Starting a fitness business: your first-month checklist
The usual order of things. Pick your state below for its exact rules, deadlines and official links.
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Get certified
Most states don't license personal trainers, but gyms and clients expect a certification from an NCCA-accredited program plus current CPR and AED training. Group classes in parks may need a city permit.
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Get general and professional liability insurance
Professional liability covers a client injured during a session; gyms usually require it. See options
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Set up booking and invoicing
Online booking and automatic invoices get you paid faster. See options
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks. See options
Pick your state
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $29 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $59 |
| Professional liability | $42 |
| Workers' compensation | $55 |
Source: Insureon, Jun 2025. Your price depends on your work, location and history.