Reviewed by a Qualified Accountant
This content has been reviewed by our qualified chartered accountants. However, you should always check with a professional. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Whether you’re running your own fitness studio or meeting clients in various locations, being a personal trainer involves a range of business-related costs. Understanding which expenses you can claim will help lower your taxable income. However, always remember that HMRC requires expenses to be wholly and exclusively for the purpose of your trade. When in doubt, consult a professional accountant or check HMRC’s guidelines.
Below are some of the most common expenses personal trainers might consider claiming:
Fitness Equipment & Accessories
🧘 Exercise Mats & Weights
Costs for buying and maintaining gym equipment like kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, and yoga mats.
🥊 Boxing Gloves & Pads
If you offer boxing or kickboxing sessions, expenses for gloves, pads, and related gear.
⏱️ Stopwatches & Timers
Essential tools to track clients’ progress and rest intervals.
And more…
Any equipment used only for training clients can be a legitimate expense.
Training & Professional Development
📚 Courses & Qualifications
Expenses for advanced personal training certifications, first aid courses, or ongoing professional development.
🎓 Workshops & Seminars
Fees for attending fitness conventions, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on industry trends.
📖 Books & Online Resources
Costs for educational materials or subscriptions that help you improve as a trainer.
And more…
If it enhances your skills or knowledge to benefit your clients, keep the receipts.
Client-Focused Supplies
🍏 Nutritional Supplements & Protein
If you purchase protein shakes, supplements, or similar items solely for client use (e.g., sampling during sessions), these costs may be deductible.
📊 Client Handouts & Materials
Expenses for printed workout plans, nutritional guidelines, or progress trackers.
And more…
Make sure these items are used strictly for business purposes.
Automotive & Travel
🚗 Mileage
You can claim a mileage allowance (currently up to 45p per mile for cars/vans) when travelling for business, such as to clients’ homes or gym sessions.
⛽ Fuel & Vehicle Expenses
If you do not use the mileage rate, you may claim a proportion of your actual vehicle costs if your car is partly used for business.
🏨 Accommodation
Hotel or Airbnb costs if you need to stay overnight while delivering training sessions away from home.
And more…
Keep accurate logs of all travel to validate your claims.
Computer & Office Equipment
💻 Laptops & Computers
If you use a dedicated device to manage bookings, schedules, and client communications, you can claim the cost proportionate to its business use.
🖨️ Printers & Printing Costs
Paper, ink, and printer expenses for producing marketing materials, client workout sheets, or invoices.
📱 Business-Only Phones & Tablets
If you own a separate device for client calls, emails, or social media marketing, the cost could be deducted.
And more…
Apportion personal and business use carefully to satisfy HMRC requirements.
Clothing & Uniform
👕 Branded Workout Gear
If you wear branded uniform that’s exclusive to your role (e.g., with your logo or gym branding).
👟 Specialist Footwear
Shoes specifically required for demonstrating exercises safely and effectively.
🧥 Protective Clothing
Weatherproof or protective clothing (e.g., for outdoor boot camps) that you wouldn’t wear outside of work.
And more…
Keep in mind that everyday fitness clothing without branding may not always qualify.
Gym & Studio Costs
🏋️ Rent for a Gym Space
Fees for renting a dedicated area to train your clients.
💡 Utilities
If you cover electricity, heating, or water costs for a private fitness studio you run.
🔧 Maintenance & Repairs
Costs for repairing exercise machines or maintaining the space where you train clients.
And more…
Separate personal use from business use if it’s a shared space.
Marketing & Promotion
🌐 Website & Hosting
Domain registration and hosting fees for your personal training website.
📢 Online Advertising & Social Media
Costs for Facebook ads, Instagram promos, or Google Ads campaigns targeting new clients.
🖨️ Physical Marketing Materials
Printing flyers, business cards, or banners to promote your services.
And more…
If it drives business and is used exclusively for your personal training brand, keep track of these costs.
Insurance & Liability Cover
🛡️ Public Liability Insurance
Protects you if a client is injured during a training session.
🤝 Professional Indemnity Insurance
Cover in case a client claims they received harmful or incorrect advice.
And more…
These insurances are often mandatory or highly recommended for personal trainers.
Accounting & Professional Fees
📑 Accountancy Services
Fees for preparing and filing your tax returns or managing payroll if you have staff.
⚖️ Legal Costs
If you need contracts drafted or advice about client agreements.
🎫 Professional Memberships
Subscriptions to industry bodies (e.g., CIMSPA or REPs) that provide accreditation and resources.
And more…
Maintaining professional standards supports your credibility and can often be tax-deductible.
Office & Administration
🏠 Use of Home as Office
A portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and council tax if you do admin or online coaching from home.
📠 Stationery & Postage
Envelopes, paper, and postage for mailing contracts or client materials.
📞 Phone & Internet (Business Portion)
Claim the proportion used for scheduling sessions, communicating with clients, or marketing your services.
And more…
Keep detailed records of how much time or space is used for business to justify these expenses.
Software & Apps
🧾 Booking & Scheduling Tools
Subscription costs for client management software, class scheduling apps, or CRM systems.
📱 Fitness Tracking Apps
Tools you use exclusively to monitor client progress or plan workouts.
And more…
If it’s essential to running your business smoothly, keep documentation.
Miscellaneous
🎁 Client Retention Costs
Small gifts or incentives for loyal clients, like branded water bottles or workout logs.
✈️ Travel Abroad for Events
If you attend overseas fitness expos or seminars purely for business and professional development.
💻 Data Backup & Storage
Costs for cloud storage or external hard drives used to keep client data safe and organised.
And more…
Ensure a clear business purpose for any miscellaneous cost.