How much do you pay personal trainers conducting a partner training session?
I’ve read and understand the industry standard for pay for a trainer conducting a partner training session is 1 1/2 times that of a private training session (provided the gym charges clients 1 1/2 times per partner training session). So, if a gym pays the trainer $30 per hour for a private training session, then the standard would be to pay $45 for a partner training session. I’m curious to see how clubs and studios structure pay for trainers for a partner training session. I’m working with a personal training director that’s trying to justify higher pay for trainers working with two clients at a time. Thanks!
Hi Melissa,
I’m not sure there is a standard rate of % which our industry goes by when it comes to trainers’ fees. I have worked in places where they didn’t follow this ‘rule’. Some gyms paid the trainers extra for training couples and others did not. Although what you have mentioned would be a good way to go, it is up to your personal training director and the gym owner of course to decide what the pay for their trainers would be. Some gyms also base the rate which are willing to pay their trainers on their experience and certifications. I personally believe that the trainer who is more qualified should get paid more per session (either it’s for a single or doubles) than a trainer who is just starting or has very little experience. You could also ask for more money per session from potential clients/members who want to hire a more experienced trainer.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Harris
I do not work in a gym, but for in home clients I add $10 per person to my regular fee. They get a bargain and I get a bit more per session.
I believe it is justified to charge more for partner training. It is more work to train two people; especially if they have different goals or fitness levels. I keep in touch with my clients through e-mail and apps, and adding another person is also more work outside the sessions.
I agree with Harris that more experienced trainers (and those with more education) should be getting more money.
I am a studio/gym owner and I can confirm that Personal Trainers must be paid higher rates for having two clients training together because if they are experienced and know what they are doing they now have to create two programs in one hour. That is a much harder task to take on assuming they are qualified and know how to keep two people continuously moving at all times. Typically a gym will charge 1 1/2 times the rate and pay out a trainer 1 1/2 times their normal rate. The clients get a discount for sharing the hour and the trainer makes less than the cost of two clients because they can train them together in one slot. If you did not pay the trainer a higher amt. their would be no incentive for them to do the extra work. Hope this helps!
In my opinion, the validation for the higher rate should be evidenced through the totality of the program offered & the “experience” of the instructor/coach working with the specific population.
Industry Standard is a “guide,” use it wisely and you may be able to save self from some research but may not always be exactly applicable to your situation.
There should always be a consideration of the “VALUE” for both the service provider and customer/member. If you can validate higher rates, it would be un-wise in my opinion not to, unless there are other circumstances.
Same way, savvy consumers are more conscious consumers and if “they” do not see, feel or have the BENEFIT’s communicated to them in terms they can grasp can become fickle, jaded toward the instructor, business or program.
My rates are competitive with my immediate environment but, I do have specialized experience working with different populations and on different levels (amateur, college, semi-pro), I offer a structure that hold myself and the participant accountable throughout the program. The “VALUE” must justify the compensation.
If approached from a “sales” prospective in my opinion, that is what you will get, “BARGAIN HUNTERS” & not serious individuals who will pay for “VALUE.”
Hope I offered something of value to the question…
SALES DON’T RETAIN CLIENTS in a gym setting, VALUE will, and you can take that to the bank!
