Staying fit seems like an expensive endeavour these days. There’s the gym membership, the weekend spin and yoga classes, and the latest activewear in the same model (and in three colours)!

The thought of also paying for a personal trainer can seem like a ridiculous luxury. Can a personal trainer really provide anything different that you couldn’t just do on your own?

How much does a personal trainer cost?

To give you an idea of how much to pay for a personal trainer, here’s a back-of-the-envelope summary of average costs based on the prices of personal trainer in Singapore:

Average cost (per session): $150
Minimum cost (per session): $80
Maximum cost (per session): $250

The cost of a personal trainer varies depending on a number of factors, including:

1. Your trainer’s education and experience

Some personal trainers have qualifications and expertise in particular areas, such as weight loss, sports coaching, nutrition, pre and post-natal exercise etc, and some trainers may have experience training specific population groups (age, physical or medical conditions, sports activity). All of this translates into the variety of tools the personal trainer has in their toolbox, and how well they know how to use these tools to get you to where you need to be.

Think of it like a personal chef. The types of cuisine and their cumulative professional experience is going to add to the value, expertise, and precision they’re going to have in the way they prepare meals. More often than not, the more experienced they are, the more you’re going to have to pay.

2. Group size: One-to-one vs. Small group training sessions

Most personal trainers offer one-to-one or group training sessions. One-to-one sessions are tailored to your individual needs, which is why they are more expensive than group sessions. However, the one-to-one sessions are focused totally on you, which means you’re getting undivided attention on the way you move and progress, which will fast-track your progress in a way group sessions will not.

While you might not get as much one-on-one attention in a group, your personal trainer will still have time to tend to your needs, because small group training sessions are still- well- a small group. Working out with friends also lowers the cost per person, so that might be a better option if you like being left to your own devices for a while, and don’t have that much to spend on a personal trainer.

3. Price per session – hourly rates or package deals

Personal trainers usually offer discounts on packages of multiple sessions which reduces the hourly rate. As most people want to hire a personal trainer over a longer period of time instead of for a one-time session, it’s a no-brainer that paying for multiple sessions is the better option. Ask for this if it’s not offered immediately, and more often than not, you’ll get a small discount.

How to pick a personal trainer

Personal training is still a wholly interpersonal relationship, and you’re going to want to choose someone you vibe with, who is knowledgeable, and who can deliver all that knowledge to you in a way that impacts you most.

Personal trainers are human too, and will have interests or hobbies that you might have as well! The best kinds of teachers are those who become your friends, and a personal trainer is no different.

With a personal trainer, you can set realistic, achievable goals tailored to your fitness ability and training needs. This obviously comes at a cost, but having a healthier body and mind is well worth the investment. That being said, it’s really important to try the personal trainer out before signing anything long-term.

How does personal training actually work?

Start by picking your goals and then determine if the trainer you’re paired up with is the right fit for you. Like dating, you can meet somebody who’s amazing but not quite right for you.

The number of personal training sessions you have per week depends on your fitness goals, your budget and the personal trainer’s schedule. We recommend 1-2 sessions per week as a starting point, with each session lasting 60 minutes.

Summary: Benefits of working with a personal trainer

We all want to be the best versions of ourselves, but sometimes it’s hard to know how, or where to begin. Maybe you get intimidated when you walk into a gym. Maybe the repertoire of dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells confuse you. Maybe you end up using your open gym membership just to run on the treadmill or use the bike, or you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere in the spin and yoga sessions, and these aren’t great investments of your money and time. A personal trainer changes that.

Our bodies are unique, and optimal fitness is never a one-size-fits-all package. With the plethora of fitness trends, diet protocols and equipment resembling both sex toys and torture devices (or one and the same depending on who you ask), a personal trainer is someone who can cut through all of that to find paths and solutions you really need, to get the goals that make sense for you. Personal trainers keep you accountable to your fitness goals and motivate you to keep up the good work you’ve accumulated.

Hiring a personal trainer can be life-changing and the best decision you could ever make for your health, if you know what to look for.

Our personal training rates start at $130 (before GST). If you’re interested in a free trial, drop us an email at trial@level.com.sg to set up your complimentary free trial. Learn more about our personal training services.