If you’re considering hiring a personal trainer, you’re likely wondering about the cost. Whether your goals involve toning up, losing weight, or establishing healthier habits, a personal trainer can be a game-changer. However, the expense can often be a significant barrier. Let’s delve into the details of personal trainer costs, both in-person and online, and explore options to make this investment more affordable.
To provide a clear picture, we’ve researched the average cost of personal training across major gyms in all 50 U.S. states. Nationally, the average hourly rate for an in-person personal trainer hovers around $65. This translates to approximately $260 per month for just one weekly session, which might not be sufficient to achieve your fitness objectives. On the lower end, in-person training can range from $40 to $50 per hour (around $200 per month), while the higher end can escalate to $115 to $150 per hour (or even as high as $5,000 per month!).
Therefore, a realistic expectation for in-person personal training sessions is $65 to $75 per workout. This level of investment may not be feasible for everyone.
Fortunately, you don’t need to empty your savings account to attain your wellness goals and maintain optimal health. Online personal training offers a viable alternative, delivering the same benefits as in-person training – accountability, customized plans, direct feedback, and even nutrition guidance – at a significantly lower cost.
For instance, Kickoff provides certified remote personal trainers for $95 per month. Your coach will create a tailored online training plan based on your goals and utilize the Kickoff app to assign workouts suitable for home, outdoor, or gym settings. You’ll receive more personalized attention compared to traditional in-person training, as you’ll communicate with your Kickoff coach daily via text messages to stay on track, receive feedback on workouts and meal tracking, and overcome obstacles.
Continue reading to gain a complete understanding of the factors influencing personal training costs, potential costs in your area, and how to select the ideal in-person or online trainer, along with cost-saving strategies. Online training offers a compelling blend of flexibility, affordability, and effectiveness, enabling you to achieve your health goals without compromising your schedule or finances.
Online Personal Training: The Flexible, Affordable Option
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The good news is that expensive, in-person personal training sessions aren’t your only option for finding and sticking with an experienced trainer. Instead, consider opting for online training, which can be more sustainable, affordable, and equally effective.
Working with an online personal trainer has numerous benefits. You can easily exercise when and where it fits your schedule, eliminating commuting, parking, and travel time. Furthermore, online training allows you and your trainer to maintain sessions even when you’re out of town – removing excuses for stalled progress or skipped sessions.
The best online personal trainers offer customized workouts and plans tailored to your specific goals and fitness level, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete. They also track your progress through regular check-ins, texting, and sometimes video chats. You can even schedule video sessions for exercise form guidance or modifications.
Depending on the program, you might also receive nutrition coaching, meal plans, or supplement advice. Be aware that online personal training varies – some programs offer a library of virtual workouts accessible through a subscription. Not all provide one-on-one communication, plan customization, support, and accountability from a certified personal trainer.
Kickoff offers an app for structuring daily healthy habits, logging meals, and accessing workout videos. Besides customized workout and nutrition plans, Kickoff trainers provide accountability, support, and daily motivation.
Average Monthly Cost of Online Personal Training
| Company | Online Personal Training Cost | Online Personal Training Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | $95 | Personalized workouts & nutrition coaching; expert-led healthy habit creation; daily feedback & guidance from your trainer; add live workouts for $27 per session |
| Future | $149 | Custom workout plans with audio coaching; Apple Watch integration pulls biometric data into app |
| Caliber | $210 | Custom workouts; nutrition & habit coaching; trainer check-ins a few times per week unless client requests something else |
| Forge | $125–225 | Custom fitness plan; includes 1 custom meal plan; progress tracking in app; varied levels of live video/phone calls with trainer |
| Girls Gone Strong | $299 | Woman-specific workout plans; nutrition coaching; in-app lessons, videos, messaging; access to trainer 5 days per week |
| Flexit | $33–45 per session (Sample monthly cost for three 30-minute sessions per week: $396) | Pay-as-you-go virtual training sessions for 30–60 minutes |
| Trainiac | $90-$280 | Access to specific gyms & studios; can book video session with personal trainer; custom fitness plans |
Costs are approximate and are subject to change.
In-Person Training Costs May Vary Based on Location
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Numerous factors influence the monthly cost of an in-person personal trainer. These include the trainer’s certifications, education, years of experience, session length and frequency, and your geographical location.
Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago often have higher personal training prices due to the increased cost of living. These areas also tend to have a higher concentration of fitness professionals, potentially leading to greater expertise and experience.
Working with a personal trainer for one hour twice a week can cost between $400 and $1,000 per month. In smaller towns, you might find experienced trainers at lower hourly rates. Purchasing a package of sessions in advance can also reduce costs.
In-Person Personal Training Cost Per Hour
| Statistic | Cost |
|---|---|
| National average | $55–65 |
| Average range | $40-75 |
| Low-end cost | $35–40 |
| High-end cost | $115–150 |
Costs are approximate and subject to change.
Other factors affecting personal trainer charges include:
- Length of sessions: Shorter sessions might seem cheaper but often equate to the same hourly rate.
- Frequency: Longer-term clients or those training more frequently often receive better rates.
- Packages: Purchasing packages can often lead to discounted rates.
- Trainer qualifications: Certifications, specialties, and experience affect pricing.
- Session location: Travel costs and gym fees can increase prices.
- Equipment: Transporting equipment can incur extra charges.
- Cancellation policy: Missed sessions within the cancellation window are often charged.
A good personal trainer will keep you motivated, but the cost of in-person training may not fit your budget. Online personal training offers a more affordable monthly fee regardless of location.
Average Hourly In-Person Personal Training Cost by State
| State | Source: Exercise.com | Source: Thumbtack | Source: IDEA | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $45 | $65 | $60 | $57 |
| Alaska | $40 | $69 | $32 | $47 |
| Arizona | $50 | $45 | $24 | $40 |
| Arkansas | $30 | $65 | $20 | $38 |
| California | $55 | $75 | $26 | $52 |
| Colorado | $27 | $60 | $79 | $55 |
| Connecticut | $70 | $26 | $60 | $52 |
| Delaware | $24 | $60 | $30 | $38 |
| Florida | $85 | $69 | $45 | $66 |
| Georgia | $59 | $25 | $40 | $41 |
| Hawaii | $21 | $30 | $20 | $24 |
| Idaho | $21 | $23 | $25 | $24 |
| Illinois | $75 | $26 | $50 | $50 |
| Indiana | $22 | $45 | $60 | $42 |
| Iowa | $50 | $22 | $75 | $49 |
| Kansas | $30 | $75 | $21 | $42 |
| Kentucky | $21 | $25 | $45 | $30 |
| Louisiana | $60 | $75 | $24 | $53 |
| Maine | $27 | $50 | $45 | $41 |
| Maryland | $28 | $55 | $68 | $51 |
| Massachusetts | $26 | $30 | $75 | $44 |
| Michigan | $62 | $24 | $50 | $45 |
| Minnesota | $24 | $75 | $60 | $53 |
| Mississippi | $17 | $30 | $18 | $22 |
| Missouri | $24 | $54 | $69 | $49 |
| Montana | $60 | $65 | $24 | $50 |
| Nebraska | $20 | $30 | $25 | $25 |
| Nevada | $25 | $40 | $35 | $33 |
| New Hampshire | $22 | $63 | $50 | $45 |
| New Jersey | $54 | $27 | $60 | $47 |
| New Mexico | $30 | $70 | $65 | $55 |
| New York | $44 | $55 | $33 | $44 |
| North Carolina | $23 | $58 | $60 | $47 |
| North Dakota | $21 | $30 | $35 | $29 |
| Ohio | $30 | $52 | $60 | $47 |
| Oklahoma | $21 | $45 | $55 | $41 |
| Oregon | $27 | $50 | $25 | $34 |
| Pennsylvania | $24 | $55 | $60 | $46 |
| Rhode Island | $26 | $65 | $30 | $40 |
| South Carolina | $50 | $35 | $45 | $43 |
| South Dakota | $60 | $19 | $55 | $45 |
| Tennessee | $24 | $60 | $75 | $53 |
| Texas | $24 | $62 | $40 | $42 |
| Utah | $22 | $45 | $60 | $42 |
| Vermont | $23 | $50 | $55 | $43 |
| Virginia | $25 | $68 | $65 | $53 |
| Washington | $41 | $75 | $30 | $49 |
| West Virginia | $21 | $40 | $50 | $37 |
| Wisconsin | $23 | $34 | $52 | $36 |
| Wyoming | $21 | $45 | $75 | $47 |
Costs are approximate.
The Gym Route
Many individuals find trainers through gyms for convenience, especially if they already have a membership. You can inquire about personal training prices and available trainers at the front desk, and the first session is often free.
While gyms often employ experienced trainers, training rates are often tied to the gym’s cost. Upscale gyms charge higher prices, while budget-friendly centers charge less, although trainers may have less experience. For example, the YMCA might charge $50 per hour, while Equinox could charge $100–150 per hour (plus a $200–382 monthly membership fee).
This option is logical for current gym members. If not, factor in the monthly membership cost.
Group personal training, where you split the cost with friends, can also be a more affordable option. The trainer can meet you at a gym (if permitted), park, or home.
Cost of Personal Training at U.S. Gyms
| Gym | Membership Fee | Personal Trainer Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime Fitness | $41 | $50–100 |
| Crunch Fitness | $15-30 | $100–150 |
| Equinox | $200-382 | $100 |
| Gold’s Gym | $50-60 | $60–100 |
| Goodlife | $36-40 | $85 |
| LA Fitness | $40-50 | $40–60 |
| Lifetime Fitness | $299 | $60–100 |
| Planet Fitness | $10-25 | n/a |
| 24 Hour Fitness | $30-50 | $80 |
| YMCA | $65 | $50 |
Costs are approximate and depend upon location, gym membership type, and do not include special sign-up offers or initiation fees. Sources: Gym websites, Gympricelist.com
Is a Personal Trainer Worth the Cost?
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Absolutely! Losing weight and getting in shape can be challenging, but a personal trainer can simplify the process. If you struggle with consistency or need guidance, a personal trainer is a worthwhile investment. They create custom plans, offer expertise, motivate, guide, and provide accountability.
Rather than trying another unsustainable diet or an exercise fad, seek the experience of a fitness expert. The best trainers listen to your past experiences, understand your goals, and guide you toward healthy, sustainable success.
According to Texas-based personal trainer and nutrition coach Breana Loudermilk, “One of the main things I’ve learned that people need is accountability… Clients want to know that I’m making sure that they’re putting in full effort and sometimes just that one little text of motivation is what they need to remind them… When it comes to the workouts, it’s very important to me that clients enjoy their workouts.”
Loudermilk emphasizes that tailoring the approach to each client’s needs and motivations is crucial.
“Some clients want different workouts every week; some prefer to go a couple weeks with the same ones so they can see their progress. Food logging is definitely a major factor and has been proven to be very effective. The client can go back and reflect on their day and see where they can do better,” Loudermilk explains.
Relationship-building is paramount.
“Finding the right trainer can take some time,” notes Loudermilk. “It’s so important that you vibe well with your trainer. I really try to create that relationship with my clients so they know that they are not just another person to me.”
Building trust is critical for a successful client-trainer relationship. The client must trust the trainer’s recommendations and commit to the work needed to achieve results.
How Should You Pick a Personal Trainer? The Lowdown on Certifications
Here’s a guide to personal training certifications:
- NASM: National Academy of Sports Medicine
- NSCA: National Strength and Conditioning Association
- ACE: American Council on Exercise
- ISSA: International Sports Sciences Association
- ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine
- NCSF: National Council on Strength and Fitness
- NESTA: National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association
- NFPT: National Federation of Personal Trainers
For strength and muscle gain, an NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification is beneficial.
According to Oklahoma-based personal trainer Ahsha Morin, CPT, CHES, “Personal trainers will have a certification in personal training as well as annual continuing education credits. Many personal trainers will have additional certifications and may specialize in special populations. With Kickoff, the price is the same no matter how many certifications the trainer has.”
Experienced trainers often have multiple certifications and specializations. NASM, for example, requires online course completion, exam passage, and online or in-person experience for its personal training certification, which lasts two years and requires recertification. NASM also offers nutrition and sports nutrition certifications and 13 specializations.
Craig Cole, ACSM-CPT, Rock Steady Boxing coach-certified, TRX coach-certified, and trainer with Kickoff, states, “As a trainer, my fitness programs generally help a client build strength and muscle mass, work towards weight loss, prepare for a physique or bodybuilding competition, or train for a sport.” He also works with individuals with Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis.
Cole emphasizes teaching clients to be responsible for their workouts rather than relying on someone else.
Extra certificates and degrees may increase hourly rates, but these qualifications can be valuable. Certification quality matters more than quantity.
“Clients should do their research on trainers’ education backgrounds before agreeing to train with them,” says Cole. “The client should also really consider why they want a trainer to begin with based on their goals.”
While in-person training averages $65 per hour, online training through Kickoff offers unlimited access to a vetted trainer for about $3 per day.
In-Person vs. Online Personal Training, According to Experts
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According to Morin, “In-person training is hands-on and requires physical attendance, usually on a specific schedule in the presence of an instructor. Online training allows clients to complete workouts online at their own pace with or without the trainer present… The benefits of training online include convenience and having more accountability, as trainers will check in with clients more often than the in-person trainer who meets with clients in-person once a week.”
Cole believes that remote training fosters self-accountability. The trainer sets the tone initially, but the client should gradually become self-motivated.
“With online training, a client doesn’t have to rely upon some inconvenient time to meet with a trainer at the gym, get in a rushed workout because the trainer is on the clock, or not get the trainer’s full attention because they’re focused on something else during that session,” explains Cole. “Online training allows a client to learn to own their training plans, own their commitment, be accountable for their choices, and most importantly, have a sense of pride and satisfaction that they took resources provided and helped change their own life.”
Remote training allows immediate dialogue for faster adjustments to programming and addressing questions. Clients are empowered and accountable.
Cole requires clients to report in post-workout to share their experiences and reflect on their progress.
“A benefit of using Kickoff as a fitness platform is that it allows trainers the ability to engage with clients,” says Cole. “Then, it gives clients invested opportunities to engage with the coach to have the best outcome to obtain a specific goal.”
Furthermore, online training is typically cheaper. “This is because the logistics of training have changed for the trainer, reducing costs for time of travel, insurance through a particular gym, or having to share profits with a gym,” explains Cole. “The cost of a personal trainer should generally revolve around what that trainer can give a client who’s looking to achieve a specific goal.”
You can find great online personal trainers from these top sources:
- Kickoff
- Thumbtack
- Bark
- National Federation of Personal Trainers
The Takeaway
Working with an online trainer through a platform like Kickoff, with unlimited access to an expert trainer for around $3 a day, can be the most cost-effective path to achieving your fitness goals.
Whether you prefer to work out, travel, or have dietary questions, your online personal trainer will support you every step of the way.
