How Much Is a Personal Trainer?

Whether a fitness beginner or a pro athlete, you could hire a trainer to elevate your workouts. With these exercise professionals, you can learn new techniques for cardio, strength training and other regimens. One caveat is they can be more expensive, so how much is a personal trainer? Here’s how this decision impacts your wallet. 

How Much Is a Personal Trainer? 

Personal trainer costs significantly vary based on your location and needs. Small towns may have less expensive rates due to decreased demand. In the bigger metro areas, the opposite is true. For example, New Yorkers can pay up to $150 per hour for their services, though the cost can start around $75 per hour. 

While you can pay a personal trainer directly, there are alternatives to get free services. For instance, Planet Fitness members can work with a certified trainer, and the cost is included in their membership. The caveat is that you may have difficulty finding a professional for a one-on-one session. Your best bet is to sign up for a trainer-led class at this popular gym. 

What Determines How Much a Personal Trainer Is?

Personal trainer prices can be surprisingly affordable or break the bank. What affects how much a personal trainer is? Here are four factors. 

1. Experience

First, consider their experience. If they’ve trained for a decade or more, you can expect to pay a premium for their services. These professionals likely have extensive industry knowledge and formal education. Plus, they’ve had more time to advertise and establish themselves in the community. 

If they have minimal experience, you can use their services at lower rates. Before you sign up for a session, ask for their credentials. A modern fitness industry scam is uncertified trainers without formal training. While they can be helpful, they could ultimately be dangerous. 

2. Workout Location

Geographic location determines rates through cost of living and demand. A trainer in San Francisco will likely cost more than one in Laramie, Wyoming. However, the site where the professional hosts their sessions also matters. If they work for a gym chain, the rates could be lower. 

Some personal trainers own their fitness centers and operate in smaller studios. You pay more when signing up for their classes because the trainer must foot the bill for the equipment, rent and utilities. Then, consider how large the studio itself is. A larger fitness studio may mean higher fees. 

3. Specialization

What is your goal with the personal trainer? If you hire a professional with specializations, you may pay more. For example, your coach may focus on strength training to help your weight-lifting routine and build muscle. Their experience could lead them to charge more if they’re in demand. 

Other specializations could involve marathon training or rehabilitation. These personal trainers operate in a niche environment, so they likely know the market. They know it’s hard for you to find professionals with similar classes, thus creating higher rates. However, it’s worth the money if there aren’t specialists like them. 

4. Session Size

If you like one-on-one sessions, you’re in the right place with a personal trainer. However, these private classes cost more because you occupy time the coach could use with other clients. What’s the solution here? Take a group fitness class. Even a small size could earn a discount because more people are paying for it. 

While one-on-one sessions can be great, consider the benefits of group workouts. These classes can be motivating because of the surrounding commotion and intensity. When you see others working out, the energy is infectious. Plus, they help you make friends, which can be great if you just moved to a new area. 

What Services Do Personal Trainer Prices Include?

When you pay for a personal trainer, what can you expect from their prices? Your professional may include these four services. 

1. Fitness Assessments

Before you start your first official workout, the trainer must assess your fitness level and know where to begin. This measurement will likely ask for your height, weight and goals. Then, they’ll examine more specific aspects like body composition, strength and endurance. With these metrics, you can get a personalized plan. 

Once you get an assessment, you can track your progress with the trainer. If you’re on track to meet your goals, you can rest assured that your sessions are well worth it. One way to watch your progress is by taking progression pictures. If you look more jacked, you’ve made a difference. 

2. Workouts

Of course, your payments cover the workouts themselves. That said, a personal trainer goes the extra mile by personalizing your plans and giving your body what it needs. You may have had workout plans before meeting with this professional, but your fitness worldview changes after a few sessions. 

For instance, your trainer may introduce more cardio into your workout routine. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise, so a few treadmill sessions can get you there. Alternatively, your trainer may incorporate range-of-motion exercises or reps to help your balance. These lesser-used workouts could be critical to your overall success. 

3. Virtual Assistance

Personal training sessions don’t end at the studio. Some coaches may have online resources to help your fitness routine. For instance, you may go out of town for a vacation or a business trip. While you’re not getting sessions, you could maintain your health on the road by following the workouts they’ve planned for you. 

With the rise in remote services, you could hire a personal trainer from another location. These professionals can work with you in virtual sessions to ensure your progress without stepping into a location. While it’s hard to beat in-person training, these remote classes can be helpful for people in rural areas or with disabilities.

4. Nutrition Planning 

Workouts are fantastic, but they only matter as much as your diet. Thankfully, personal trainers can provide nutritional guidance by advising you on your daily meals. With this information, you can eat the right amount of protein, carbs and fats to complement your workout. Then, you’ll progress toward your goals. 

Nutrition is tricky because everyone’s needs are different. Personal trainers must understand their clients’ dietary requirements to serve them best. For example, a body that puts on muscle quickly might need less protein than the average person. Conversely, you may need extra protein if your body doesn’t conduct muscle synthesis efficiently. 

How Much a Personal Trainer Is Going to Cost

Workout coaches can take your fitness to the next level. With these professionals, you get better workouts and nutritional planning guidance. That said, cost is a factor. So, how much is a personal trainer? The fees depend on their experience, location and class sizes. Research credentials and ensure your trainer is somebody you trust.