How much does a personal trainer cost?
Personal trainers cost $50-$60 per hour, on average, nationwide. The average personal trainer cost is $55 per hour. Your location, the length and number of sessions, and the type of session (group training or personal training) all affect personal trainer costs.
Personal trainer cost:
National average cost | $55/hour |
Average cost range | $50-$60/hour |
Low-end cost | $40/hour |
High-end cost | $125/hour |
Keep reading to learn more about personal trainer prices and how to get free cost estimates from trainers near you.
What's in this cost guide?
A few factors affect personal trainer rates, including the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as add-ons and the location of training. We've broken down a few important factors that go into the hourly rate of a personal trainer and tips for maximizing what you're getting for the price you pay.
Length of session
Trainers commonly offer 30-, 60- or 90-minute sessions, and clients typically pay by the session. Training sessions can be a one-time event or recur daily, several times a week or weekly.
The length of the session depends on your overall fitness goal and what you want to achieve. For example, if you're interested in weight loss and flexibility, your sessions might be on the longer side, as your exercises will involve endurance training and a slower stretch or yoga session.
Ultimately, the more topics or fitness routines covered, the longer the session and the higher the cost.
Number of sessions and packages
Purchasing training sessions in packages of five, 10 and 20 provide opportunities for discounts, with most personal trainers preferring to have repeat clientele on regular days each week.
Multiple sessions per week can quickly ramp you up for success on your own if you're just starting. But if you have some experience and are looking to improve form or get to the next level, single sessions may make more sense.
Group training vs. personal training
A one-on-one personal training session costs more than a group training session. Individual training offers specific attention to the client’s individual needs and is more flexible for addressing specific injuries, personal nutrition and overall goals.
Group lessons can be organized by either the client or the trainer. But it's usually more comfortable for the client to rally a few friends for a training session to lower the cost per person.
Location of session
Costs may be higher if a trainer has to travel to a client’s home for private sessions or if the session takes place at a private studio. Many public gyms and fitness centers offer personal training and may be cheaper. The client already pays monthly dues for the equipment and space in the form of a gym membership and is solely paying for the trainer.
Trainer certification
When you're evaluating personal trainer options, take certification into account. There are tons of professionals out there who advertise themselves as personal trainers but don't have the credentials to back it up.
Make sure your trainer is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) or NSCA-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) are two to look out for. You shouldn't have to search long to come across their certification. Usually, they'll include it in the name of their business or in the description of their service on their Thumbtack profile.
Certified trainers may command a higher hourly rate, but it's worth the cost.
Personal trainers provide individualized fitness and wellness training in one-on-one or small group settings. They're fitness professionals hired to help clients achieve exercise and wellness goals. Often, they also offer nutrition advice and build a custom workout plan for you to practice on your own.
You'll form a long-term relationship with your personal trainer, so it's essential you match with their teaching style, areas of expertise and personality. Use these tips to find, choose and hire the right personal trainer for you.
How to find a personal trainer
First, use Thumbtack to pull up a list of local personal trainers. This way, you can quickly see which trainers have high ratings and good reviews.
How to choose a personal trainer
Now that you have your list of personal trainers, it's time to narrow it down and pick a trainer who's right for you. To do that, take these steps:
- Look for personal trainer deals and discounts. Most trainers offer a free or discounted initial consultation to go over goals, hopes and fears. Use this time to your advantage, and feel out their personality and instruction style.
- Inform the trainer about any injuries or special considerations. A great personal trainer will have experience handling these issues and can provide a plan for you to exercise safely.
- Ask them questions you have about what's to come, and listen to what they ask you. You can usually tell off the bat if the trainer is a good fit. If they're silent and nod their head with everything you say, you might want to find a more invested option.
- Read personal trainer reviews. Go online to compare the best personal trainers near you, and read the customer reviews to see if past customers were able to achieve their health and fitness goals.
For more tips on how to hire a personal trainer, visit Thumbtack's Smart Hiring guide.
Hiring a personal trainer doesn't have to cost a fortune. If your budget is a bit tight, use these tips to save money:
- Book multiple sessions at a time. You'll get a package discount, and be motivated to stick with it for the long haul.
- Consider training with a group or a few friends. You'll pay less per person.
- Supplement your personal training sessions. Exercise once a week with a personal trainer, and supplement your sessions with another form of exercise or routine on your own. Boot camps, CrossFit and public gyms are all great options.
Hiring an affordable, reputable personal trainer is easy. Visit Thumbtack to find and hire the best personal trainers near you.
Video transcript: What does a personal trainer do?
"The value people should get from a personal trainer is to motivate them past the point where they would stop on their own. Now, a lot of people can get a video, they’re working by themselves in isolation — there’s no one there to really motivate them. That’s where I come in. If you can do 10 reps, you’re going to do 12 with me. And you come back for more.
A personal trainer is supposed to know technique and form, and how to do exercises safely and effectively. I’m very cognizant of what people’s abilities are. My job is to get them closer and closer to their goal until one day they reach their goal and set a new one.
That’s what separates the good from the great. The great, your clients say, 'You killed me today.' But they say it with a smile, and they come back.
My name is Eddie Wright, I’m a personal trainer, and you can find me on Thumbtack."