how much do I charge for fitness consultation?
I am a personal trainer and have been requested to offer a basic nutrition and exercise plan for a new client. The potential client would like to meet for about 30 minutes, twice a month to go over their “plan” and make adjustments and track their progress. How much do I charge for such consulting?
Hi Sasha,
I would be cautious of offering any nutrition advice unless you have the background to do this (I did not see this on your profile). If I understand your question (aside from asking how much to charge), you will consult with your client without actually guiding them through a hands-on program first? As a personal trainer, I would be conducting exercise sessions with the client while assessing their form, making sure they understand the exercises, and then progressing their program as needed. I never just write up a plan for a client if we haven’t gone over the exercises. It is very difficult to “consult” with a client only 2x a month for thirty minutes, especially if you haven’t assessed their movement patterns or guided them through an exercise program.
It takes time to create a program for a client and it should be done with them for the reasons mentioned already. It takes even more time to progress it and make sure the client stays on it while safely progressing. I personally would rethink the plan for this client because more time is needed.
Christine
Hi Sasha,
I agree with Christine that the 30 minutes is too short of a session to professionally assess your clients progress. My follow up sessions are typically about an hour long. During this time we go over the training plan, any particular movements that they might be having problems performing, and then make adjustments as necessary. Explain to the client that 30 min isn’t enough time to professionally make your assessment.
As far as pricing, I charge a full session price ($85 for me), since they are taking up a full session spot. If the client is insistent on the 30 min consult, I would charge between $50-$60 for the session.
Mike
Hi Sasha,
I also echo Christine’s sentiments on this – every one of them. I’s simply not enough time to learn about a new client & provide them with an effective program. Even 2 – 1 hour sessions/month is pushing it. I would suggest to them that you need to meet with them more frequently for at least the first month or two to drill them on proper exercise form & technique. I would tell them that I wouldn’t be comfortable just handing over a workout to them to do on their own, without being confident in their ability to perform the exercises correctly, and that it would be against my better judgment. Saying that will do nothing but add to your credibility as a trainer. If the client is dead-set against it, I would most likely take a pass. Good luck Sasha!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
I offer a one hour consultation free of charge
I used to charge but realized that I prefer to meet a potential client and be able to “get out of it” if I didn’t feel a connection
I would meet with your client with a plan designed around money and policy.
I would be clear that meeting twice a month is not advisable, get it in writing, and try to find a better arrangement for him or her.
I would charge your full rate for the sessions. Even tho it’s thirty minutes, factor in planning time and commuting if need be.
I charge my regular hourly rate for this type of training, although I don’t do it often.
I have done something like this in a special situation. A small-group client of mine was returning to her home country and wanted to learn enough exercises so that she could do strength work at home (no gyms nearby) with limited equipment.
Nutrition was out of my scope.
I met with her twice for a full hour, to teach her a variety of exercises. Then I met with her for a half hour for 12 times, to watch her exercise compliance on a portion of the exercises (could she repeat the exercises safely without my help, was she getting stronger). Depending on what / how she did, I’d either give her more instruction on existing exercises, progression on existing exercises, and / or a couple new exercises.
Based on her budget, her goals, and her motivation, this is what she could afford and the best plan we could come up with. Although the typical client will see better results if they train with me twice or three times a week for a full hour, I can sometimes compromise on my ideals for a client who understands the disadvantages of what they are asking.