What will I be doing?

The fitness craze has been around for some time, but there seems to be renewed interest. If you’re into fitness and want to help others be, consider becoming a personal fitness trainer. A personal fitness trainer helps clients set and achieve personal fitness goals. Most fitness trainers specialize in exercise but also help with diet and even with breaking bad habits.

What will I need to start?

To train others in physical fitness, you must be a good example of the results. That doesn’t mean you have to look like a body builder or a professional wrestler, but you do have to look and be healthy. You are your best advertisement.

To start, learn as much as you can about the why and how of physical fitness. Read the latest books and magazines. Find out what works best. Take some courses from a college extension or at a fitness center. Most important, learn how to motivate others toward good fitness habits.

You may work with people in your home, their home or in a gymnasium. Take your choice. Many personal fitness trainers meet clients at a local gym. One trainer works with a group of six that meets in one section of a local gym on Saturday mornings. Another trainer visits homes where customers have exercise equipment, coaching and encouraging them.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers will usually be individuals who want to look and feel better. You can find them through advertisement in local newspapers, on gym bulletin boards, and by circulating your brochure to others.

Sometimes you can contract with a company to help employees meet physical fitness goals individually and as a group. One company offered to donate $5 to charity for every pound an employee lost during a specific month, hiring a personal fitness trainer to help and track results.

How much should I charge?

Many personal fitness trainers establish an hourly rate of $35 to $75. Newer trainers may establish lower rates for the first six months, until they establish a following. Trainers then may price services by the length and number of sessions or by the goal.

How much will I make?

About 20 percent of your time will be required to market your services, depending on your marketing skills, your credentials and your customers. Plan to spend more time marketing as you start your business. Overhead will range from 10 to 40 percent depending on whether you furnish equipment, rent a room or have other costs. Some trainers need an office while others have prospects contact them through a gym.

How can I get started?

Contact gyms, dance studios and other commercial fitness businesses in your area to discuss your credentials and ideas. If you don’t yet have credentials, join the American Fitness Association or a similar professional group and develop credentials.

Produce a flier that includes your credentials, your programs, your prices and information on how to contact you. Give these brochures away anywhere and everywhere.

How can I use computers to increase profits?

Physical fitness is important to you and your customers. Good recordkeeping is, too. You will want to schedule sessions, maintain up-to-date client files, track client progress toward goals, and, of course, track your income and expenses. Computers can do all these tasks and more. Start with an office suite (word processor, database manager, spreadsheet) and add a checking or accounting program.