Personal trainers have several options when it comes to training clients; each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Many gyms and health clubs require trainers to meet a minimum certification standard, which may be discouraging to those with more advanced credentials who want to start training there.
Private gyms may offer rates for independent trainers to use their facilities, providing more peaceful workout environments without needing to share equipment with anyone.
Commercial Gyms
One option many people consider is becoming a personal trainer at a commercial gym, giving you the flexibility of training clients when it’s convenient for them while covering all necessary insurances costs. This is an attractive proposition!
However, gyms that accept outside personal trainers can often have more of an overwhelming atmosphere and will often charge you for equipment use – something which may prove challenging when trying to train a client who already belongs at that gym.
Establishing your own personal training business requires time and investment, such as renting professional gym space, purchasing personal trainer equipment and supplies, as well as getting a business license and marketing materials. While this option might work out well for some PTs, it may leave them feeling isolated with more administrative duties to deal with than they expected; additionally it could become very costly even if only working with few clients each month.
Private Gyms
Gyms that permit external personal trainers to train their clients typically offer contracts or per client fees that should be discussed prior to starting personal training sessions at their gyms. You should negotiate this in advance so you’re not surprised when starting off training!
Private gyms may refer their members directly to you, which can be an excellent way to attract new business. However, the long commute may dissuade some potential clients.
Training with a private personal trainer offers many advantages; in each session, they give their full attention solely to you. Ask them any questions about diet and workout habits; they’ll offer advice about incorporating those changes into daily life; plus they can ensure you use equipment correctly so as not to risk injury
Parks
Parks are an excellent place for exercising and personal trainers often make use of them to conduct client sessions. Parks provide plenty of space and can be very costeffective if a trainer sets up his or her own business as a sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC.
Once upon a time, parks and large recreational areas were unbothered when trainers used them for training sessions; however, more recently some parks have begun charging a monthly usage fee to use their grounds; usually around PS300 per month which should easily be covered through session fees.
Trainers looking for outdoor locations large enough to train clients outside the gym have plenty of options when looking for locations suitable for client sessions outside the gym, including large outdoor locations that feature lots of space. Just be aware that if using such an area for commercial purposes, always get permission first from its owner.
Your Home
As an employee or freelance personal trainer at a gym, most gyms do not allow personal trainers to train clients outside as this would fall outside their insurance policy and potentially put you at risk if an incident should arise requiring medical treatment outside.
At first, this can seem unfair – after all, people pay you to help them meet their fitness goals, not simply make them sweat. But there are several valid reasons for why gyms would establish such rules and policies.
First of all, personal trainers want to avoid losing clients to another trainer who offers outdoor training sessions. Secondarily, health and safety concerns about their facilities must be considered, while finally their equipment may not meet client needs in this environment – which is why some trainers ask clients to purchase a small kit of equipment such as jump ropes, resistance bands, mats or light dumbbells or ankle weights for outdoor workouts.
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