When you want to achieve your fitness goals faster, receive expert guidance on proper form, and protect yourself from injuries, hiring a personal trainer is one of the best decisions you can make. However, personal training might not be worth it if you can’t make the appointments consistently, prefer to work out alone, or don’t have the budget for it. If you’re on the fence about hiring a personal trainer, take a moment to review our guide on whether personal training is worth it and how to make personal training work for you!
Does Personal Training Work?
Yes! Personal training does work, with recent research finding that personal training helps people achieve their fitness goals faster in a safe environment. The American Council on Exercise has also cited research showing that 73% of personal training participants moved up at least one level of physical activity after seeing a personal trainer over 10 weeks. In the same article, ACE highlighted other positive personal training outcomes, including greater improvements in VO2 (oxygen consumption) and body-fat percentage from personal training. As a result, personal training success rates tend to be high for clients!
The Benefits of Personal Training
Personal training offers several advantages, helping people achieve their fitness goals more efficiently, prevent injuries, and stick to their workout schedule. Review the following benefits of personal training that make it worth the investment for many people:
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Personalized Workout Plans Tailored to Your Goals
A certified personal trainer will create a customized program that’s specifically designed for your goals, whether it's weight loss, muscle gain, or injury recovery. These plans are tailored to your fitness level and can be adjusted as you progress. Whether you're preparing for a marathon or a strength competition, a personal trainer will ensure your workouts are aligned with your unique objectives and current fitness level.
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Supervision During Workouts to Avoid Injury
Improper form while exercising is one of the most common causes of injuries, leading to prolonged recovery times and diminished progress. A personal trainer ensures you maintain proper form, which significantly reduces the risk of injury and helps you stay consistent with your routine. They can also walk you through recovery best practices to help your muscles repair themselves between workouts.
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Greater Workout Variety
It’s easy to fall into a workout rut when you do the same exercises over and over. If you do the same routine for months, you’re far more likely to get bored, which can reduce your motivation to go to the gym. An overdone routine can also cause your progress to stagnate, as you’ll stop challenging your muscles.
Personal trainers keep your workouts fresh and challenging by introducing new exercises, increasing intensity, and ensuring your routines stay varied to avoid plateaus. Varying your workouts can also ensure you’re not neglecting certain muscles or causing muscle imbalances. Over time, you’ll learn how to keep your workout varied, which will make your individual gym sessions more enjoyable and effective.
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Increased Motivation and Accountability
One of the key benefits of having a personal trainer is the accountability they provide. Having someone who expects you to show up and give your best effort ensures that you stay committed. A personal trainer pushes you beyond your comfort zone, helping you improve your endurance, strength, and overall performance.
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Expert Assistance at Every Stage of Your Workout Journey
From the initial assessment to fine-tuning your workouts, a personal trainer provides expert guidance throughout your entire fitness journey. They adjust your plan when you meet your initial goals, teach you new exercises, and encourage you after setbacks like injuries, ensuring continuous progress.
Personal trainers will also adjust your workouts based on your current fitness level. For example, a personal trainer for beginners might focus on teaching basic exercises and building a routine. In contrast, a personal trainer for more advanced clients might focus on optimizing their workouts with more difficult movements.
The Potential Downsides of Personal Training
While personal training has many benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Consider the following downsides before committing to sessions:
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Difficult for Those With Busy or Irregular Schedules
Scheduling personal training sessions can be a challenge for people with hectic or irregular schedules. Most sessions are around 30 to 45 minutes, which are usually manageable for most people. However, if you have limited availability or a long commute to the gym, fitting personal training into your routine might prove difficult.
On the plus side, having a structured session can also help you maximize the effectiveness of your workout in a shorter amount of time, which can make personal training worth it even for those with busy schedules. Even if you only have time to work out twice a week, doing those workouts with a personal trainer can optimize the workout and make sure you’re out of the gym in under an hour.
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Higher Costs Than a Standard Gym Membership
Personal training sessions typically cost more than regular gym memberships. A personal trainer’s cost per hour usually ranges from $30 to $125, depending on your location and the trainer’s expertise.
While these costs may be a barrier for some, many people find that investing in personal training can accelerate progress, reducing the number of gym visits needed to see results. Personal training sessions don’t have to be multiple times a week, either, meaning you can schedule one or two sessions a month to learn proper form and develop a plan with an expert while keeping your costs lower. Small group personal training costs are also lower, offering a more cost-effective way to receive individualized instruction from a personal trainer without the need for one-on-one sessions.
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Too Much Dependence on the Trainer
Some individuals become overly reliant on their personal trainer, feeling uncertain about working out independently. It's essential to find a trainer who empowers you to work out on your own, giving you the tools and confidence to perform exercises correctly without constant guidance.
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Some Personal Trainers Might Not Be Fully Qualified
Not all personal trainers have the necessary qualifications. If a trainer isn’t certified, they may fail to provide correct form advice or push you beyond your ability. Always check that your trainer holds certifications from reputable organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Due to the extensive education and training required to earn these certifications, a certified personal trainer’s benefits will far outweigh the lower costs a non-certified personal trainer might offer. You’ll also want to verify that the personal trainer has experience working with clients who have goals similar to yours. A personal trainer who has a track record of working with people like you will likely provide better advice and know how to best meet your needs.
When Is Personal Training Worth It?
Personal training is ideal when you want to refine your form, receive expert motivation, and achieve results faster. It is especially helpful for beginners, people recovering from injuries, or anyone looking to reach a specific fitness goal. If you’re struggling to stay motivated or unsure about your exercise technique, a personal trainer can provide the guidance you need to succeed.
When Isn’t Personal Training Worth It?
Personal training may not be the best choice if the cost is beyond your budget, or if you’re already highly experienced in fitness. Additionally, if you prefer to work out alone, don’t feel motivated by external accountability, or have difficulty sticking to scheduled appointments, personal training may not be the right fit.
Is Online Personal Training Worth It?
While in-person training tends to be a better option, online personal training can be a good option for people with busy schedules, those who don’t have the ability to go to a gym, and/or have fitness equipment at home. You’ll still receive a personalized workout plan, expert instruction, and encouragement when you work with a personal trainer online, making it worthwhile for many people.
That said, in-person personal training makes it easier for personal trainers to help you adjust your form, teach you exercises, and keep you focused. Unless you have a home gym, you might not see as much progress from online personal training due to a lack of equipment and a greater reliance on bodyweight exercises.
What Is the Average Cost of Personal Training?
The average price of a personal trainer in 2025 typically ranges from $30 to $125 per hour. Rates vary based on the cost of living in the area and the trainer’s experience. In areas with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay more than $125 per session. Trainers with specialized expertise or extensive experience may also charge a premium.
Schedule a Personal Training Session in Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re interested in scheduling a personal training session in Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, or Farmington, New Mexico, Defined Fitness has you covered. Once you sign up for a consultation and assessment, one of our personal trainers will work with you to create a personalized training plan, walk you through exercises, and give you encouragement every step of the way. Our gyms also feature state-of-the-art gym equipment, group training classes, and multiple amenities like an aquatic center, free childcare, steam rooms, hot tubs, and a HydroMassage lounge!
Learn more about our personal training services today. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please contact your local club.
