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Business Ops

Running a Personal Training Business

Pricing, insurance, contracts, taxes, and the operational work trainers rarely get taught. Advice for the business behind the coaching.

Red downward arrow over a declining bar graph, representing the revenue impact of TrueCoach's new 5% transaction fee
Business Ops·8 min read

TrueCoach's New 5% Transaction Fee in 2026 (And What It Costs You)

In January 2026 TrueCoach added a 5% transaction fee to client payments. Here's what it actually costs you, and the TrueCoach alternatives that don't markup Stripe.

By Emma CarterRead
Person at a desk using a calculator and writing notes while monitoring financial information, representing the real cost breakdown of Trainerize
Business Ops·10 min read

The Real Cost of Trainerize in 2026 (With Worked Examples)

Trainerize advertises from $5/month — but with nutrition, branded app, and Stripe integration, the real solo trainer cost is $100-200/month. Here's the breakdown.

By Emma CarterRead
Person paying with a credit card on a mobile phone, representing online payments for personal trainers
Business Ops·11 min read

How to Take Payments as a Personal Trainer in 2026 (Complete Guide)

A step-by-step guide to taking payments as a personal trainer — Stripe vs PayPal, packages and memberships, deposits, no-show fees, VAT for UK PTs, and the cheapest path.

By Emma CarterRead
Planner and organiser with dated event blocks, representing online booking and scheduling for personal training
Business Ops·11 min read

How to Set Up Online Booking for Personal Training (Step-by-Step)

How to set up online booking for personal training in under an hour — choosing the platform, setting your availability, payment, cancellation policy, and reminders.

By Emma CarterRead
Modern office workspace with desktop monitors showing financial graphs, representing the data behind a personal trainer software comparison
Business Ops·12 min read

Best Personal Trainer Software in 2026: An Honest Comparison

An evidence-based ranking of the best personal trainer software in 2026 — covering Trainerize, TrueCoach, My PT Hub, PT Distinction, Mindbody, and PT Suite.

By Emma CarterRead
Person stacking coins representing recurring monthly revenue for personal trainers
Business Ops·8 min read

Recurring Revenue for Personal Trainers: A Practical Guide

How personal trainers can move from one-off packages to predictable monthly income using memberships, subscriptions, and the right business model.

By Emma CarterRead
Running track start line representing the beginning of a personal training business journey
Business Ops·9 min read

How to Start a Personal Training Business in 2026

A practical, step-by-step guide to starting a personal training business in 2026 — certification, legal setup, pricing, marketing, and the tools you actually need.

By Emma CarterRead