How to Start a Personal Training Business in Canada

Becoming a personal trainer in Canada is a great way to turn your love for fitness into a career. More and more people are looking for help with their fitness goals. This means there is a growing need for personal training services.

Being a personal trainer allows you to help others while running your own business. Some people even start personal training as a side hustle while working another job. Whether you plan to offer personal training at home, in a gym, or online, this guide will outline the steps to start your business.

Understanding Personal Fitness Instructor Salary in Canada

When starting your personal training business, it’s important to understand the earning potential. A personal fitness instructor salary in Canada can vary depending on location, experience, and the types of services offered. On average, personal trainers can earn between $25 and $75 per hour, with higher rates for specialized certifications. Offering additional services like nutrition coaching or online fitness training can also increase your overall income.

Step 1: Getting Certified as a Personal Trainer

To start offering personal training services, you’ll first need to become certified. A personal trainer certification helps you gain the knowledge and skills you need to train clients safely. It also helps build trust with potential clients, as they’ll know you’re a qualified trainer. These programs cover topics like exercise science, strength training, and physical activity for different types of clients.

What Personal Trainer Certificate is Most Respected in Canada?

So, how do you become a personal trainer with certification? To start your career as a personal trainer, it’s important to choose a program that is well-known and respected. Canada recognizes several certification programs when becoming a physical trainer. The most respected personal trainer certificates in Canada are:

• Canfitpro: A leading certification in Canada for personal trainers, offering courses for various fitness specialties.
• ACE (American Council on Exercise): A widely recognized certification that covers fitness training, health coaching, and group fitness.
• NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association): Known for its focus on strength and conditioning, this certification is ideal for trainers working with athletes.
• CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology): A highly respected certification focusing on exercise science and fitness training, recognized across Canada.
  

Most certification programs offer both in-person and online courses. After completing the course, you’ll need to pass an exam to earn your certification. As you go through the program, you’ll receive study materials designed to help you prepare for the certification exam. You will also need to renew your certification every few years by taking more courses.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, getting certified is an important first step.

Step 2: Registering Your Personal Training Business

Once you’re certified, it’s time to register your business. In Canada, you have a few options when it comes to business structures: Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, or Corporation. Many personal trainers choose to start as a Sole Proprietorship because it’s simple and affordable. If you want to grow your business or protect your personal assets, incorporating might be a better option for you.

At Ontario Business Central, we simplify the entire registration process. We offer a range of services tailored to your needs, including:

• Business Name Registration: With Business Name Registration, you can register a Sole Proprietorship or a General Partnership. Both options allow you to operate your business under a unique name without the need for incorporation. These structures are easy to set up, but they offer no liability protection for any debts or legal issues. If you choose this structure, it is highly recommended to obtain business insurance.
• Incorporation: Incorporating your business offers many benefits, including liability protection, which separates your personal assets from business debts. It also protects your business name, ensuring that no one else in your jurisdiction can use it. Incorporation can also provide tax advantages, such as lower corporate tax rates and the ability to defer taxes.
• Domain Name Registration: Establishing an online presence is essential for reaching clients in today’s digital world. We can help you secure a domain name that aligns with your brand, ensuring it’s unique and memorable. Having a professional website increases your credibility, and Ontario Business Central can support you in this crucial step.
• Tax Account Set Up: After registering your business, you may need to set up tax accounts. This includes registering for things like an HST number or payroll accounts. Ontario Business Central simplifies the process and ensures you set up your business properly from the start.
  

Registering your business isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s an essential step in making your business official. Whether you’re starting small or planning to grow, Ontario Business Central can help with every step of the process.

Step 3: Finding Clients & Marketing Your Services

After you register your business, the next step is to find clients. The easiest way to start is by identifying your target audience. Do you want to work with people who want to lose weight, improve strength training, or focus on specific goals like sports or marathons? Once you have defined your niche, it’s time to market yourself.

How to Get in Home Personal Training Clients

If you offer in-home personal training, start by promoting your services to family, friends, and neighbors. Social media is also a powerful tool to spread the word. Post pictures, videos, and client success stories to attract more people. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to gain new clients.

How to Get Online Personal Training Clients

If you prefer the flexibility of virtual training, becoming a virtual fitness coach is a great option. You can offer online personal training services to clients who want to train from the comfort of their homes. Many tools can help you run effective workouts remotely, like video conferencing and fitness apps such as Trainerize.

By using both online and offline strategies, you’ll increase your chances of finding more personal training clients.

Step 4: Choosing Your Training Space

You have several options for where to conduct your training sessions. The space you choose will depend on your business model and client needs.

• At Home: Offering personal training at home is a popular option for many trainers. It is convenient and helps you maintain lower operational costs. You’ll need to make sure you have enough space and the right equipment to offer effective training sessions. Many clients enjoy the personal touch that comes with working with an in home personal trainer.
• Renting a Training Space: This option gives you access to more equipment and a professional setting. However, you’ll need to factor in the rental fees, which can vary depending on the location.
• Travelling to Client’s Home: As a fitness trainer in home, you can offer to travel to clients’ homes to conduct training sessions. This is especially appealing to clients who prefer the convenience and privacy of training in their own space. Many clients prefer the personalized experience of working with a personal trainer at home rather than a crowded gym.
• Virtual Training: Becoming an online fitness instructor allows you to reach clients from all over. This is a growing trend, as many clients prefer the convenience of working out at home. Online personal trainers can offer downloadable fitness programs as well. You can conduct virtual training through platforms like Zoom or fitness apps.
  

Whether you train in person or online, it’s important to create a comfortable and professional environment for your clients.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Finances

Managing your finances is essential for running a successful business. Keeping your personal and business finances separate is important. The best way to do this is by opening a dedicated business bank account.

As a business owner, you must pay income taxes. If you earn more than $30,000 a year, you will also need to register for HST. Ontario Business Central can help you set up an HST account to meet CRA requirements.

New business owners should consider working with an accountant or bookkeeper to manage finances and track expenses. By staying on top of your finances, you’ll avoid any surprises at tax time and keep your business running smoothly.

Step 6: Continuing Education & Staying Competitive

The fitness industry is always evolving. To stay competitive, it’s important to keep learning and improving your skills. Continuing education helps you improve as a trainer and ensures you keep your personal fitness instructor certification.

Many personal training certifications offer additional courses on topics like exercise programs, nutrition, and specific training techniques. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends in fitness will allow you to offer new services and attract more clients.

For example, some trainers expand their business by offering group classes, nutrition coaching, or customized workout programs. By diversifying your services, you’ll appeal to a broader audience and increase your earning potential.

Step 7: Growing from Side Hustle to Full-Time Business

Many personal trainers start their business as a side hustle while keeping another job. This is a great way to test the waters and build your client base without taking on too much risk. As you gain more clients and your business grows, you can eventually turn your side hustle into a full-time business.

How to Get More Personal Training Clients

When you’re ready to scale up, focus on increasing your personal training sessions and offering new services. If you start as an in home personal trainer, you can rent a gym space or offer online fitness coaching to reach more clients. By planning your growth strategy carefully, you can smoothly transition to full-time work.

Start Your Personal Training Business Today

Starting a training business in Canada can be a rewarding and flexible career. With the right fitness trainer certification and a clear plan, these steps will help you on the path to success.

Along the way, it’s important to stay informed and continue learning. Investing in continued education will enhance your skills and ensure you keep your certifications up to date. As your business grows, consider how you can expand your services, attract more clients, and scale your operations.

Ontario Business Central is here to make the process easy for you. We offer a range of services, including business registration, securing a domain name, and setting up your tax account.

Ready to get started? Let Ontario Business Central help you set up your business so you can focus on guiding your clients through their fitness journey!

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Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.