Introduction | Books | Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
Independent Sports Trainers, also known as personal fitness trainers, are part of the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code of 711219.
Sports trainers provide one-on-one fitness training. Not only do they need to have a basic knowledge of physiology and technique, but they also need to know how do you apply this knowledge to an individual. A good personal trainer learns how to read the individual. This includes not only a person's physical condition, but his or her emotional state as well. A successful personal trainer is going to build a program around that individual's lifestyle and personality, incorporating their real world in the pursuit of ideal health and appearance.
Start-up costs can range from $500 to over $10,000, depending upon how you structure your business. Some trainers simply join a gym and advertise their services there. Others set up a gym in their home or rented space so they can work privately with their clients. To minimize the initial investment, you might be able to make a deal with a local sporting goods store to offer training to people who have purchased exercise equipment.
The primary requirements to run this business are being physically fit yourself, knowledge of equipment and technique, and CPR training. A number of Professional Resources offer certification, which can offer an additional credibility to your business
In addition to setting up a place to exercise, an exercise plan, and professional marketing materials about your business (business cards, flyers), you need to make certain you are covered by appropriate insurance and develop a health disclaimer that each client should sign. The health disclaimer should cover basic health conditions, physician and emergency information, and a waiver of liability should an accident occur.
Introduction | Books | Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
The Business of
Personal Training
Discusses not only how to build a solid business, but also how to be an effective trainer.
Exercise Testing
& Program Design
A fitness professional's handbook from Exercise Science.
The Personal
Trainer Business Handbook
Covers everything from designing safe and effective fitness programs to handling the most
difficult clients.
The Personal
Trainer's Business Survival Guide
The business end of being a personal trainer.
Principles for
Personal Trainers
Covers topics ranging from accurate bookkeeping to effective communication to the hidden costs
of client turnover.
Program Design for
Personal Trainers
How to completely customize a program for each new client.
Small Club
Start-up : A Personal Trainer's Guide
Outlines what it takes to start and operate a club successfully.
Start Your Own
Personal Training Business
Start-up Guide from Entrepreneur Magazine.
Training
Nutrition: The Diet and Nutrition Guide for Peak Performance
Written by a sports nutritionist and an exercise physiologists who have worked with elite
Olympic, professional, college and high school athletes.
Weight Training
Workouts That Work
The most productive exercises and proper form, how many sets and repetitons to do, what days to
workout and how much weight to use.
Introduction | Books | Magazines | Professional Resources | Related Articles | Sample Business Plans | Start-up Issues
Bicycling
Devoted to bicycle travel with features on trips and vacations, racing, health and equipment.
Fitness
A lifestyle magazine for active, young women that presents a realistic, balanced approach to
good health and wellness covering a wide range of topics that promote total fitness of body,
mind and spirit.
Inside
Triathlon
Provides information for triathlon and duathlon insiders around the world. Features training
tips and techniques form the pros, extensive race coverage, interviews with top athletes and a
calendar of events.
Health
Woman's guide to life, covering beauty, well-being, fitness, and food/nutrition.
Powerlifting
USA
Covers the sport of powerlifting, with contest results, training techniques and athlete
profiles.
Runner's
World
Contains profiles of running personalities, race coverages, medical & training advice, diet
& nutritional information & running product reviews.
Running
Times
Expert information on training, racing, sports medicine, inspiration, profiles and more.
Shape
A magazine devoted to mind and body fitness for women. Articles on exercise, sports and
adventure, fashion and beauty, mind/body health, diet and nutrition and consumer information.
Swimming
World
The national magazine for competitive aquatics, swimming, diving and water polo at all levels,
including the Olympics. Articles on coaching, nutrition and training.
Tennis
For the active tennis players of various levels and ages. Issues contain features on playing
instruction, the mental aspect of the game, tips, equipment, fitness and travel to tennis camps
and resorts.
Triathlete
A monthly publication of, about, and for triathletes. It tracks and details the updates in the
triathlon world, including the bikes of the month, and shoes of the month. It gives summaries
on leaders in the sport, gives tips on clothing apparel, and gives attitude notes.
