We asked for some help in our Instagram story about this subject. Here are the full responses from those that responded. If you’ve ever thought about this personal training at home, these responses will help answer questions you may have had.
@zingler_strength
Zinglerstrength.com
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
The best part of training people from my garage gym is that I literally have ZERO commute to work, If I have a 5:30am appointment, I can leave my house at 5:29am and be early lol! Also, the convenience of being home all the time is nice from a standpoint of being able to tackle house obligations, tending to my dogs, relaxing in between appts., etc. is very nice.
What’s the toughest part?
The toughest part, which really isn’t an issue for me anymore was “He’s the guy that trains people from his basement/garage” my first gym ran out of a basement and I trained a lot of kids, so yeah you can probably imagine the thoughts some people had. Once I started “owning” where I ran my gym and taking pride in it, this all dissipated, now, on the contrary, a lot of people find the concept very cool.
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
I do not find it difficult to attract new clients. I have been in the basement/garage training business for 8 years now (started in 2010 at 20 years old) and all of my business is word of mouth. I spend very little money on marketing (t-shirts, social media, etc.) and just focus on allowing my reputation to work for me. I try to provide the highest quality of service possible and it has come back to me tenfold. Not saying I have it all figured out, but you do a damn good job at what you do and the clients will always find you. In the last 5 years, I have watched 3 strip mall personal training businesses in HIGH traffic areas shut down, and this little guy in a garage is somehow rolling strong. I think social media in conjunction with positive word of mouth are major contributors to this.
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
I started out only training athletes, but it has since morphed into any and everyone 7-70. I would definitely say MS/HS athletes are my largest demo, but I definitely have a lot of gen pop sprinkled in there. I typically run 1:1 personal training sessions in the mornings/early afternoons (when the kids are in school) and then group training sessions for kids from 2-7/8pm.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
Essential Equipment — HIGH QUALITY — Sorinex, Rogue, Elitefts, etc. I am not saying you can’t make it happen with the craigslist special, but if you’re running a garage gym business with garage-esqe equipment, don’t expect your client to pay you a premium for equipment they could go buy themselves for $500. Depending on the number of clients you have/how you run your program (1:1. group, etc.) 1. High-Quality Power Rack(s) 2) High-Quality Barbell(s) 3) Adjustable Bench 4) Dumbbell Set 5) GHR 6) Reverse Hyper 7) Cable Crossover/Lat Pull. You can obviously get away with a little less than this depending on your target demo, but when an athlete or a competitive trainee walks into a garage and sees a Texas Barbell, GHR, and a Reverse Hyper, that definitely catches their attention. I have a guy travel over an hour one way 2-3x a week because I have a Reverse Hyper Machine. Seriously.
Do you have additional insurance?
I do have a beefed-up insurance plan on my garage (it is a stand-alone building on its own meter) because of the number of clients I have. When I ran a smaller operation, I did not worry about it because my Home Owners Insurance covered a lot. WAIVERS, have your clients sign waivers, fortunately, I haven’t had any real accidents, but the last thing you want is a client getting hurt on your property. That is no bueno. Also, consider an LLC. or S Corp, my business is LLC’d.
Anything else you’d like to add?
At the end of the day, whether you are in a 20,000sqft. country club style facility or a garage gym, take pride in what you do, keep the place clean, and work your ass off. Educate yourself every single day, provide the highest quality training for your clients, and actually care. That is why a lot of people fail in this business. Many people get into personal training because they like working out so they think naturally training people for a living will be cool. However, they view their clients as $ signs and don’t really give a shit about them. Go to clients games, activities, give shit away for free. Prove you actually care. Once people find that you truly care about them and you create a culture of care about your gym, they’ll always be back.
@coreypetersoncpt
www.PetersonBarbell.com
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
Freedom to train in my own style. Training clients in the garage was a side job to me working in a commercial gym. They had various policies on equipment they could buy that limited me on the way I wanted to train. IE no tires, climbing ropes, bumper plates, etc.
What’s the toughest part?
Funding for the equipment. This was also why I trained out of a commercial gym, they had more equipment than I do, mostly just the dumbbells.
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
At first yes, but over time as word spread of me being a decent coach/trainer, people starting calling. So I always have them the option the Pain Cave(garage) or go to the commercial gym, whatever they felt more comfortable. 95% always chose the Garage.
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
Combination of all of the above. Mostly a “Crossfit” style though I was never certified for Crossfit, I went to school for my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and picked up my NASM CPT. I had weight loss groups, 1:1 sessions, and various online clients All through Peterson Barbell, (Garage).
What would you say is the essential equipment?
Squat racks, kettlebells, Barbell, Bumper plates, and some dumbbells, though KBs and DBs can be one or the other in my opinion.
Do you have additional insurance?
Yes. Always keep your ass covered. You never know.
Anything else you’d like to add?
One day my Garage gym Is going to grow into something amazing. Just like fitness, my business will continue to grow, eventually, it’ll grow out of the garage and into my own box! Of course, I’ll always keep some essentials at home because well, everyone needs a garage gym.
@iron_sight_barbellclub
www.ironsightbarbellclub.com
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
The best part of training my clients from my garage is the feeling of closeness. I wanted to train dedicated athletes, not someone looking to “tone” or “lose a few pounds”. I’ve developed a team that is dedicated and lifts together and encourages each other.
What’s the toughest part?
The toughest part is the privacy. My clients are very respectful, but they have to use the bathroom in the house! Sometimes I get out of the house just to get away from “work”
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
It’s difficult to attract new clients. I’m a very niche operation anyway, as I focus more on powerlifting. Many people don’t understand that I can be just as effective, if not more so, than having all the machines at their disposal. They often don’t think I’m an actual business, with a business license and insurance just like anywhere else. I have everything the big gyms have, minus the floor space and adding a little soul.
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
I offer 1:1 powerlifting coaching and I’m starting to do group classes and online training. My typical client is someone who is interested in building strength and possibly competing.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
A barbell, a rack and a bench and plates. Everything else is for show.
Do you have additional insurance?
I have quite a bit of additional insurance for both myself, my home, my business and liability
Anything else you’d like to add?
So many great companies have started in a garage. It’s a wonderful choice if you don’t want to be locked into the churn and burn mentality of a Globo-gym. You can buy most equipment fairly cheap and your overhead is kept low. Scale up. You’re going to meet great people and have a ton of fun. It’s going to be stressful and wonderful and terrifying and totally worth it.
@therealfirefitness
firefitnessonline.com
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
My favorite part of training clients from a private gym is the environment. No frills, it’s me, my client and their goals. No distractions or excuses, just hard work, and results.
What’s the toughest part?
The toughest part is definitely attracting new clients. Fitness is moving in the opposite direction of what is in line with even a very nice garage gym. People are conditioned to think they need things like heart sensors, UV light stim, and body composition analyzers when all they usually need is to work out harder.
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
We do 1:1 personal training and 2:1 semi-private training.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
If you can get a rack with a bench, bar, and plates, a range of dumbbells and a couple elastic bands you can have a fantastic workout.
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
Having them in a facility you created out of your own idea. Somewhere I am comfortable to train clients at my house where I can go and grab and clothes or food I may need without even leaving my house.
What’s the toughest part?
Not having enough equipment sometimes to train 5 people or more at one time. Some people may say that it’s tough making the time to do it, but if you love it, it’s not a burden it’s a blessing to change lives in the same place that built you. A garage gym is where I started crossfit and it’s made me the crossfitter I am now and will become and that’s so special.
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
I am having more trouble finding time to fit it all the clients I have contacting me. I have about 20 people who come at 4 different 1-hour windows so around 5-6 per class and I have never advertised. There is no CrossFit gym within 40 miles of our city so everyone has just heard about the place we call the “mansion” and come worked out
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
I offer anything I work with a baseball team who make up 11 of my clients and then I work with 9 people who are just looking for general physical preparedness.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
Dumbbells, rowers, and barbells are the most needed. All of these can be varied so much that it can help people gain strength and get healthier with any budget.
Do you have additional insurance?
No, the insurance company said we’re covered through and through with what policy we have now.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Since opening the gym we’ve had 3 different people lose 20+ pounds with one losing 45lbs. 5 more have added 40+ lbs on their back squat, others lowered overall blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol. Some days it hard, but every day it’s MORE than worth it!
@challenge_personal_training
www.challengepersonaltraining.com
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
The best part of training in my garage is tough to say. Honestly, there are so many benefits, but if I had to pick only one: It allows me to be efficient with my time as a father, husband, and personal trainer. It’s tough as a trainer ….we usually work when our clients don’t. Early am or evenings after 5, and don’t forget those weekend appointments. That schedule doesn’t usually add up to spending a lot of time with your own family. Having a space that is literally right outside my door allows me to go from a session to reading books with my son in less than 5 min.
What’s the toughest part?
The toughest part of training in a garage is picking proper equipment, and then arranging it efficiently in your space to fit your training style and demographics. Nowadays you can google garage gym and see all of these beautiful gyms with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. But the reality is… you don’t need all of that to get started. All you truly need is a sound knowledge base, a clean pleasant safe space maybe some music and a few pieces of equally safe equipment. Let’s say you’re more of a “functional trainer” with two clients to start ….think of all the things you can do with a suspension trainer one yoga mat and a med ball of any type. You can easily program six weeks of training that will get results and keep your clients engaged. Then move on from there to your next purchase all the while spending time in your space and figuring out what works for you.
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
I personally haven’t found it difficult to attract clients. However I have been in the industry for over a decade, and have been fortunate enough to be recognized as one of the best trainers in the twin cities, I also made the transition from a well known commercial gym, and have had a solid returning client base for years.
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
I consider myself a “functional trainer”.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
The only “essential” piece of equipment is a good trainer with a solid knowledge base. You really only need that and a clean appealing space. I encourage starting small and starting with quality over quantity.
Do you have additional insurance?
I have consulted with and took the advice of a lawyer
@ames2bfit.personaltraining
http://www.ames2bfit.com/
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
The best part is the work/life balance working from home provides. I’m home with my daughter before and after school and summers and there is no commute time!
What’s the toughest part?
Occasionally I miss being in a gym and being inspired by other personal trainers. Fortunately, social media, specifically Instagram, has filled this void.
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
I have never paid for advertising and rely on word of mouth and social media. If I do my job well, my clients talk. That’s the best way to attract new biz!
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
I offer 1:1, partner training as well as bootcamps (up to 8). My typical client is one that enjoys a private setting and has an overall goal of good health and well being. 80% work in the corporate world and 20% comprised of seniors and stay-at-home moms.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
Body weight, first and foremost. TRX Suspension Trainer and Lebert Equalizers to leverage that body weight and of course, dumbbells!
Do you have additional insurance?
Yes, in addition to insurance I am required to carry through NASM, I have extra insurance through my Homeowners Policy.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Having a garage gym and being my own boss is amazing. Being able to train folks who wouldn’t otherwise be in a big box gym is humbling and motivating.
@_m._davis
www.vitruvianstrength.org
What’s the best part of training clients from your garage?
The 3 biggest benefits of working from my garage are time management, personal preference on equipment, and the psychological side of training. If a client no-shows, I am not “stuck at the office”. No longer are the days of wishing a gym had a certain piece of equipment. All the equipment I want/need is in my garage. Last, clients are more open about their training as there is no longer the idea of “eyes watching me”. They share more stories about their lives (building trust) and they are more engaged in their exercises (especially the ones that many of us might find “goofy looking” or embarrassing).
What’s the toughest part?
Space. Garage gym really forces you to be creative. Can I fit another bar or piece of equipment? How much floor space do I need? How much can I hang from the walls before I rip down a wall from too much equipment? Plus side of this is that it really forces you to do your research, purchase the best and make great decisions. Measure twice, cut once, am I right?!
Do you find it difficult to attract new clients?
I have a professional relationship with 2 local gyms who do not have any coaches/trainers on staff. I get a ton of referrals from these gyms, which is huge. However, I have started branching out to other forms of marketing in hopes of growing my client base a bit more. The short answer is: It is difficult only if you don’t put in true, hard, dirty work in marketing, advertising, and building relationships with other professionals (doctors, DPTs, gyms, local businesses, etc).
What sort of training do you offer (Group Training, 1:1, CrossFit, etc.) and what is your typical client?
1:1 training. My typical client is an athlete (college and high school), however, I will train your “average Joe”. I am not looking for a certain cohort, but rather a certain mentality. Train smart, train hard.
What would you say is the essential equipment?
Rig/Rack, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells are what you should base everything off. From there, a pull-up bar, some gymnastics equipment help add some great supplementary work. Last, conditioning equipment: Rower, Ski ERG, and AB are used daily in my garage. If my wife would let me – we’d have a TrueForm or Assault AirRunner as well – I’m working on it!
Do you have additional insurance?
I have insurance. I have been an independent contractor for years now, so I have always had insurance, as I was never actually employed by a gym. Additionally, I made certain that the laws of my township permitted the use of my home as a business. I followed the protocols of space and “foot traffic”. Haven’t had any issues with the township or neighbors complaining.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Know your climate and prepare for it. How will you heat the place in the winter? How do you keep it cool in the summer? Do you have a place for clients to change or use the restroom? Talk to your neighbors and make sure they are okay with people parking out front all day. BUT most importantly: Give yourself a break! When I first started in my garage, I would schedule anyone, anytime, no matter what. I quickly saw my evenings with my wife disappear, my summers being lost, and my attitude slipping. Now that I schedule an appropriate amount and set a standard for myself (no training on Sundays), I have found I truly enjoy being a Garage Gym Coach.