How Much Do I Charge as a Personal Trainer? Pricing Strategies for Online and In-Person Workouts in the UK
As a personal trainer, determining your pricing structure for both online and in-person workouts is a crucial step in building a sustainable business. Your rates will influence your income, the types of clients you attract, and your overall profitability. Here’s a guide to help you navigate pricing your services in the UK.
Factors to Consider When Setting Your Rates:
Before diving into specific price ranges, it's essential to consider the factors that will influence your pricing:
- Your Qualifications and Experience: Trainers with higher-level qualifications (Level 4, specialist certifications) and more years of experience can typically command higher rates.
- Your Specialisation/Niche: If you specialise in a particular area (e.g., pre/postnatal, sports performance, injury rehabilitation), you can often charge more due to your expertise.
- Your Location: Personal training rates vary significantly across the UK. London and other major cities generally have higher rates than smaller towns and rural areas due to higher living costs and demand.
- Your Target Audience: Consider who you want to work with. Clients with higher disposable incomes may be willing to pay more for premium services.
- Your Business Costs: Factor in your expenses, such as insurance, professional development, marketing, travel (for in-person), and platform fees (for online).
- The Value You Provide: Focus on the results you deliver to your clients. Highlight your success stories and the personalised support you offer.
- Competition: Research what other personal trainers in your area (both online and in-person) are charging for similar services.
Pricing for In-Person Personal Training:
In-person personal training typically involves one-on-one sessions at a gym, client's home, or outdoor space. Here's a general overview of pricing in the UK:
- Average Hourly Rate: Expect to charge anywhere from £30 to £65 per hour outside of London. In London, rates are often higher, ranging from £45 to £80+ per hour.
- Regional Variations: Prices can be lower in smaller towns (starting from £25-£30 per hour) and higher in affluent areas or for trainers with highly specialised skills (reaching £80-£100+ per hour).
- Package Deals: Many trainers offer discounts for booking multiple sessions (e.g., blocks of 5, 10, or 20). This incentivises clients to commit long-term.
- Session Length: While 60-minute sessions are standard, you might offer shorter (30-45 minute) or longer (75-90 minute) sessions with adjusted pricing.
- Location of Training: Training at a client's home or outdoors might involve travel costs that you need to factor into your pricing. Training at a private studio or a high-end gym might allow for a higher session fee.
Pricing for Online Personal Training:
Online personal training offers flexibility and can be more accessible to a wider range of clients. Pricing models for online training can vary:
- Per Session (Live Video Calls): If you offer real-time workout sessions via platforms like Zoom, your rates might be slightly lower than in-person sessions due to the absence of travel costs and facility overheads. Expect to charge £20 to £50 per hour for live online sessions, although experienced trainers can charge more.
- Monthly Subscription Packages: This is a common model for online coaching, which can include:
- Customised Workout Plans: Tailored programmes delivered through apps or documents.
- Nutritional Guidance: Meal plans, recipe ideas, or macro tracking support.
- Check-ins and Support: Regular communication via email, messaging, or video calls.
- Accountability Tracking: Monitoring progress and providing motivation.
Monthly subscription prices can range from £50 to £200+ per month, depending on the level of support and the trainer's expertise. More comprehensive packages with frequent check-ins and personalised feedback will command higher prices.
- Program-Based Pricing: You can create and sell standalone training programmes (e.g., 4-week strength programme, 8-week weight loss plan) for a one-time fee, ranging from £20 to £100+ depending on the length and content.
Examples of Pricing Structures:
- New In-Person Trainer: £30-£35 per hour, discounts for block bookings (e.g., 10 sessions for £270).
- Experienced In-Person Trainer (London): £60-£75 per hour, premium rates for specialised services.
- Online Trainer (Subscription): £80 per month for weekly custom workouts, basic nutritional guidance, and weekly check-ins. £150 per month for more personalised plans, detailed nutrition, and more frequent support.
- Online Trainer (Live Sessions): £35-£45 per hour for one-on-one video workouts.
Key Considerations for Setting Your Prices:
- Track Your Time: Accurately account for the time you spend on client communication, programme design, and administrative tasks, not just the workout sessions themselves.
- Offer Value: Ensure your pricing reflects the quality of your services and the results your clients achieve.
- Be Confident in Your Rates: Once you've determined your pricing based on your value and the market, be confident in communicating it to potential clients.
- Review and Adjust: Periodically review your pricing to ensure it aligns with your experience, the market, and your business goals. As you gain more experience and achieve better results with clients, you can consider increasing your rates.