Are you tired of working out aimlessly, and have finally decided to hire a personal trainer? Congratulations! You are making a life-changing decision that will have a lasting impact on your physical health and overall well-being.
Right now, you may be curious about the rates of a private personal trainer. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. This is because there are a variety of factors affecting how professional fitness coaches price their services.
In this article, we cover all you need to know about the rates of a private personal trainer in Toronto and the rest of Ontario.
A Guide to the Cost of Private Personal Training in Toronto
If you are serious about making progress in your fitness journey, private personal training is the way to go. With this approach, you will be coached one-on-one by a certified fitness professional.
The trainer will devise a personalized plan that matches your needs, goals, and fitness level, monitoring your progress every step of the way. Plus, they will recommend proper nutrition, educate you about your body, and give you other essential wellness tips. This allows you to maximize the personal training program and create habits that can last a lifetime. If you are consistent, it won’t be long before you see tangible results for your hard work.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Trainer per Hour?
If you are thinking of hiring a personal fitness coach, you probably have several questions in mind. One of them, without a doubt, is this: “How much does it cost to hire a private personal trainer?”
The short answer is, personal trainers in Toronto and other cities in Ontario typically charge anywhere between $30 and $100 per hour session. As mentioned earlier, giving an exact fee or hourly rate is difficult – if not impossible – since there are plenty of factors that come into play.
What Factors Affect the Rates of a Personal Trainer?
As you may have noted, the price range we have provided above is quite wide. If you are confused, don’t worry. We are here to clear things up so you can have a better idea of how much you will have to pay for the services of personal coaches.
Among the factors that determine the pricing of personal training include:
Your Location
The cost of a fitness trainer largely depends on your location. If you live in a place where personal trainers are few and far between, the chances are that they will charge much higher than usual. On the other hand, areas with a surplus of coaches but a scarcity of clients will most likely offer their services at a reduced price.
Aside from this, the rates may also be higher if your personal training sessions will be done at your home instead of the gym or their own studio. The longer the travel time, the more you will have to pay. It is only fair.
Related Article: Avoid COVID-19 by Having a Personal Trainer at Home
What Certifications Does The Personal Trainer Have?
Certified personal trainers typically fetch a higher hourly rate. However, you can rest assured that the added costs are more than worth it. After all, we are talking about your physical health and well-being here – you want to ensure that you are working with someone who knows what they are doing. With that said, professional fitness coaches should hold a relevant degree and/or a certification from accredited organizations.
In Ontario and the rest of Canada, some of the most highly-acclaimed certifications include:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Make sure to steer clear of individuals who brand themselves as personal trainers – but don’t have the necessary credentials to back up their claim. Often, they will be charging significantly less than their competitors. It may be tempting to grab their offer – but resist the urge.
How Many Years of Expertise Does The Trainer Have?
Aside from the certification, the experience of the personal trainer will play a key role as well. Generally, the more years of experience they have under their belt, the higher they will charge. You can also expect these trainers to have a long list of referrals to vouch for their skill and capability. Having positive client testimonials can guarantee that the personal trainer will deliver results and that your hard-earned money won’t go down the drain.
How Long Are Your Personal Training Sessions
Each training session usually lasts anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. However, some gyms or fitness centres offer 90-minute sessions, or some clients may simply require a longer session. In essence, the longer the session and the more workout routines covered, the higher the costs.
How Many Personal Training Sessions Will You Have
Several fitness centres in Canada may also offer some promos and packages, allowing you to get the most bang for your buck. Enrolling in a single session may seem cheaper upfront, but in the long run, the costs can build up. For this reason, it is recommended to book multiple sessions in one go instead. With this approach, you are also less likely to skip your personal training sessions. After all, you have already set an appointment and paid for it.
What Special Services Does The Trainer Offer?
The cost of a private personal trainer may also depend on the type of service you are seeking and the complexity of your needs. Typically, if your training program requires an extensive amount of behind-the-scenes research, consultation with experts, and other rigorous preparation, you can expect the trainer to charge you higher. For example, maybe you need detailed food planning to reach your dietary goals or rehab therapy to relieve your medical condition.
Here at First Class Personal Training, we offer the following services:
- Nutrition and wellness
- In-home personal training
- Group training
- Post-rehabilitation
- Youth training
- Senior training
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) training
How Can You Save Money A Personal Trainer?
What if you are on a limited budget, but you want to enlist the services of a fitness coach? Below, we list down some tips that can help reduce the costs of the personal training program.
Take Advantage of Free Consultations
Some professional trainers offer a free or discounted initial consultation, where you will be discussing your fitness goals, medical conditions, dietary habits, and so on. Feel free to try out several coaches before committing to someone. This way, you can choose a personal trainer who is the best fit for your needs, preferences, personality, and learning style, among others. No need to worry about paying in advance for someone you may not end up liking.
Book Your Training Sessions in Bulk
As mentioned earlier, most gyms offer package discounts or deals when you book multiple personal training sessions in one go. Some popular pricing options include 8 or 12 sessions per month.
Supplement Your Personal Training Program
Typically, clients who are new to working out will meet with their trainer two to three times a week in the gym or their preferred location. Of course, factors like needs, fitness goals, and budget will also play a vital role in the scheduling of the sessions. In any case, during your downtime, you might want to cross-train or perform another type of exercise or routine.
Train with a Group
If you train with a group of friends, you will be paying less per person. Training with a group of friends is also a great way to help keep each other motivated and accountable.
Consider a Virtual Personal Training Program
With this approach, you will also be able to work with a fitness trainer, but the sessions will be conducted via Skype or Zoom. Aside from being more affordable, online personal training also grants greater flexibility and helps you save precious time and effort. Plus, this setup is perfect if you don’t feel comfortable going to a gym.
Related Article: Is Online Personal Training the New Normal for Fitness Goals?
Hire the Best Personal Trainer in Toronto
The decision to get a private personal trainer is a life-changing one – there is no doubt about that. Some people might be dissuaded by the costs, but as you have witnessed above, the rates of personal trainers – even the most qualified ones – are fairly reasonable. Besides, the fees are just a small price to pay if you consider all the wonderful benefits you will get, especially in the long run. In other words, you can treat personal training as a health investment.
If you are on a tight budget, there are plenty of ways to save money and make the best use of the personal training program, such as paying for bulk sessions or taking advantage of discounts and deals. By choosing the right trainer and being consistent with your workout, you can finally take your fitness journey and health to greater heights.
Gera is the Founder and Head Trainer of First Class Personal Training with over 20 years of professional experience, not only as a personal trainer but also as a nutrition and wellness counselor and a post rehabilitation specialist.
