Starting a fitness training business can be a very lucrative endeavor. You can be an independent professional fitness trainer offering your services to clients in their homes or through online sessions. You can also be affiliated with a commercial gym, giving them a percentage of your fees to conduct sessions in the gym with their clients. You can also have a gym business.
In whatever way you conduct your fitness training business, there are several best practices that you must implement to succeed. This article will outline the most important ones.
Get Insurance
Every professional fitness trainer needs liability insurance, whether working as an independent trainer or running a gym. If anyone sues you for bodily injury or property damage in relation to your professional practice, liability insurance will pay for the damages the court awards to the complainant and your legal fees. The amount of reimbursement will depend on the kind of coverage you paid for.
It is crucial to get the highest coverage you can afford so that when you need it, your claim will cover most if not all the damages and legal fees. Otherwise, you may end up in bankruptcy. There are several kinds of liability insurance.
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions insurance, will protect you if anyone sues you and claims that they were injured due to your professional negligence or errors in your training. This is applicable wherever you practice — in a gym, at the client’s home, or anywhere a session is held. You can also be sued for breach of contract.
Premises and General Liability Insurance
Premises and general liability insurance will protect you from any claims of injuries or damage only if these occur on your business property. It also covers suits claiming personal injury due to your misleading or false advertising.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance also covers you against claims of physical injury and property damage occurring on your business property.
Product Liability Insurance
Product liability insurance will protect you from any liability claims that might arise from injuries or damages that occur as a result of using a product that you sell or promote. This type of insurance is important if you sell fitness equipment or workout gear, or if you have a line of health supplements.
Business Owner’s Policy
A business owner’s policy (BOP) bundles together property insurance, liability insurance, and sometimes other types of coverage into one policy. It is usually more affordable than buying each type of insurance separately.
Some insurers will only sell a BOP to businesses that meet certain criteria, such as having a certain amount of revenue, being located in a specific industry, or employing a certain number of people.
Comply With Local Regulations
Every city and state has different regulations regarding fitness businesses. Make sure you are familiar with the laws in your area so that you can comply with them.
For example, some states require fitness trainers to have a license in order to practice. Others do not have this requirement but may have other regulations, such as requiring you to get liability insurance or pass a criminal background check. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Administration to learn about the requirements in your area.
Get Certified
Although certification is not always required, it will give you an edge over other trainers who are not certified. It will also help you get higher-paying jobs, such as working at a corporate gym or training professional athletes. Furthermore, many clients will feel more comfortable working with a certified trainer.
There are several organizations that offer various types of certification for fitness trainers, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each organization has its own requirements, but they generally include passing an exam and paying a fee.
Some certifications must be renewed every few years, while others do not expire. Be sure to check the requirements of the organization you are interested in so that you can maintain your certification.
Start Marketing Your Business
Now that you have everything in place, it’s time to start marketing your business. There are several ways to do this, such as creating a website, setting up social media accounts, and handing out business cards. You can also get listed in online directories, such as Yelp and Google Business Profile.
In addition to online marketing, you should also consider offline marketing methods, such as passing out flyers or advertising in local magazines or newspapers. You can also sponsor community events or offer free demonstrations or workshops.
By following these best practices, you can set your fitness training business up for success.
