How Much Does a Personal Trainer Cost?

Here’s a sobering statistic: More than 95% of adults in the U.S. don’t engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Are you part of that 95%?

Between work, family obligations, and having a social life, it’s easy to let physical activity fall to the wayside while you prioritize other things. So, how do you get back on track?

Working with a personal trainer is a great option! But, how much does a personal trainer cost, and is it something you can afford?

This guide has all the information you need to know. Keep reading to get one step closer to starting your fitness journey.

What Determines the Cost of a Personal Trainer?

No two personal trainers are the same. As a result, their rates can vary wildly. By understanding this, you can have a better idea of what you’re paying for when you hire a trainer.

Years of Experience

Just as with most jobs, the more experience you have in your field, the more money you’ll make. The same concept applies to personal trainers.

If a trainer is just starting out and looking to build their business, their rates will likely be lower than a trainer who’s been working with clients for 10 years.

Of course, if working with someone with a lot of past experience is important to you, then paying a higher fee should be worth the return.

Certifications

There are a number of different personal training certification programs available. Some of them focus on general aspects of training, like strength and conditioning, while others are more focused on different areas of fitness.

The type of certifications a trainer has is another important factor in their hourly rate.

If you’re looking for a trainer that can help you in a specific area of fitness, look for someone who’s certified accordingly. But, expect to pay a higher fee than you would for a more general training session.

Type of Session

Now more than ever before, we’re living in a digital world. As a result, personal trainers have started to adapt, and some now offer virtual training sessions in addition to in-person training.

In some cases, the price varies based on whether you’re doing a video training session, having a trainer come to your home, or meeting up in a public gym.

Many trainers also offer one-on-one sessions as well as group training. Of course, one-on-one sessions tend to be more expensive, but you’ll also get more individual attention, which could be worth the extra cost.

Before choosing a trainer to work with, ask about the different types of sessions they offer and the pricing for each one.

Length of Session

Similarly, the length of your session plays a role in the cost you pay. Generally speaking, a normal personal training session lasts an hour.

This gives you time to work on different areas of fitness and talk to your trainer about your goals.

However, depending on your needs, you may ask for a longer (or shorter) session occasionally, and the price will vary accordingly.

Program

Are you looking to get trained using a program that works for just about anyone? Or would you prefer a program that’s designed specifically for your body and your goals?

If you want a customized training program, you’ll have to pay more than something that’s a little more generic.

However, if you’re worried about the cost of a custom program, remember that even a “standard” program can be tweaked based on your needs.

And, a good personal trainer will always have your best interests in mind when working with you during a session.

Travel Time

If you’re planning to have your personal trainer come out to work with you in your home, you’ll likely need to account for travel time as part of the cost of your session.

That’s because the time they’re taking to travel to you is time that could otherwise be spent working with another client.

So, when trying to decide how important it is to you to have your trainer come out to your home, weigh the costs appropriately.

What’s the Average Personal Trainer Cost?

So, knowing the different factors that determine a personal trainer’s fee, what can you expect to pay for each session?

On average, personal trainers charge between $60 and $125 for a one-hour session. Of course, depending on their expertise and the other factors mentioned above, you might find trainers that charge more or less than that range.

When searching for the right personal trainer for your needs – and your budget – ask questions about their experience level and the types of programs and sessions they offer.

This will help you decide if their fee is worth the cost.

Benefits of Working With a Personal Trainer

Now that you know more about the cost factors and average fees associated with hiring a personal trainer, is it worth the money? The answer is yes! That’s because there are plenty of benefits that come along with hiring a personal trainer.

Motivation and Accountability

It can be hard working up the motivation to stay active. If you have a personal cheerleader showing up and helping to motivate you, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

You’ll also have an accountability partner who checks in with you to help you stay on track.