How to Save Money on Personal Training: Trainer Shares Secrets

As a personal trainer, I know how anybody can get cheap personal training. There are a few things you should know about the business of personal training, and once you know these "insider" facts, you'll be on your way to finding cheap but also quality personal training sessions. These tips on saving money work best with personal training at health clubs, particularly chain health clubs. I used to be a personal trainer at a large chain club.

Buy personal training sessions the last day or two of the month to get the cheapest rates. Personal trainers at chain health clubs have monthly quotas to make, and earlier in the month, they aren't as uptight about making their quota. But as the end of the month draws nearer, the pressure increases to reach that quota, and personal trainers will offer cheaper rates to score a big sale.

At a large health club, fitness instructors don't necessarily charge the same rates. The health club requires them to have one main certification from a legitimate certifying organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine. But then, the health club may give out its own certifications, such as in stretching, BOSU board exercises, basic nutrition and group fitness instruction. These "intraclub" certifications are usually optional to trainers, but the more within-club certifications that they achieve, the higher they can charge customers for personal training; having multiple certifications justifies the higher rate.

When I worked at the health club, I started as a level 1 instructor, but eventually became a level 4 because I had three intraclub certifications. I was able to charge level 4 rates, which were much higher than level 1 rates. A level 4 instructor's extra certifications may be in areas of no interest to a person who simply wants to lose weight, tone up and get fit and buff. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, tighten your butt, and look flattering in a swimsuit, do you really want to pay more just because your instructor attended an all-day seminar in stretching techniques or yoga poses? Find out if the health club's trainers are distinguished by levels, then consider hiring the level 1 personal trainer for the cheapest price.

Personal trainers will use tricks of the trade to get clients to pay the steepest price. But you, the consumer, can also trick a trainer: Show tremendous interest in buying personal training, but then say, "Wellll...I don't knowwww...I don't feel comfortable with these payments...the money...I really want to do this, but...the money...I'll never miss a session, but this is just a tad too much money for me. I'm sorry...I don't think I have the money." Speak in a wishy-washy voice, finger to chin. I guarantee it, the personal trainer will give you a cheaper rate.

If the personal trainer is only a level 1 employee, he won't be able to offer a lower price. But he WILL be able to throw in extra sessions for free. This will drop your price per session.