Can I start charging for personal training?

[RoJoHen]

At work, I'm known as "the guy who works out." Over the last couple months, people have been expressing an interest in exercising with me and have been asking me a lot of advice. There is a cheap 24-hour gym on the other side of the parking lot, which is where I go, and a lot of my coworkers have expressed an interest in joining. I'm definitely willing to help them out, even do some initial assessments and write up some workout plans for them. As much as I don't want to do it, since these people are my friends, I feel like I should charge them for my work. I am certified now, after all. Would it be bad to make money off of this when the gym has its own staffed trainers?

 

[DonIago]

If they're willing to pay you, who are you to say no?

Though I could see the gym getting irked if you start undercutting them.

 

[RoJoHen]

It's just weird. My boss actually asked me if I would show him some stuff, so I asked him (half-joking), "Would you like to hire me as your personal trainer?"

And he replied (seriously), "Yeah, what are your rates?"

I had no answer for him. I don't have any idea how to start doing this.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

RJH, why did I think you were a chick?

Anyway if people really want your help and it's going to take up a lot of your time yeah you should charge. Just decide on a rate per hour. Look up what personal trainers make per hour and base it on that.

 

[DonIago]

(grin) Ask the trainers at the gym how much they charge, then drop your rates by 10%.

 

[Gryffindorian]

RJH, why did I think you were a chick?

Anyway if people really want your help and it's going to take up a lot of your time yeah you should charge. Just decide on a rate per hour. Look up what personal trainers make per hour and base it on that.

You mean you didn't even see any of his pics? He's cute actually.

As for Rojo, it depends on how much training you're doing with them. Also, you're using the gym facility, not your own weight equipment. If you were doing at your house, in your own time, then it would be a different scenario. Unless you quit your job and do this full-time, you might just consider your services as a courtesy. It's up to you.

 

[tenmei]

I know some gyms can be narky about you essentially doing PT sessions at their gym, in the UK at least. I think it's something to do with the insurance.

 

[RAMA]

At work, I'm known as "the guy who works out." Over the last couple months, people have been expressing an interest in exercising with me and have been asking me a lot of advice. There is a cheap 24-hour gym on the other side of the parking lot, which is where I go, and a lot of my coworkers have expressed an interest in joining. I'm definitely willing to help them out, even do some initial assessments and write up some workout plans for them. As much as I don't want to do it, since these people are my friends, I feel like I should charge them for my work. I am certified now, after all. Would it be bad to make money off of this when the gym has its own staffed trainers?

What's your cert again? You should have covered this in your studies.

First, you MUST check with the gym, each one has a different policy. Most want their trainers in-house and want a part of your fee. They usually have their own insurance. Some will let you train anyone, usually they want these people to be MEMBERS so they see some money from your efforts. Gyms that have their own trainers usually frown strongly on outsiders.

You must have insurance if you are not covered by the gym. Usually this costs $150-$300/yr.

You must have a simple waiver for each client. It protects you from legal issues.

They should look something like these samples:

http://www.fitnessbusinessforms.com/

You must have a cpr cert.

You MUST charge people once you are certified. Aside from the occasional tip, you paid for your cert, you need to get paid for your work. Establish a low fee to start, then increase it as you gain clients.

Check PT rates in your area...I would start in the $25/session range and upwards.

Hope that helps.

Edit: Check your PM.

 

[RoJoHen]

Thanks, RAMA! I know there is protocol and stuff to follow; I just feel awkward charging my friends! I mean, you don't charge your workout partner if you happen to be more knowledgeable than him.

I'm off to check out that PM!

 

[RAMA]

Thanks, RAMA! I know there is protocol and stuff to follow; I just feel awkward charging my friends! I mean, you don't charge your workout partner if you happen to be more knowledgeable than him.

I'm off to check out that PM!

That only matters if they are your partner. If not, they need to pay.

RAMA

 

[RoJoHen]

Okay, I just bought insurance. $175/yr. Not terrible. I had to be CPR/AED certified before I could even take my exam, so that's not an issue. Now I need clients!

Ugh...starting real life is hard!

 

[DonIago]

Much better to hide here.

 

[RoJoHen]

Holy shit, I have a job interview at LA Fitness tomorrow. I just sent out my resume yesterday!

 

[DonIago]

Good luck!

 

[BigFoot]

Good luck man!

 

[RoJoHen]

I can't sleep. This is annoying. I'm gonna fall asleep at the wheel on my way to the interview!

 

[DonIago]

On the plus side, that will make this whole situation seem far less important.

 

[RoJoHen]

Update: I made it here safely. But the ride back home is gonna be a nightmare.

*killing time at Panera until my interview*

 

[Gryffindorian]

Mmm. Panera. I like their salads. Glad it went well, not as bad as you expected, huh.