Beginning a personal training service at our gym. Any input as to whether to hire trainers as gym employees or independent contr
I have been asked to research adding personal training services to our Rec Center’s offerings. We are not a private gym, but operated by the city. I would love to hear from directors and managers about how your PT services work (especially from the public sector). I am weighing the pros and cons of hiring PTs as City employees whom we would pay hourly and independent contractors who we would take a percentage of their PT fees. Any insights/advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I agree that your first step is to consult with your facility’s attorney and accountant to determine whether you’d be better served by hiring as staff or independent contractor. In either case, Sue’s recommendation that whatever your choice, be certain to verify certifications and experience prior to allowing a trainer to work with your members.
Good luck.
Sounds like the community may be on the verge of some new services.
I have never managed a city facility but, a few others. I’m sure your research will present the pro’s & con’s of both…
It will fall back on the operations/business model. Services offered vary dramatically and “level of service” varies even more.
I have used and am contracted service. As the owner you loose certain operational controls which may conflict with “the city’s” operational needs. Do you know there is an actual demand for services? This is a community rec ctr. so are there other activities going on consistently? How much space is designated for actual exercise (classes,pt(varied/traditional))?
Consider your geography is there a/several large competitors close by? How will your service offer valuable difference? Will service offer($) validate the service cost?
Anyway…my point b4 my rant was:
If considering contracting your facility will still bear some responsibility to the people of the community for the services you offer. You will still need a “representative” to manage the operations integrity & act as a link for the people, the contracted & your rec ctr..
Maybe look at other variables, some suggested b4 tak’n the big plunge…there are tangible possibilities and intangible hurdles w/both. Good intentions and ideas need to be supported w/equal research efforts and hard work to manifest success.
fiscal responsibility…
Not a stab @ you, promise
