Thinking About Turning Your Fitness Journey into a Career?
Ever thought, “Man, I love fitness, but what about making a living out of it?” If that sounds like you, starting your own personal training business might be the perfect move. Whether you’re already coaching at a gym or you’re a licensed personal trainer, doing your own thing can be super rewarding.
More people than ever are trying to hit their fitness goals but don’t know where to start. That’s where personal training comes in. The demand is growing fast, especially here in Canada. A report from Statista shows the Health & Fitness market is expected to grow nearly 9% every year until 2029, hitting about $232 million. That’s huge. It also shows there’s a solid market for personal trainers in Canada.
On top of that, around 73% of Canadians actually prefer to work out solo—not in crowded gyms or packed classes. So yeah, the need for personal training and online personal training businesses is only going up.
Being a personal trainer lets you help people while running your gig. You can even start it as a side hustle.
Whether you’re planning to train clients at home, at a gym, or even online, this guide will help you figure out how to start your own personal training business.
What’s an In-Home Personal Training Business?
This just means you offer fitness training either from your own home or by visiting clients at theirs. It’s super flexible. Plus, you don’t need to rent a gym space, which saves a lot of cash. It’s perfect if you’re just starting out or want more control over your schedule.
Starting an in-home personal training business also means lower costs, better profits, and a comfy setup. So whether you’re new or experienced, it’s a solid way to build your brand.
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make in Canada?
Need a little push to leap? Let’s talk money.
When you’re figuring out how to become a personal trainer in Canada, knowing your potential income helps. A personal fitness instructor’s salary in Canada depends on where you are and how much experience you’ve got.
Average Hourly Earnings by Location
Here’s a quick look at average hourly wages across a few areas:
| Community/Area | High ($/hour) |
| Canada (Average) | $30.00 |
| Alberta | $32.00 |
| British Columbia | $37.00 |
| Ontario | $32.00 |
Pretty decent, right? So keep on reading to find out how you can start your own personal trainer setup.
How to Start a Personal Training Business in Canada (Step-by-Step)
Starting your own personal training business might sound like a big task, but don’t stress—it’s totally doable. Whether you’re new or already working as a personal trainer in Canada, these simple steps can help you launch your biz or take it to the next level.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Get Certified as a Personal Trainer
Before you start training clients, you need to get certified. A personal training certification gives you the skills to train safely and professionally. Plus, people are more likely to trust you when they know you’re legit.
Now you might be asking, how do you become a personal trainer in Canada? Good question.
Here are some of the most respected personal trainer certifications in Canada:
- Canfitpro – Super popular and made for trainers in Canada.
- ACE (American Council on Exercise) – Big name, great if you want to add health coaching too.
- NSCA – More focused on strength and conditioning, great if you work with athletes.
- CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology) – Known for its science-based approach and is well-respected across the country.
Most of these programs offer online and in-person courses. You study, pass the exam, and boom, you’re certified. Just remember, you’ll need to renew your certification every few years.
If you’re wondering how to become a personal trainer in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada, this is your first move. It also sets you up if you ever want to run an online personal training business later on.
Step 2: Know Your Start-Up Costs
Even if you’re starting small, like from your home, there are some basic costs you’ll need to plan for. Don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple.
Here’s what to budget for:
- Liability Insurance – This protects you if a client gets hurt and wants to take legal action. Prices can range from $200 to $1200 a year depending on where you are and how many clients you work with.
- Space Upgrades – If you’re turning a part of your home into a training area, you might need to fix it up a bit. Think mirrors, paint, better lighting, or fans for airflow.
- Flooring – Heavy weights and hardwood floors don’t mix. Rubber mats are your friend here.
- Fitness Equipment – Start small if you need to. A good starter kit includes resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, a bench, a squat rack, and some weight plates. Even basic setups can cost $1,000+.
- Business Structure – Setting up your personal training business as an official company, like an LLC, has fees. You might also want an accountant to help you sort your taxes.
- Certification Costs – As we mentioned earlier, programs like ACE can cost around $979. That’s a one-time cost, but plan for it upfront.
- Extras – Always keep a little cushion for surprise costs. Adding 10–20% on top of your budget is a smart move.
These are the basics. And remember, you don’t need to go all-in on day one. A lot of personal trainers in Canada build up slowly—one step at a time.
Step 3: Registering Your Personal Training Business
Alright, now that you’re certified, it’s time to make things official. If you want to start your own business in Canada, you’ll need to register it properly. This is where things get real—and exciting.
In Canada, you’ve got a few ways to set up your business:
- Sole Proprietorship
- General Partnership
- Corporation
Most folks starting out as personal trainers go with a Sole Proprietorship because it’s simple and cheap. But if you’re thinking big, or you want to protect your personal stuff (like your house or car), going for incorporation is a smart move.
Now, if this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t stress—we’ve got you covered.
Bestax makes it super easy.
We handle company formation, help with choosing the right structure, and guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a solo trainer or building an empire, we’re here to help you start strong.
Here’s what to expect when setting up your business:
Business Name Registration
Want to run your business under a unique name without going full-on incorporation? For registering a Sole Proprietorship under your name, you don’t need to register your name. However, in other cases, you will have to register your business name. Registering a name is a provincial responsibility and for more details, you can visit Canada official website.
Incorporation
This one’s for you if you’re in it for the long run. Incorporating gives you liability protection, locks in your business name, and may bring some tax perks too. Many trainers who want to grow their business or go big with a personal training license choose this route.
Domain Name & Online Presence
These days, having a strong online presence is huge. Let us help you lock in the perfect domain name. A clean, professional site builds trust and shows potential clients that you’re serious.
Tax Accounts & CRA Setup
If you’re making money, you’ll need to stay on the CRA’s good side. That means setting up your HST account, payroll (if needed), and all the other “fun” stuff. Don’t worry, Bestax can take care of that too.
Step 4: Set Up Your Home Gym
If you’re planning to offer in-home personal training, having a solid setup is key. And nope, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Measure your space. Make sure there’s enough room for movement and equipment.
- Go compact and smart. Adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, foldable racks—they all save space and do the job.
- Keep it safe. Install rubber mats, clean your gear, and avoid clutter to reduce accidents.
- Buy used if needed. Don’t be afraid to score some second-hand deals. You can build up your gym slowly over time.
Step 5: Find Clients & Market Yourself
Once your business is ready, it’s time to get clients. This is where the hustle begins.
For In-Home Personal Training Clients:
Start with people you know—friends, neighbors, coworkers. Word of mouth works wonders. Then move online. Post pics, videos, and tips on Instagram or Facebook. Show results. Share client wins. Keep it real.
For Online Personal Training Clients:
If you’re going virtual, tools like Zoom and Trainerize can help you coach people anywhere. Build content that speaks to your ideal client, and show off your vibe through your website and social posts.
Pro tip: Pick a niche—weight loss, strength training, postnatal fitness, whatever lights you up. That way, you attract the right people.
Step 6: Get Your Finances in Check
Alright, here comes the part many people skip—but shouldn’t. Good financial setup = less stress later.
- Open a business bank account. Don’t mix personal and business funds. Ever.
- Track your income and expenses. Keep receipts, invoices, all of it.
- Register for HST if you’re making over $30k/year. Bestax can help with that too.
- Hire an accountant or bookkeeper. Seriously—this can save you time and money.
Need help with bookkeeping or taxes?
Bestax offers full accounting and bookkeeping services so you can stay focused on your clients and not stress about the numbers.
Start Your Personal Training Business Today
Starting a personal training business in Ontario, Canada (or anywhere else in the country) can be one of the best moves you’ll ever make. You get to help people, do what you love, and build a career that fits your lifestyle.
Just remember:
- Get Certified
- Register your business
- Set up your space
- Find clients
- Keep your finances tight
And through it all, Bestax is here to help you set up your company, sort your taxes, and handle your books. So you can focus on doing what you do best: training people and changing lives.
Ready to launch your fitness biz? Let Bestax handle the boring stuff so you can crush the fun stuff.
Visit Bestax Today to get started with your company registration, bookkeeping, or tax setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer in Canada?
To get certified in Canada, choose a program like Canfitpro or ACE. Complete the course, pass the exam, and that’s it, you’re certified!
How Much Does a Personal Trainer Make?
It depends on where you work. On average, a personal trainer in Canada can make anywhere from $30 to $37 per hour, depending on the province.
How Profitable Is Being a Personal Trainer?
Being a personal trainer can be profitable, especially if you scale your business. With in-home or online personal training, your profit can grow, and as your client base builds, so does your income.
Can I Run a Personal Training Business from Home?
Yes! Many trainers offer in-home personal training or even turn a room into a home gym. It’s affordable and gives you flexibility, plus you keep more of the earnings.
How to Start an Online Personal Training Business?
To start online personal training, create a website, get the right digital tools (like a good camera for video calls), and market your services on social media. You can train clients anywhere!
What Are the Best Marketing Strategies for Personal Trainers?
Use social media, word of mouth, and client success stories to get your name out there. Building an online presence is key—sharing fitness tips, testimonials, and engaging content.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Personal Trainers?
Make sure to get liability insurance, register your business, and, depending on your location, get an HST number if your earnings go over $30k/year. Always check local regulations too.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
