A good personal trainer can have a life-changing impact on their clients, leaving them fitter and healthier than ever, as well as giving them the knowledge they need to stick to this routine in the long run.
That said, the cost of working with a professional trainer one-on-one can be prohibitive - or at least seem that way if you’re not in the know.
So with that in mind, here are some options for working with a PT that will leave you looking and feeling better, while also being right for your budget.
1. Check Out Trainer Credentials
First of all, you need to know how the credentials of a trainer can impact what they charge. There are a surprisingly large number of different bodies that offer certifications for wannabe PTs, from The Health and Fitness Institute (THFI), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
So how much does a fitness coach cost based on the qualifications they’ve achieved? This in itself is variable not only according to the course they’ve completed but also how much experience they’ve got under their belt. A freshly certified PT won’t charge as much as one with the same certification to their name who’s also been in the game for years.
The main way to choose here is to look for certifications that are relevant to your goals - so if you’re interested in strength training, an NSCA-certified trainer will be worth paying extra for.
2. Get Support Virtually
In-person training sessions tend to cost more than those conducted remotely - so if you’re on a particularly tight budget, look into the option of attending virtual meet-ups with a PT.
This trend is part of the reason that trainer jobs are growing at 14% annually, with high demand and digital tech making it easier for pros to find and cater to clients across the country.
3. Keep Sessions Short & Consider Group Training
The longer your sessions with a PT, the more you’ll pay - and the same goes for the frequency of the fitness-focused get-togethers you participate in. To make savings in this context, either pick a trainer that can accommodate shorter sessions or see them only a couple of times a month rather than once or more weekly.
Also, don’t be shy about looking into exercise classes led by trainers, as these effectively spread the cost of hiring them across all participants, making them significantly cheaper.
You might not get the same level of personalization in terms of the recommendations you receive, but again it’s a budget-friendly alternative - and also could help with motivation.
4. Take Trainers for a Trial Run
Perhaps the most important and yet often misunderstood aspect of a PT relationship is that it needs to be mutually beneficial, and you need to click well together - as otherwise the results could be compromised, and your experience will suffer.
Before you decide to commit to a particular trainer, it’s therefore wise to ask to have a trial session with them, as no two people will do things exactly the same way, and if their fitness techniques, strategies, or personality don’t overlap with what you’re looking for, you want to be able to move on rather than having to stick with them and keep paying for a service that isn’t fit for purpose.
Final Thoughts
With all these points in mind, the other thing you need to guide your choice of personal trainer is a specific budget that’s set before you begin your search.
So long as what you’re prepared to spend aligns with your monthly disposable income, you can choose a PT with confidence, and see how things play out.
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