1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Personal training and fitness classes: your step-by-step start

Train clients one-to-one or run group classes in parks, halls or clients' homes.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Fit, motivating people with a fitness qualification or willing to get one.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 30 days.
  • You would rather not show your face on camera.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 30 days.
  • Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.
  • The main risk to plan for: client injury: screen health first and refer medical issues.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How personal training and fitness classes worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Write a screening form and session plan3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Pick a venue and times3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Run a free trial week3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Aim for convert trial clients to monthly packages3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Add a second class time3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Collect testimonials with permission3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R500 to R8 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Mats, bands, weights
  • Screening form
  • First-aid certificate
  • Booking sheet

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.