branches |
| Planet Fitness | Varies by Location | Some locations may allow it with restrictions |
| UFC Gym | Allowed | Must adhere to gym policies and regulations |
Remember to check with each gym location directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their policies regarding outside personal trainers.
There are some important considerations when choosing a location to train your personal training clients. There are pros and cons to working for a fitness facility or fitness business versus working as a freelance personal trainer. Considerations include things like:
The first is personal trainer insurance, which costs around $250 or less a year. If you are not covered under a policy held by your workplace, you will need to get your own liability insurance. It will not protect you from getting sued as a personal trainer, but it will give you peace of mind.
If you are a personal trainer hired by a fitness facility, their policy may cover you, but you should always double-check. You may also want to have your own insurance policy in addition to the coverage they provide. If you are training clients in your own home, the homeowner’s policy will usually not cover professional activities.
Another consideration is safety. The location where you train your clients should be safe from dangerous situations, it should have adequate lighting, and be free from any environmental hazards. It should also be ADA accessible.
One other consideration is equipment availability. You can do a lot with body-weight exercises, but an effective exercise program will eventually need access to weights, resistance bands, etc. This also depends on the individual fitness goals for your client – are they more interested in improving strength, balance, flexibility, or endurance during the workout session?
One other important consideration is flexibility. This means flexibility for both you, as the trainer, and your clients. Questions to consider are: Is the location convenient for you and your clients? What are the hours of availability?
The final consideration is if you need to purchase and use fitness business software. This software does come at an added cost but can make it much easier for you to manage and communicate with clients. There are numerous benefits to using fitness business software such as efficiency, communication, revenue generation, and the potential to grow the business.
Clients can book and manage appointments, manage pay for training sessions, and communicate with you. Trainers can send workouts to clients located anywhere, can send performance assessment data, collect payments, set up workout challenges, and communicate with clients.
Ready to manage and grow your personal training business? Schedule a demo to learn how you could save time and grow your business.
Where Can I Train My Personal Training Clients? (Real-World Options, Rules, and Revenue Math)
If you’re an independent personal trainer or a private personal trainer, you have more venue options than ever—each with different rules, risk, and profit potential. The key is packaging services that fit the space while keeping operations tight: bookings, waivers, billing, and program delivery under one roof. That’s exactly what Exercise.com handles for freelance personal training, virtual fitness coaching, and hybrid models so you can focus on client results and revenue, not logistics.
1) Commercial Gyms That Allow Outside Trainers (Subcontract or Day Rate)
Many clubs restrict outsiders, so scope “gyms that allow private personal trainers” or “what gyms allow outside personal trainers” in your city and ask for written policies. Common models:
- Day/Hour Rental: flat fee per hour or per day for private training areas. High control, predictable costs.
- Revenue Split: 60/40 or 70/30 after transaction fees. Easier start, lower margin.
- Per-Session Access Pass: pay a small per-session facility fee.
Pain points: onboarding, COI insurance proof, access control, collecting the facility’s cut, and tracking utilization. Solve it with Exercise.com: contracts, COI upload, door access (when used with compatible hardware), pro-rated private training sessions fitness platforms billing, and usage reports tied to each independent personal trainer.
If your goal is ultimately opening my own gym becoming personal trainer, start mapping the numbers with how to open a gym and your launch roadmap in how to start a fitness business.
2) Independent Personal Trainer Gyms and PT Studios (Sublease or Shared Personal Training)
Boutique PT studios and gyms for independent personal trainers rent by the hour or offer shared personal training pods. Advantages: cleaner branding, quieter floors, and flexible private training areas for assessments.
Operational must-haves: branded intake forms, recurring billing, session packs, and trainer/room calendars. Run everything in one place with best personal training software and manage staff or collaborators with best gym management software.
3) Client Homes and On-Site Corporate Wellness (Mobile Personal Trainer)
A mobile personal trainer model bypasses rent and wins on convenience. Bring minimal equipment (adjustable DBs, bands, sliders) and charge a travel premium. For corporate gigs, offer short shared personal training blocks at lunch with clear outcomes and a monthly retainer.
Close the admin gap with in-app scheduling, travel buffers, and contracts inside your custom-branded app. If you’re testing mobile first, use the blueprint in mobile fitness business.
4) Parks and Outdoor Fitness (Permits + Weather Plan)
“How to train clients outside” starts with permits, COI, and clear contingency plans. Build an outdoor personal trainer calendar that flexes by season and offer a weatherproof hybrid membership that includes virtual fitness coaching.
Run park bootcamps with proven frameworks from how to start a fitness bootcamp business, package sessions with fitness bootcamp ideas, and manage rosters using best outdoor fitness software. When you’re ready to scale, layer promotions from fitness event ideas.
5) Community Centers, Schools, and Faith Facilities (Low Cost, High Rules)
Great for local personal training and small groups—expect background checks, fixed schedules, and strict space rules. Price in blocks and include your equipment time and storage constraints. Keep communications centralized and on-record through your branded portal.
6) Tele-Coaching and Hybrid (Train Anywhere, Monetize Everywhere)
“Where can I train my personal training clients?” Online, everywhere. Blend in-person with tele-coaching, video form checks, and app-based programs:
- Weekly form reviews and feedback looms
- Habit tracking with nudges and streaks
- Asynchronous Q&A threads in your online fitness coach community
Launch the entire stack with online training and the step-by-step in how to start an online personal training business and how to start an online fitness business. Add digital products using how to sell personal training online and how to make money selling workout plans online.
Legality, Liability, and House Rules (Read This Before You Coach)
“Is it illegal to train someone in a gym?” It’s not illegal to coach clients—what’s illegal is trespass or violating a facility’s policy. If the club bans outside trainers and you’re caught, you risk removal or fines. Always secure:
- Written permission and access terms (split, day rate, or pass)
- COI naming the venue as additionally insured
- Waivers and PAR-Q completed in your system
- Local permit for outdoor sessions when required
Keep every signature, waiver, and policy inside Exercise.com, then auto-attach them to the booking record to protect you and the venue.
Where to Train, How to Price: Three Ready-to-Run Packages
A) Studio Sublease (High Control, Higher Cost)
- $30/hour room rental, $90 session price → $60 gross/session
- 12 sessions/week = $720/week gross contribution before marketing
- Upsell a 6-week block + app-based homework to lift ARPM
B) Big-Box Split (Low Startup, Lower Margin)
- 70/30 split on $90 → $63/session net
- Push semi-private 2:1 at $60/person to boost contribution/hour
C) Outdoor + Hybrid (Seasonal, Scalable)
- $149/month hybrid (1 weekly group + app program + check-ins)
- Run 25 members = $3,725/month revenue with minimal overhead
You can build, deliver, and track each package’s sessions, programs, and payments in one login with Exercise.com.
Client Acquisition by Venue: What Actually Works
- In a Gym: “How to get personal training clients in a gym” = 3-touch floor system. Offer micro-assessments, a single form fix, then a 15-minute plan. Log prospects into your CRM and follow up with a program preview link. See best CRM software for gyms.
- Outdoor/Community: QR posters with a 7-day mobility sprint. Convert with a kickoff event from fitness event ideas.
- Online: Publish “online personal training ideas,” long-tail programs, and a “start here” path from how to start an online personal training business and how to make money as an online fitness coach.
- Social: Turn tips into bookings with prompts in personal trainer social media post ideas. For systematic growth use personal training marketing and personal training lead generation ideas.
If you need a bigger strategic plan, start with personal trainer business plan template and how to start a personal training business.
With vs. Without Exercise.com: A Day in the Life
Without: texting links, chasing Venmo, no-shows, missing waivers, spreadsheets for sessions, and “did you get my email?” chaos.
With Exercise.com: clients book in your app, sign waivers, pay automatically, receive programs and habit prompts, upload form videos, and check in from anywhere. You see schedules, revenue, and retention metrics by product and venue. Door access (where supported) enforces who can train and when. That’s how independent personal training becomes a scalable business.
Explore more tools as you grow:
- Best Personal Training Software
- Online Training
- Best Gym Software With Door Access Control
- Custom-Branded Apps
- How to Make a Fitness App
Bottom line: You can train clients in big boxes, PT studios, living rooms, parks, or online. The profitable version is the one where your software runs the rules—bookings, billing, waivers, programs, and reporting—in one place and under your brand.
Ready to train clients anywhere and scale like an owner? Book a demo with Exercise.com and run your entire personal training business—on the floor, outdoors, and online—from one platform.
“Developing an easy intake system with my apps and ways to scale the delivery of workouts has been huge. Working with 20-30 individuals who each have specific goals and restrictions can be challenging, but your platform makes it easy to organize everyone’s programs and put a plan together that will get them the best results possible. The simple, effective tools help expand and simplify my coaching process.”
Dean SomersetOwner, Somerset Fitness
Listed below are some of the possible options for where you can train your clients. The options vary from fitness centers to individual homes or garages, as well as outdoor options.
There are a number of benefits of working for a fitness facility as a personal trainer. Liability insurance is sometimes covered by the facility, but you may also want to have your own policy in addition to that. Fitness facilities will usually do some marketing to generate new clients. You may have to do some marketing as well, but you might also be able to market to their existing members.
The biggest benefit is that you will also be able to use the facilities and equipment without finding a space to train your clients. Administrative duties may be less because you may not be checking in clients, showing them around the facility, collecting payments, cleaning equipment, or developing a brand because you will use the business’s brand.
Some fitness facilities may offer benefits, like personal trainer health insurance, vacation, personal/sick days, or retirement. For example, YMCAs usually offer a considerable benefits package, including retirement (and place a great emphasis on company culture as seen below). The pay may be less if benefits are offered because those are considered part of the compensation package, so analyze this before making a decision.
Some fitness centers may desire trainers with a bachelor’s degree and may also have specific personal trainer certifications that they prefer. Most fitness facilities prefer trainer certifications from ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), or ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association). If you have a different training certification, you may have to find a facility that will accept that trainer certification for employment.
Some new personal trainers will gain experience and get their name out there by working for a fitness facility first in their career. Once they have a few years of experience, they can decide to go a different route if they choose to do so.
The biggest con for the personal trainers is that the pay may be poor. Personal trainer rates may vary considerably per session, so it is a good idea to compare different gyms or health club pay rates.
You may also have to find your own clients, which can be time-consuming, frustrating, and extra work. You are also subject to the rules and schedule for the facility.
As a side note, it is not a good idea to bring a personal training client to a gym as a guest where you are a member. This is most likely against the rules and can result in the business revoking your membership.
Boutique fitness centers are popping up everywhere and are very popular with clients. Boutique fitness centers may pay a little better than some other fitness businesses, but may also have specific rules and regulations. Popular boutique fitness centers include Soul Cycle, Orangetheory Fitness (as seen in the video below), F45, Pure Barre, Barry’s Bootcamp, or CrossFit.
They may or may not provide health insurance or benefits. If you want to take off for being sick or for a vacation, you may not have any vacation days or sick days to use, which would affect your paycheck.
They may also have an in-house training program that you must complete before working. This would be in addition to your personal trainer certification and education. You may have to complete an audition or train under a more experienced trainer at first.
Read More:
Some large corporations have fitness centers available for their employees to use. They may hire contract personal trainers to come in and train clients. In this case, you would want to have your own liability insurance policy because the business policy would probably not cover you.
The good news is that you will have a built-in client base of employees. If the corporation has a fitness facility, then you also have access to all of the equipment. If the corporation is focusing on worksite wellness, the employees may get incentives for doing a workout session or a discount on personal training, which would increase your client base.
The business might allow employees to only work out before work, during lunch, or after work, but if the business has various work shifts or if employees are allowed to work out anytime, this gives you more flexibility with your time.
The negative is that corporate fitness typically has lower pay. Benefits might be part of the compensation package, so you will want to weigh the pros and cons.
There are small studios that will let you “rent” their space for either a flat fee or for a portion of what you charge your clients. The personal trainer essentially works as an independent fitness contractor in this type of business. If you have a lot of clients to train, the flat fee can be a good deal. If you only have a few clients, a studio that collects a percentage might be preferable.
There are also larger fitness facilities that allow independent trainers to use their gym or facility, such as CompleteBody. Usually, the client will have a membership, and the personal trainer will pay a fee to train there.
Some cities have options which allow you to search and find open spaces to rent for training clients.
You will need to consider the location and flexibility for personal training at one of these studios or gyms. A long commute can add wear and tear to your car, which is an additional expense.
Obviously, if you own your own gym or fitness business, you can train clients there. This is probably one of the most flexible options but requires start-up fees for equipment and supplies, a solid business plan, a personal training business license, marketing, administrative tasks, and possibly the management of other employees.
There is a lot to consider if you want to own your own personal trainer business or gym, but there are also great benefits to this as well. You will also need to have your own health insurance policy for yourself and possibly employees, depending on the size of your business.
Many hotels have a fitness center available for their guests with a few pieces of cardio equipment, mats, and strength training equipment. Larger hotels and resorts may hire personal trainers to work in that facility and train guests who are staying at the property. Some smaller or locally-owned hotels may allow independent personal trainers to use the facility or provide services to guests if they have space and availability.
If your client owns their own business with plenty of extra space, this may be the perfect location to train them. If your client is an employee, it’s a good idea for them to check with the business owner and get their permission. You do not want to disturb the other employees or customers while training a client.
Equipment and space are important considerations for a workplace. There are a variety of bodyweight exercises you can do, but having fitness equipment gives you more variety.
If there is enough space or if you can be creative with space, you also have the flexibility to offer both individual personal training sessions as well as small group sessions. If you have a few clients with similar fitness goals and schedules, small group sessions can help use your time effectively, motivate clients, and generate revenue.
Another benefit is that you might gain some new clients by word-of-mouth or referrals. The convenience for the employees to work out before or after work (or even during the workday if the employer is ok with that) is a great benefit for them.
Many workout routines can be done outdoors or in a park. Outdoor boot camps are very popular and attract a large number of participants. Some clients may really enjoy or prefer doing their physical activity outdoors.
Some parks even have a fitness trail with equipment and instructions spaced out in various locations along the path. Some considerations would be sharing the equipment with other people using the park and weather issues that could affect training sessions, whether it’s the temperature, rain, or snow.
Sunscreen and water availabilities are important considerations. Bugs and pests might also be an issue outdoors.
You might be able to use training programs like couch to 5k in a park setting if there is a trail or loop that is safe to walk or jog. Equipment that is easy to transport, like jump ropes, might be used, along with bodyweight exercises in a park setting.
You will want to check planning and zoning laws to determine if you can run an in-home business but learning how to start a fitness business from home or how to start a yoga business from home is a great idea for many motivated people who want to make money from fitness. There may be a limit on how many clients you can have at one time, which could affect your classes if you are doing small group training or group exercise classes.
Safety is another issue in a home-based gym. You have to consider things like stairs, uneven surfaces, rugs, or any other hazards. Other considerations include parking, restroom access, marketing.
If you have pets or children, it’s important to make sure they don’t interfere with a client’s workout.
There are many pros to training clients in your own home, especially if you already have the equipment or can easily add some equipment. Flexibility is a major pro, along with convenience, and little or no traveling for you. You have full control over the rates you charge for personal training sessions in your own home.
TRX training straps can add a lot to a workout and can easily be added in a workout room, basement, or garage.
If you don’t have extra room inside your home, you might choose to train clients in your garage. The temperature could be an issue, especially during the summer months.
If you have a safe area for clients to walk, jog, or run in your neighborhood, like a park or track, you could also incorporate cardiorespiratory endurance activities into the training sessions.
The biggest pro for using a client’s home is the convenience for the client. Motivation is also usually high when training in a client’s home because it eliminates some of the barriers to physical activity, like time, convenience, and travel.
Another pro is the flexibility of what you will charge the client. You will need to consider your time and expenses when setting the fee. Some clients are willing to pay more for the convenience of completing their physical activity in their own homes.
You can either bring equipment with you or request for them to purchase or provide equipment. If you bring the equipment, you can make a kit of equipment that you take with you to the client’s homes such as jump ropes, resistance bands, light dumbbells, ankle weights, or mats.
You could also ask the client to purchase a small bench, a mat, light dumbbells, ankle weights, a medicine ball, or any other equipment. The good news is they could use this to work out even when you are not training them.
Some clients may have a treadmill, stationary bicycle, or elliptical available in their home to do cardiorespiratory fitness activities. You could either have them use these to warm up, incorporate them into the training session, or assign them “homework” to do cardio on their own.
One con is the time considerations. If you are traveling from one client’s home to another, you would lose time driving from one home to the next. That would not be the case if you were training the clients in your own home or at a fitness facility because you could train back-to-back clients.
Traveling can also be extra wear-and-tear on your vehicle, so you would need to take this expense into consideration.
Read More: Mobile Fitness Business Guide
Apartment complexes or a retirement community are also a possibility for training new clients. Some apartment complexes or retirement communities may already have fitness equipment or a workout room.
One of the biggest pros is the convenience for the residents. Training clients back-to-back in the same location is an efficient use of your time and saves money from driving to multiple locations.
A running trail is a great place if you have clients that are focused on improving cardiovascular endurance by walking, jogging, or running. Running trails are safe and environmental hazards are usually minimal or limited. Temperature, weather conditions, and bugs may be an issue.
There are similar considerations to exercising in a park, like bugs, pests, sunscreen, and water availability. Temperature and weather conditions might also affect workout plans.
Elementary or high schools might be a good option if you have clients that are faculty, staff, or other employees in the school. You may have to work around the sports teams if using a gym or weight equipment.
Many schools also have a track, which would be great for some outdoor cardiovascular fitness. Parking and safety should not be issues in most schools.
Personal training with virtual clients provides a number of benefits. Learning how to start an online personal training business gives you an enormous amount of flexibility, little to no travel time or costs, and you can determine the personal training fees.
It would be helpful to have fitness software if you are planning to do personal training with virtual clients. You can develop and deliver workouts, videos, and provide an exercise library for your clients. The client’s training program can easily be shared through a mobile app or dashboard instead of email or printing documents.
The great thing about using fitness software is that you can create and develop the training plans anytime and if the software allows, set up automatic delivery of those workout routines on a schedule. If your client wants a Tuesday and Thursday workout routine, you can set the software up to automatically deliver those every Tuesday and Thursday, no matter when you created them.
Exercise enthusiasts are becoming more comfortable with streaming fitness services and online personal training. Some exercisers are more comfortable and prefer the flexibility of working out at home, instead of the gym. You could train clients anywhere in the world on your schedule to help them meet their fitness goals in a location where they feel comfortable.
Gyms that allow outside personal trainers vary depending on their policies and agreements. Many smaller, locally-owned gyms may welcome independent trainers, while some larger chain gyms have partnerships or rental agreements for outside trainers. It’s essential to research and inquire directly with gyms in your area to determine their policies regarding outside personal trainers.
To find gyms that allow independent trainers near you, consider the following methods:
Some gyms that allow private personal trainers may provide facilities, equipment, and support services to make it easier for trainers to train clients. However, the level of support and ease of access may vary depending on the gym’s policies and agreements. It’s essential to clarify expectations and discuss any requirements or fees with the gym management before beginning to train clients on-site.
You can train your personal training clients in various locations that don’t cost money, including:
The types of gyms that allow private personal trainers vary and may include locally-owned gyms, boutique fitness studios, community centers, and some chain gyms with flexible policies. Additionally, specialized facilities such as martial arts studios, dance studios, or CrossFit boxes may welcome independent trainers.
Whether it’s worth it to be a private fitness instructor depends on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances. Private fitness instructors have the flexibility to set their schedules, rates, and training methods, allowing for greater autonomy and potentially higher earning potential. However, it also requires self-motivation, marketing skills, and the ability to manage administrative tasks and client relationships effectively.
The fee structure for independent personal trainers at gyms can vary. Some gyms may charge trainers a flat monthly rental fee for access to facilities, while others may offer hourly rates or revenue-sharing agreements based on the number of clients trained. It’s essential to clarify the terms and conditions with the gym management before entering into any agreements.
Not all gyms allow personal training, and those that do may have specific policies, requirements, or fees for independent trainers. It’s essential to research and inquire with individual gyms to determine their policies regarding personal training and any potential opportunities for independent trainers.
If a gym catches you training clients when you are not allowed, they may issue warnings, revoke access privileges, or terminate your membership or agreement. Violating gym policies or rules regarding personal training can have consequences, so it’s crucial to adhere to the guidelines and obtain permission from the gym management if necessary.
The cheapest gyms that allow freelance training may include locally-owned facilities, community centers, or smaller chain gyms with flexible policies and lower membership fees. It’s essential to compare costs, amenities, and policies to find the best option for your budget and business needs.
Some gyms that allow personal trainers may still enforce strict policies or give trainers a hard time regarding scheduling, client management, or facility usage. It’s essential to communicate openly with gym management, follow established guidelines, and maintain professionalism to minimize potential conflicts or issues.
Renting gym space for personal training can be a viable option for independent trainers looking to establish their businesses or expand their client base. Renting space allows for greater control over scheduling, equipment usage, and client experience, but it also involves additional costs and responsibilities. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and pricing when evaluating rental options for personal training.
To become a personal trainer, you typically need to follow these steps:
Exercise.com’s platform provides resources and tools to support personal trainers at every stage of their career, from studying for certification exams to managing client schedules and workouts. With features like client management, workout creation, progress tracking, and billing automation, Exercise.com simplifies the process of becoming and succeeding as a personal trainer.
Read More: How to Become a Personal Trainer
Technically, yes, you can become a personal trainer without being certified, but you will likely not be able to charge clients the same amount that a certified trainer would, may have trouble finding a job, and may have trouble securing clients if you are unable to prove that you are certified.
Yes, personal training can be a stable career option if you put in the work and take the steps to grow your knowledge through pursuing various certifications and educational opportunities.
Yes, you can train at multiple locations as long as you did not sign a non-compete with a specific business.
Every city has different rules and regulations regarding hosting fitness classes at a public park. Contact your local Parks and Recreation department for more information on acquiring permits and the legalities surrounding training in a public park.
As seen above, the location where you train clients depends on many factors like liability insurance, safety, equipment availability, flexibility, and access to fitness business software.
It’s also important to understand your career goals as a personal trainer before you decide where to train your clients. Are you looking to become financially independent? Are you looking to grow your clientele? Are you looking to just train one or two clients for extra revenue? By taking the time to answer these questions, you will have a better idea of which location will be best for you to train your clients.
To start getting clients as a personal trainer, consider these strategies:
By implementing these strategies and consistently delivering high-quality service, you can start attracting clients and building a successful personal training business.
Exercise.com’s gym management software provides tools for client management, scheduling, and marketing automation to help personal trainers effectively attract and retain clients, ultimately driving success for their businesses.
Personal trainers get clients through a combination of networking, marketing, and providing exceptional service. Some effective strategies include:
By implementing these strategies and consistently delivering high-quality service, personal trainers can attract and retain clients, ultimately building a successful business.
Exercise.com’s gym management software offers tools for client management, marketing automation, and scheduling to help personal trainers effectively attract and retain clients, driving success for their businesses.
Yes, many gyms allow personal trainers to train clients on their premises. However, it’s essential to check with the gym’s policies and potentially negotiate a partnership or rental agreement to use their facilities for personal training sessions. Some gyms may require personal trainers to obtain liability insurance and certifications from accredited organizations.
To create a personal training program for clients, assess their fitness level, goals, medical history, and any special considerations. Design a program that includes a mix of cardio, strength training, flexibility exercises, and progression strategies tailored to their needs. Monitor their progress regularly and adjust the program as necessary to ensure continued success.
A beginner personal trainer may start with a few clients to gain experience and gradually build their client base over time. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on providing exceptional service to each client while actively seeking new opportunities to grow your business.
To get clients with no experience, leverage your personal network, offer discounted or free sessions to build your portfolio, and actively seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Networking, social media marketing, and community outreach can also help you attract clients and establish credibility in the industry.
Personal trainers may make the most money working in affluent areas with a high demand for fitness services, such as major cities or upscale neighborhoods. Additionally, those who specialize in niche markets or offer premium services like online coaching or corporate wellness programs may command higher rates.
Personal trainers may lose clients due to factors such as lack of results, poor communication, scheduling conflicts, or changes in the client’s priorities or financial situation. Maintaining open communication, delivering exceptional service, and continually striving to meet clients’ needs can help prevent client turnover.
Most personal trainers work in fitness facilities such as gyms, health clubs, or fitness studios. However, some may also work independently as freelance trainers, in corporate wellness programs, or in specialized settings such as rehabilitation centers or sports performance facilities.
Planet Fitness discontinued personal training services in some locations to focus on its core business model of providing a non-intimidating, judgment-free gym environment at an affordable price. However, personal training may still be available at select locations or through partnerships with external trainers.
Some gyms may have policies restricting personal trainers from operating within their facilities due to liability concerns, conflicts of interest with in-house trainers, or space limitations. However, many gyms do allow personal trainers to train clients on-site with proper certification, insurance, and adherence to gym policies.
The high turnover rate among personal trainers can be attributed to factors such as long hours, irregular schedules, low pay, and burnout from managing multiple clients simultaneously. Additionally, some trainers may leave the industry due to difficulty establishing a steady client base or lack of career advancement opportunities.
Personal training clients typically want personalized attention, guidance, and support to help them achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively. They value trainers who listen to their needs, provide motivation and accountability, and deliver results-oriented programs tailored to their individual preferences and abilities.
A personal training session typically begins with a warm-up to prepare the body for exercise, followed by a combination of cardio, strength training, flexibility exercises, and cool-down stretches. The structure may vary depending on the client’s goals, fitness level, and any specific needs or preferences.
With your first personal training client, focus on building rapport, conducting a thorough assessment, and establishing clear goals and expectations. Tailor the training program to their needs and preferences, provide clear instruction and feedback, and ensure a positive and supportive experience to set the stage for ongoing success.
To get your first clients as an online personal trainer, leverage social media, create valuable content, offer free resources or challenges, and network with potential clients in online fitness communities or forums. Utilize email marketing, targeted advertising, and referral programs to attract clients and build your online presence.
To make your personal training business successful, focus on delivering exceptional service, building strong relationships with clients, and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. Utilize effective marketing strategies, prioritize client retention, and stay current with industry trends to maximize profitability and long-term success.
To sell personal training sessions, emphasize the value and benefits of your services, address potential objections or concerns, and offer flexible pricing options or package deals to incentivize purchases. Utilize effective sales techniques, such as active listening, building rapport, and demonstrating confidence in your abilities, to close the deal and secure bookings.
The best personal training software depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, Exercise.com offers a comprehensive platform with features for client management, scheduling, workout creation, progress tracking, and billing automation, making it an excellent choice for personal trainers looking to streamline their business operations and enhance client satisfaction.
Ready to manage your clients better? Schedule a demo today!
Melissa Morris 
