- You’ll be making a difference to your clients, helping them improve
their health - Being a personal trainer can offer independence and flexibility.
- The fitness industry is booming, with Australians more aware of their
health than ever. - Be prepared to work around your client’s schedules
- Creating an established client base will take time.
- Retaining clients can be hard – it is important to stay up to date
with the latest trends. - Use Sole’s Tax Estimator to forecast your tax payments throughout the year.
- You may not be required to pay yourself any super, but do some research to see what works for you.
- Make sure that you are putting aside sufficient cash in order to make payments before the end of the year.
- Set up a website for your business.
- Build a strong social media presence.
- Impress your clients and look for referrals.
- Time management is key and remember to build in some ‘admin’ time.
get motivated
Why become a Fitness Professional?
know the challenges
RESOURCES:
get qualified
register with an industry body
Stay up to date and ensure that industry standards are maintained.
Look to maintain continuous improvement in your career as a Fitness Professional and continue to expand your skills to meet changes in demand. Check out FITREC for your fitness industry registration.
create and manage your budget
Forecast for your business and track your cash flows
understand laws and regulations
Check out the following government guidance:
Legal essentials for business | business.gov.au
Fair trading laws | business.gov.au
Understand contracts | business.gov.au
manage your risks
get ready for tax time
RESOURCES:
Talk about tax | Sole App
Super for sole traders and partnerships
generate business
Resources:
Improve my websites SEO 20110
Canva
HubSpot
Maximise your exposure
Skyrocket your visibility, unlock success, connect with your ideal clients.
Find a supportive community for fitness professionals, that empowers personal trainers to thrive in their careers.
RESOURCES:
Rate My Trainer is one such community and it’s free for all PT’t to join.
maintain your fitness
As a Fitness Professional, your business starts and ends with your ability to inspire confidence and change in your client’s health. Your personal fitness is your business card. In order to keep clients coming back, it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle, and stay fit enough to support your clients in a variety of exercises.
Keen to get started?
You can download a pdf version of this guide here.
Frequently asked questions
- Public Liability: Covers you if a client or bystander is injured during your session (e.g., tripping over a kettlebell).
- Professional Indemnity: Protects you if a client claims your specific exercise advice caused them an injury. Without these, you are personally liable for any legal or medical costs.
- Specific branded uniforms with your business logo.
- Protective gear like sun-safe hats or polarized sunglasses for outdoor training.
- Equipment you buy for client use (dumbbells, mats, timers).
- Industry registration fees and insurance.
- Leverage Social Proof: Offer a free session to a friend in exchange for a detailed review on a platform like Rate My Trainer.
- Referrals: Offer your current clients a “Refer a Friend” discount (e.g., a free session for every sign-up).
- Local Visibility: Be a “walking billboard”—wear your branded gear and be active in the local community where your ideal clients hang out.
What are the minimum qualifications I need to work as a PT in Australia?
To work as a qualified Gym Instructor, you need a Certificate III in Fitness. However, to operate as an independent Personal Trainer (and to qualify for professional insurance), you must hold a Certificate IV in Fitness. This qualification allows you to train clients one-on-one and run your own outdoor sessions or studio.
Do I really need an ABN if I’m just training a few friends?
If you are being paid for your services and intend to build a business, yes, you need an Australian Business Number (ABN). Most gyms will require an ABN before you can work as a contractor on their floor, and it is a legal requirement for issuing professional invoices through an app like Sole.
What specific insurances do I need to protect myself?
In the fitness industry, you face unique risks. The “non-negotiables” are:
Can I claim my own gym membership or workout clothes on tax?
Generally, no. The ATO typically views gym memberships and general activewear as a private expense, even for PTs. However, you can claim:
How do I handle “No-Shows” and late payments?
This is a major cash flow challenge. Use Sole to set up professional invoice templates that clearly state your cancellation policy (e.g., “Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged at 100%”). Pairing Sole with a payment gateway allows you to take payments upfront or instantly after a session, reducing the need to chase money later.
Why should I register with an industry body like FITREC?
Registration with a body like FITREC or AUSactive proves to your clients and insurers that you are a qualified professional who adheres to industry standards. It also provides a pathway for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is essential for keeping your skills sharp and your insurance valid.
How much tax should I set aside from each session?
As a sole trader, your business income is taxed at your individual resident rate. A safe bet is to set aside 20% to 30% of every payment into a separate account. Use the Sole Tax Estimator to get a more accurate picture based on the 2025–26 tax brackets, ensuring you aren’t caught short when your BAS or tax return is due.