Do I Need to Hire a Personal Trainer? Benefits and Costs

There are plenty of reasons to consider hiring a personal trainer. These fitness professionals can help you create –– and stick to –– a safe and effective exercise plan. But do you need one? Keep reading to learn more. 

What does a personal trainer do? 

Personal trainers are certified fitness professionals. They are trained to be supportive and knowledgeable guides on your fitness journey. And they provide physical education that's tailored to you and your personal goals. 

"Personal training is both an art and a science," says Brian Greenlee, the San Diego-based director of business development at the American Council on Education. "And the most successful trainers have blended a set of knowledge and skills." 

What are the benefits of having a personal trainer? 

So is a personal trainer worth it? Here are the key benefits of hiring a personal trainer.

1. Help you set (and reach) fitness goals

Before your first session, your personal trainer "should conduct a baseline assessment to establish a starting point," says Austin Johnson, a San Antonio, Texas-based trainer and the national personal training manager for Gold's Gym. Johnson is certified by the National Council on Strength and Fitness.

Your new trainer will likely take your body measurements and assess your current fitness level. This might include noting the amount of weight you can bench press or the time it takes you to run 400 meters. These day-one details will help you and your trainer set fitness goals and monitor your progress. 

Keep in mind that "getting in shape" means different things to different people. Be clear with your trainer as you set fitness goals so you're on the same page about which of the following are priorities: 

• Muscle strength: How much force your muscles can create

• Muscle endurance: How long muscles can sustain the effort

• Flexibility: How well and how far your joints and muscles can move in pain-free motion

• Cardiorespiratory fitness: How easily your heart and lungs deliver oxygen to your muscles during activity

• Body composition: How much bone, muscle, and fat is part of your frame

2. Develop a customized fitness plan for you

Everyone's body is different. And research suggests those differences may affect how you respond to various exercises. For example, you and a friend might see different results after completing the same strength-training program. Your personal trainer will develop an exercise routine tailored to your fitness goals, current abilities, and schedule. 

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By focusing on activities that align with your abilities and objectives, a customized exercise plan can help you reach your fitness goals more efficiently. In one small study, researchers compared personalized and standardized exercise programs. Adults who completed the personalized program saw more improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness than those who did not. 

Whether you're training together in person, virtually, or simply following a program they've developed, make sure that you clarify:

• Time required for the program

• Intensity of the program

• Frequency of exercise

• Equipment needed

The fitness plan should not remain static over time. "A personal trainer should adjust your plan based on that progress," Johnson says. 

3. Improve your fitness education 

During your sessions, a personal trainer will teach you about physical fitness. This is particularly useful if you're new to exercise or training for an event. A trainer can: 

• Educate you about your muscles and how they work 

• Show you how to target muscle groups with specific exercises 

• Teach you proper exercise form

• Demonstrate how to use exercise equipment safely 

Learning about your muscles and how to exercise safely can help you avoid injury and common exercise mistakes. 

4. Boost your workout motivation 

Less than 25% of Americans get enough physical activity, according to CDC survey results. And a lack of enjoyment is a crucial barrier to exercise. Fortunately, a personal trainer can boost your motivation by designing varied workouts based on your interests. This helps make exercise fun. So be honest about any types of physical activity you don't enjoy. 

"Trainers can help you explore perceived obstacles, learn more about past and present circumstances, and help promote confidence in your ability to train effectively and safely by working together on solutions," Greenlee says. "This team approach allows individuals to take ownership of the goal setting and planning process and improve behavior-change." 

5. Keep you accountable

When you work out with someone, even a friend, you may be more likely to show up. A personal trainer kicks things up a notch by acting as a supportive accountability partner. They hold you accountable by regularly tracking your progress. And they cheer you on during challenging reps, help you level up when you're ready, and get you back on track if you stumble. 

According to the American Association for Talent Development, people who set a goal have a 10% chance of achieving it. But people who make an accountability appointment with another person increase their chances for success by 95%. 

What should I look for in a personal trainer? 

"You'll want to find a trainer whose experience matches your needs," Greenlee says. And it helps if their approach matches your personality. You probably won't be motivated to exercise if you don't like working with your trainer. 

Jarrod Saracco, the Philadelphia-based COO of World Gym International, suggests asking about three things before you book a personal trainer. 

Education 

"A college degree in exercise science or exercise physiology is nice," Saracco says. "But it doesn't guarantee a superior training experience." Certification doesn't guarantee a positive experience, either, but it's a critical requirement. 

Your personal trainer should be certified by a nationally recognized organization. Look for National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation. This includes organizations such as the: 

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) 

• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) 

Your trainer should also have current CPR-AED training. 

Specialties

Many trainers have a diverse skill set that allows them to work with a variety of clients. But you may need a trainer with specific expertise based on your health or goals. For example, you might work with a specialist if you are pregnant or in post-surgery rehab. 

Ask about specialty certifications that may benefit you. "You can also ask how often they take continuing education," Saracco adds. "That will tell you if they stay up to date on the latest research in their areas of expertise." 

Insurance

"Make sure your trainer has proof of business and liability insurance," Saracco says. "Most gyms provide coverage for personal trainers who are direct employees of their facility." Insurance is often overlooked but very important in the case of training injuries.

"Consult with a few qualified trainers before making a decision to work with one. Make sure they are a good fit for you. And then you can discuss the frequency of your training sessions," Saracco says. 

How much does a personal trainer cost? 

Personal trainer rates vary by location and format (in person or virtual). But generally, personal training rates are between $40 and $70 per hour. There are alternatives if one-on-one personal trainer appointments don't fit your budget at the moment. 

"If you belong to a gym or fitness facility that offers small group personal training, this can be a nice option," Saracco says. "It provides a semi-private experience among friends who have similar goals and abilities at a lower cost. Group fitness classes are also a great way to work hard, get in shape, and make some new workout buddies under the supervision of a qualified coach." 

Or you can do a few individual sessions with a personal trainer instead of a complete plan. This way, you can still get a basic fitness education. Then, ask your trainer to draft a program for the days when you're not working together. With time, you can scale back your sessions, follow the program, and schedule monthly check-ins with your trainer. 

"This is well worth it if you have developed the discipline to follow your routine," Saracco says.

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Written by:

Karla Walsh

Karla Walsh has written about health, food, fitness, psychology, beauty, and more for over 12 years. Her work has been featured on Allrecipes, Runner's World, Shape, Fitness, EatingWell, Better Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, The Healthy, Prevention, Women’s Health, and more.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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