How Much Is a Personal Trainer?

A trainer can move your fitness routine to the next level. She can also help if you're just starting out. Personal trainers are available at every gym and many work independently. Cost is a factor, as individual sessions can cost $40 to $100 per session. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining how much to pay for a trainer.

Function

Personal trainers plan and supervise workouts. They take the thinking out of what you need to do--for example, the exact number of minutes for a cardio workout and the number of repetitions. They also provide all the equipment you need to complete the workout. More importantly, they motivate and encourage you by offering new challenges and methods to complete your workout.

Types

Certification will increase a trainer's hourly rate. The most basic is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certification. Trainers take a course that covers such things as nutrition and exercise programming and then must pass an exam. ACE certification also requires CPR training.

Geography

Trainers in gyms are generally paid at the low end, around $30 per hour. This is because the gym shares in the cost. A personal trainer working with a high-end client, such as a professional athlete, may charge well over $1,000 for a session or series of sessions. This is typically because the trainer has specialized training, perhaps in running style or swimming technique.

Potential

If you're considering hiring a trainer, you can get an equally effective workout and minimize the cost by joining a semi-private or group session. In a semi-private session, you and one or two others share the trainer's time. The hourly cost will be slightly higher, but it is shared by everyone in the session. A group session, like the popular boot camp models that are springing up, includes anywhere from 15 to 25 students. This is a much less expensive option, but you'll also receive less individual attention from the trainer.

Considerations

Balance your training needs against the cost of the session. If you're just starting out, a group session is likely to make the most sense. It will be less expensive, yet still provide you with better results than if you were at the gym alone. If you want to improve a particular technique, one or two sessions of individual training is a good choice--you'll get focused attention and improve your technique quickly.