How Much Does Personal Training Cost?

In California, the average personal training session typically ranges from $70–150 per hour—but certain factors can push that number higher or lower.

Factors Affecting Cost

Location

Just like with rent, your location within the state will affect the cost of a personal training session.

For example, if you’re training closer to an urban center such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Sacramento, the higher costs associated with living and operating a business in these areas affect how much a trainer must charge to help cover their overhead costs.

Large corporate box gyms that are more crowded with cheaper equipment may charge less than a trainer located in a private boutique gym offering higher-end amenities. These may include a less crowded facility, higher-end custom equipment, and gym access during late night hours.

Trainer Experience & Education

The more experienced and educated a trainer is, the more they are likely to charge for their time.

A higher level of education and experience often means a higher level of service, which could mean the difference between getting a workout that leaves you at risk of injury or burnout or getting high-quality science-driven coaching that puts you on the path to lasting results.

Service Offerings

Personal trainers typically coach people in one-to-one, two-to-one, small group sessions ( 3–5 people), or online/hybrid coaching.

A one-to-one session guarantees more attention and a higher level of customization.

Group sessions can be a great way to reduce the cost of the session. However, they are not always possible depending on the gym’s size or if you have a group of people with a wide range of goals, experience levels, or injury histories.

Online coaching typically costs less than in person as it eliminates overhead costs of a physical location. However, online coaching is not ideal for beginners as it requires more experience around exercise technique, equipment set up, and personal accountability.  

Things to Look for in a Trainer

·      What qualifications do they have?

·      Do they hold any reputable certifications or relevant degrees?

·      How long have they worked in the industry?

·      What kind of clients do they typically work with? Do they share similar goals to yours?

·      Is the trainer patient and empathetic?

·      What is their teaching style? Are they collaborative?

·      How do they treat their current clients?

·      What do their current clients say about working with them?

Finding the right trainer can make or break your results. If you’re looking to start a new fitness routine or have questions about your current fitness training, feel free to reach out here.