Working with a personal trainer can be an incredibly rewarding experience. In this article we will explore the pros & cons of working with a personal trainer and various options. Not only do they help others reach their fitness objectives, but the relationship you develop with them over time is invaluable.
Though, personal training does come with its share of pros and cons. This article will examine some factors to take into account when deciding if becoming a personal trainer is the right career choice for you.
Table of Contents
1. Cost
If you’re looking to make a change in your fitness regimen, hiring a personal trainer is one of the best ways to do so. They will assist in setting objectives, creating an individualized workout plan tailored to fit into your lifestyle and preferences, as well as monitoring progress along the way.
However, working with a personal trainer can be costly. Sessions usually range between $50-$100, so it’s essential to factor this into your budget before hiring one.
Your personal trainer typically charges according to their experience and certifications, as well as how much time they spend with you. Generally, the more experienced they are, the higher their rate will be.
Additionally, you should take into account the trainer’s location and the type of instruction they offer. For instance, a personal trainer at a big box gym may charge more than someone at a smaller gym.
When planning your sessions with a trainer, the length of time necessary and your desired outcomes should be taken into consideration. If you’re trying to build muscle mass, more sessions with them than if simply looking to shed pounds are on the agenda.
If you’re just beginning, a trainer might offer a free trial session as an incentive. This is an ideal way to see their style of working and whether or not you would like to hire them.
If you’re not yet ready to hire a trainer, there are other options. For instance, joining a membership-based gym where you pay monthly fees and have access to equipment is another possibility. Alternatively, using an online fitness app and working with a trainer from anywhere can also work but the downside is they often lack as much personalized attention as having a live trainer available.
2. Intense Workouts
It’s no secret that the personal trainer lifestyle can be an intense one. Not only do you need to keep up with your clients and maintain a good reputation in an intensely competitive industry, but sometimes the intensity of workouts you design and deliver may be higher than desired. As a result, the intensity of these exercises may exceed what is necessary.
Finding the ideal way to measure and deliver a workout that meets your client’s needs and fitness level can be quite a challenge. You need to know how much weight they can lift without injury, as well as which exercises work best for their specific goals. To do this, ask them questions about their previous experiences with exercise and what results they expect from you. This way, you’ll be able to create workouts that are both challenging and motivating. Furthermore, by building stronger relationships with clients, the likelihood of continuing their workout routines long after your session has ended is significantly enhanced!
3. Lack of Support
Working with a personal trainer offers the unique advantage of customizing your fitness experience to meet individual needs. You can create an individualized program that will keep you motivated and on track toward reaching your fitness objectives. However, when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of having a personal trainer on board, there are many things to take into account. Most importantly, how well they deliver quality personal training. Before signing anything, consult with a personal trainer to determine your individual requirements and goals. From class length to equipment used, make sure the fit is perfect for both your needs and budget. To do this effectively, take time out of work to have an in-depth consultation with them beforehand.
4. No Job Security
Working as a personal trainer is an enjoyable profession, but it comes with certain financial responsibilities. Your clients must pay for your sessions, so if there’s any down time during the week, you could find yourself without income.
There are no guarantees that you will make money, so it’s essential to be ready for the possibility that your business could fail. The industry is constantly evolving, so staying abreast of its latest changes is essential if you want to remain successful in it.
Another element to consider is your knowledge of behavior change psychology. This will enable you to tailor your training sessions according to each client’s individual priorities and lifestyle factors, keeping them motivated toward reaching their fitness objectives.
Finally, you must keep your client engaged and motivated throughout the program. Doing the same exercises over and over again can become monotonous, leading to plateauing results. A good trainer will motivate their client to continue with the workout while adding new exercises if needed in order to keep them motivated and reach their objectives. For instance, if burpees are achievable but not enjoyable, a trainer might suggest an alternate exercise instead to keep them interested and ensure they get desired outcomes.
5. No Retirement Plan
As a self-employed personal trainer, you may not have access to a 401(k) or other retirement plan through your employer. Therefore, it is essential that you set up an account and begin saving as soon as possible. These accounts offer significant tax advantages and will enable you to accumulate savings for retirement in the long run.
Different retirement plans exist, such as savings accounts and annuities. Both aim to protect your money and give you peace of mind during retirement.
The most popular retirement plan is a savings account, which allows you to set aside an amount of money for future use. These accounts grow over time and provide regular income during retirement years.
Annuities are another option for retirement planning, allowing you to deposit money with an insurance company and receive regular monthly income for life. This type of plan is ideal for those who want to save for their golden years but don’t want to take out large sums all at once.
Finally, there is the SIMPLE IRA, which is an ideal retirement plan for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. This type of retirement plan is low cost, straightforward to set up and administer, and usually offers flexibility regarding contributions.
Although no one can predict the future, it’s always best to prepare for retirement. This includes setting goals and estimating how much money you’ll need in your golden years in order to meet them. Crafting a realistic plan now can help prevent costly errors in retirement that could otherwise derail your career.