The cost of a personal trainer can vary based upon 6 key factors including: education; experience; geographic location; personal training contract term; and training package selected. Each of these factors are highlighted below and followed by a few additional considerations in choosing a trainer that fits within your budget.
1. Education
Formal personal training education and certifications can certainly influence costs. Someone who has gone through the expense of becoming educated and certified has the right to charge more for their services to recoup their investments, and has the ability to charge for their specialized knowledge.
2. Experience
Typically, the longer a person has been a personal trainer the higher the cost of their services. This is because they have built up a loyal clientele following and are usually in more demand. Higher demand translates into higher rates. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. However, a trainer’s experience doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will be the right trainer for you.
3. Geographic Location
Depending upon where you live and train, the cost for a personal training can vary dramatically. Generally speaking, you’ll pay more for a trainer that is located in a larger city versus smaller cities or towns. Also suburban make-up can influence the cost too. For instance, in more affluent locales personal trainers cater to clients who can afford to pay more and hence their rates are reflective of this.
4. Personal Training Contract Term
The cost can also vary based on the length of the training session, whether you’re training for 30 minutes or an hour as well as the term of any contract signed. Most trainers will typically charge less expensive per session rates if you commit to a longer term, say 6 or 12 months as opposed to a 6-week or 90 day package.
5. Training Package Type
If individual training sessions are too expensive, you can try shared sessions. For example, if a trainer charges $55 for an hour of personal training then two clients sharing a session would pay $80 reducing the cost to $40 and hour per person. In addition, training with a partner can be as effective, if not more effective than training alone.
6. Payment Terms
As with cost, payment schedule can differ as well. Some personal trainers will collect the entire cost of the package up front. Others will let you pay monthly or bi-weekly. Paying for all your sessions up front could bring additional savings. Be sure to check with your trainer or gym manager to see if those types of discounts are offered.
Some other factors to consider which can impact the total cost include missing sessions or canceling late. Most trainers have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel in less than 24 hours you will probably be charged for a full session. In the case of last minute emergencies, most personal trainers will understand especially when there isn’t a habit of last minute cancellations.
Trainers can provide the encouragement you need to reach your goals. With cost in mind, be sure that the trainer is a right fit for you. You want to feel comfortable with your trainer — able to communicate effectively and they have a clear understanding of your goals and expectations.
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