How do I choose a Personal Trainer and how much do they cost?

Many consider hiring a PT at some point in life, but how much does a Personal Trainer cost, and how do you choose a Personal Trainer?

These are two of the most googled questions regarding working with a trainer - and the answer is… it depends. So let’s clear this up.

Before we start, let’s define personal training as face-to-face and not online coaching. Online coaching depends very heavily on the confidence and self-motivation of the client to get things done themselves, and typically have a regular check-in via online forms or online chats.

The next thing to know is that working with any professional is an investment, and when it involves your physical and mental wellbeing it is one of the most important investments that you are ever likely to choose to make. So what now?

How to choose a Personal Trainer:

Do your research.

Check out the trainers in your area and have a chat with the ones you find interesting, to see if you have a rapport with them. It’s absolutely pointless to choose a trainer you don’t click with because, ultimately, they will be taking your money with no real concern for what you are gaining from their time.

Ask about their qualifications, and if you aren’t sure, request evidence certificates to be sure.

Check out references from clients they have worked with before or even ask to speak with a previous client to see how they found the experience.

Don’t just go for looks

Most trainers have decent family genetics for a head start, and they often have the luxury of training every day (if not multiple times a day) because they practically live in the gym.

Watch how they work

If you are in a commercial gym, trainers are often working with clients whilst you are there, so see how they work….

Are they attentive? Watching their client and not their mobile phone, for example.

Do they demonstrate and communicate the exercises with the client well?

Are they professional? (Respectful, presentable, positive)

Do their clients look comfortable and seem to be enjoying the sessions?

Where are they based?

Different people have different needs. Some may be happy in a busy commercial gym with lots of people and younger trainers. Some like private one-to-one facilities where they don’t have to worry about privacy and being distracted or limited by a lack of available space and equipment. Some may enjoy outdoor training in parks or group training sessions in gardens as they enjoy the open air. Some may need a trainer to visit them in their homes due to time or mobility issues for example.

Qualifications.

A trainer who has a personal training qualification would not expect to charge the same as a trainer who has completed multiple qualifications (i.e. a diabetes specialist or a pre and post-natal specialist) Trainers generally spend thousands of pounds improving their skills and obviously expect a return on that investment as it makes them better coaches.

Experience.

A trainer who has just qualified will not have as much experience as a coach who has been working for 5-10 years or more.

Exclusivity.

One-to-one in a private facility will always be charged at a premium because you have access to the space and time of the coach entirely to yourself.

All trainers that have certification should be able to safely train members of the general public, however, the level of skill will vary due to training and experience so always factor that in when planning your investment.

How much does a Personal Trainer cost?

With so many variables you can understand that costs will vary as well. For example, a trainer in a commercial gym may only charge a fraction of the fee a trainer with a private facility would charge, because they don’t have the overhead of running a facility and owning equipment.

A trainer who visits you could also incur extra fees for travelling and bringing equipment. Trainers based in expensive locations will again have higher overheads that will factor into the prices they charge for their services.

Depending on your location and expectations, you can expect your sessions to vary from around £40 per session all the way up to £150 plus.

Remember, you’re paying for the time of qualified professionals, and like all things worth investing in, there always comes a cost. If you need more advice or would like to discuss your training needs, drop me a line.