How much does it cost to…?

What are your rates?

How much do you charge?

These are the questions I often get when somebody inquires about my services.  It’s the first sentence of an email or the first question when I pick up the phone and introduce myself.  It’s like people are programed to do this before they even consider anything else about the service or person who will train, instruct, or coach them to reach their goals.

I realize that people are conscious about money these days however it’s your body, your temple that you are working on improving or fixing.  Are you going to try and find the least expensive doctor when you’re sick or the one who will make you well again?

The client and trainer Relationship

You are going to be spending 2-4 days a week, up to an hour each session with your trainer.  There is a special bond that takes place between the client and trainer so make sure you pick the person whom you like.  In addition, there are many hats the trainer will wear; instructor, coach, mentor, friend, therapist, teacher, healer, and guide.   The fit pro that you hire to reach a goal is doing much more than taking you through mindless workouts and counting reps.  Anybody can do that.

Don’t hire a fitness trainer, coach, instructor, or mentor on price alone. Hire the one who will help you get results and/or reach your goals. If it cost’s more than you expected and you KNOW this fit pro is the one for you then make some adjustments, find a way to MAKE it work.  No excuses!

If you have a Mercedes that needs a new transmission are you going take it to Joe’s Garage to save a few hundred bucks or to the Mercedes Dealer where you know the work will be done right

After the initial scoping of their qualifications such as certifications, insurance, testimonials, and background which can usually be found on their website or brochure then you will begin the process of digging deep. Here, I have outlined the best way to find and hire the best fitness, health, and wellness professional for you:

1. Can the trainer help you reach your goals? Will they assist with getting you the results you want?  This is very important because your don’t want to be working with someone who will not produce some sort of result weather it’s fat/weight loss, strength increase, cardiovascular conditioning, sports specific instruction or coaching.
2. Talk to them and get to know them a little. Ask them some questions about their background and philosophy on health and fitness.  Find out of what you want resonates with what the fit pro is offering.  Just like a relationship, there are so may different trainers out there you have to find the right fit.
   
3. Find out if they have an initial consultation and workout session so you can test drive the service. If so, take advantage of that.  Don’t expect all trainers to offer this for a FREE.   Paying a small fee to find out if the trainer is the right one for you will be a good investment and surely you will learn something from the session.
   
4. Pay attention to the questions they ask you. They should be asking questions on your health, goals, lifestyle, career, nutrition program, stress level, exercise experience, etc.  They should be interested in finding out as much about YOU as possible. If they don’t ask many questions and just try to close a sale then that would not be a good sign. Don’t hire that person.
5. Evaluate the value of what they offer. Try not to put a price on the service just yet. Just take a look inside,  use your intuition, and consider if this is the right person to hire or not.  Just like you were dating and looking for someone to have a relationship with.
6. Now it’s time to take a look at the rates. If you have done everything correctly and know what this is the person who will help you get results and reach your goals then the money will not matter.  You will find a way to get the money and make it happen. Chances are the rates will be ideal for both you and the trainer anyway and things will work out.
   
7. Don’t try to negotiate the rates. That will only sacrifice quality and remember it’s your body, your temple so don’t try to cut corners.  If you have to spend less per month ask if you can do less days per week or for less time per session ( I offer 50 and 30 min sessions) and then work up to what the trainer recommends at a later date if necessary.  Personal Trainers are professionals and deserve to be treated with respect.

At my studio in Boca Raton, FL I offer an initial Consultation and Assessment Package that will set you on the right path to getting started with a personal trainer and explain how to reach your goals and get results. You can find more information on my personal training services at Supreme Ultimate Fitness

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