Mobile personal trainer
Train clients one to one at their homes, in parks or in condo gyms, with a small kit you carry.
- C$800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
One to one coaching sessions where you travel to the client: their living room, a local park, a condo gym or a garage. You bring portable gear such as bands, kettlebells and a mat.
Your first three steps
- Complete a recognized personal trainer certification and a CPR/first aid course
- Put together a portable kit and set your session and pack prices after checking local trainers' rates
- Offer free or discounted first sessions to friends and neighbours, then ask for reviews and referrals
Who pays
Busy professionals, parents, older adults and people who feel uneasy in a big gym.
How it makes money
Per session rate, often sold as a pack of 5 or 10 sessions, with regular weekly clients forming the base of your income.
Skills that help
- Exercise technique and programming
- Motivating and listening to clients
- Scheduling and travel planning
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and professional liability insurance for trainers
- Training in public parks may need a permit from your municipality, so check before you start
- Health screening: use a readiness questionnaire and know when to refer clients to a doctor
- Winter weather and darkness can cancel outdoor sessions, so plan indoor options
- Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check your provincial rules
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile personal training business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,000, depending on your portable equipment, insurance and marketing. Check what commercial general liability and professional liability cover for trainers would involve.
How much can a mobile personal trainer earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,000, depending on client numbers, session rates and travel time. Winter weather and darkness can cancel outdoor sessions, so plan indoor options.
What should I check before training clients in parks or homes?
Check whether training in public parks needs a permit from your municipality. Use a readiness questionnaire and know when to refer clients to a doctor, and check when to register for GST/HST and your provincial rules.
Other ways to run this business
Online personal training and coaching
Coach clients by video and app with custom workout plans, wherever they live.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Online
Private personal training studio
Rent a small unit and fit it out for one to one and small group training sessions.
- C$35k-120k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Similar sports and fitness ideas
Drop-in volleyball club in a rented gym
Rent a school or community gym by the hour and run weekly drop-in volleyball nights for adults.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Youth sports coaching programs
Run seasonal skills classes for kids in rented school gyms, rinks or fields, paid by the term.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Capoeira classes in a rented hall
Teach weekly capoeira classes in a community centre or dance studio you rent by the hour.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Outdoor boot camp in a local park
Lead small-group, high-intensity workouts in a nearby park for people who want structure and company.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Your own aerobics class series
Rent a hall or studio by the hour and run your own aerobics classes for a regular crowd.
- C$800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pickleball clinics for clubs and rec centres
Run clinics and regular programs for clubs, community centres and retirement residences.
- C$500-3k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Photo: Erak007 on Pixabay