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The average rating for Bark Personal Trainers is 4.93, based on 489,850 reviews
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How much does a personal trainer cost? Find out with Bark's UK personal training price guide.
The price of personal training is influenced by several factors including your trainer's level of experience and qualifications, your geographic location, and the specific training services you require. Hourly rates for personal training can fall anywhere between £30 and £80, or even above for really specialised training, with an overall average price of £50 per session. There are often options for discounts if you opt for package deals or make a long-term commitment. Sound like a lot? Bear in mind that higher investment in a more experienced and qualified personal trainer can yield superior outcomes and a more rewarding experience overall!
There's a lot more detail to look at, so if you want to find out how much it will cost you, we're here to help. From hourly rates to package deals and ways to stretch that fitness budget, this guide will give you the financial lowdown on personal training.
To get really personalised quotes based on your needs, find out how much personal trainers cost in your area with Bark.
According to Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a lifestyle medic who works with the NHS, we're designed to be constantly moving - that's how we've spent 99% of the last 200,000 years. But modern life makes it hard to stick to meaningful physical activity.
Of course, you could design a fitness routine and try to stick to it. But getting the results you want can be surprisingly tough unless you have a lot of knowledge and incredible self-motivation. This is where personal trainers come in:
Personal trainers don't just teach you how to train - they're cheerleaders, and that motivation is invaluable in sticking to your routine. They offer encouragement and assistance to keep you driven, applauding your progress and aiding in setting achievable objectives. With a personal trainer you have a committed ally focused on helping you unlock your full potential.
Personal training transcends just physical fitness. It includes teaching you about proper techniques, nutrition, and cultivating positive habits that bolster your fitness objectives.
And of course, the big one: in your sessions, you'll learn the correct methods to exercise, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing the benefits of your workouts. And you'll gain knowledge on nutritional principles, learning how to nourish your body appropriately for your fitness endeavors, alongside making wise food selections in any situation.
Remember, everyone should try to be active as much as possible, and age is no barrier. According to the NHS, even adults aged 65 or over benefit from being physically active every day. A personal trainer will cater to your needs and craft a programme suited to your fitness level, however old or new to exercise you are.
Here’s a rough idea of how much you’ll pay for a personal trainer. These are based on average prices across the whole of the UK in 2024:
| Average cost (per session) | £50 |
| Minimum cost (per session) | £30 |
| Maximum cost (per session) | £80 |
It's worth noting that this figure is a composite of rates across the country, and specific areas or cities may skew higher or lower. The prices above are based on a full service, which often includes a customized workout and detailed nutrition guidance, making it a comprehensive package for most fitness buffs.
When breaking down the hourly rates, several variables come into play, and experience is no exception. Entry-level trainers might charge around £25-£40 per hour, providing a solid foundation for beginners. Meanwhile, mid-range trainers are often on the line at £40-£60, promising a blend of experience and enthusiasm. At the top of the pyramid, elite coaches command £60-£100 or more, justified by their track record with high-profile clients or specialized sports credentials. These sessions may include cutting-edge training techniques and a deeper level of health oversight.
| New trainers | £25-40 |
| Experienced trainers | £40-£60 |
| Elite trainers | £60-£100+ |
Your health is your best asset, so it pays to hire a personal trainer with the right skills and experience. In the UK, the Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification is the minimum requirement for a professional to work one-to-one with clients. Beyond this, a personal trainer can be experienced in a wide variety of specialisms, from Boxing, Pilates to Crossfit.
Look for PTs who are registered with legitimate associations too. For example, many personal trainers in the UK are part of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Int he end, the experience level you choose depends on both your budget and your needs. For example, if you're only just getting started on your fitness journey yourself and simply need some structure and motivation, a new PT (or even a PT who's still working towards their qualifications) might be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're already fit and you want to level up your workouts, it could be worth paying for a more experienced trainer.
Buying in bulk is a savvy financial move with personal training. As with many services, economies of scale can make the difference between an affordable hobby and a budget buster.
A starter pack of 5 to 10 sessions might enjoy a 10-15% discount
Purchasing upwards of 20 sessions could slash your rate by a generous 20% or more.
This payoff could translate to significant savings but is contingent on your availability and commitment.
The baseline numbers don't tell the full story. Several elements influence the total investment you'll want to make in your PT. Your trainer's experience and specialization, gym membership or freelance rates, and your specific needs all change the price. Location is probably the biggest extraneous factor.
Unsurprisingly, personal training in big metropolitan areas tends to be more expensive. Personal trainers in London in particular may charge 25-50% more than their counterparts in regional towns, primarily due to the higher cost of living and intense market competition. Here's a snapshot of how location can impact personal trainer costs:
London
£40-£120 per hour
South East and Midlands
£30-£80 per hour
North East and Wales
£20-£60 per hour
Scotland and Northern Ireland
£20-£50 per hour
Bear in mind that prices for a personal trainer in London or another large city could jump even further if you are looking to hire a super-specialised or experienced instructor.
You might also want a PT who specialises in nutrition if weight loss or a better diet is part of your journey. If not, check out our price guide to nutritionists and dieticians to see if hiring one at the same time makes sense for you.
The scope of personal training is vast, and so is the range of prices. Here are some more common training types and their associated costs:
| Type of workout | Average cost (per session) |
| Strength training | £40-£90 |
| Boxing lessons | £50 |
| CrossFit | £50 |
| Circuit training | £30 |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | £50 |
| Body sculpting | £30 |
| Athletic training | £50-£100 |
| Nutrition and weight planning | £35-£80 |
Specialized certifications in areas like pre- and post-natal exercise, senior fitness, or injury rehabilitation may bump these figures upwards. Similarly, tandem training, or sessions involving more than one client, could offer a cost-effective alternative, with each participant typically paying 70-80% of the individual rate.
Personal training often goes hand-in-hand with nutrition and weight loss advice, or personalised meal plans to help you get the most from your fitness journey. Many PTs will include this as part of their service or as an add-on, but you may also be interested in working with a nutritionist or dietician near you.
Depending on where and how you do your sessions, you may have some other costs to consider. These include:
Gym membership, if you're seeing a personal trainer who works with a certain gym
At-home equipment if you want to stick to a weekly programme without going to the gym
Additional costs if your PT has to travel far to reach you (for example, your preferred personal trainer might charge an extra £15 if they have to travel more than half an hour to reach you).
If you're on a budget, you have options when it comes to cost-cutting. Implement these strategies and watch your savings stack up:
Every seasoned professional was a rookie once. By opting for a less experienced trainer, you not only save money but also offer a fresh recruit valuable learning experience. Many new trainers kick off their careers with discounted rates or introductory offers, which means you could snag a dedicated PT at a reduced cost.
Transform your fitness program into a social event by hiring a trainer willing to oversee sessions with a small group. Not only does this lend a social component to workouts, but it can result in a noticeable reduction in cost per person.
Whereas individual classes allow more time and flexibility for the trainer to focus on your individual goals, they’re more expensive than group sessions. Although you won’t get as much one-to-one time in group sessions, they’re usually small, so your personal trainer will have plenty of time to support you. Exercising with friends also lowers the cost per person, so it’s a win-win.
Peak times at the gym usually command peak prices. If your schedule allows, booking personal training sessions during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings. Gyms are often willing to offer discounts to fill their quieter time slots.
In a post-pandemic fitness landscape, hybrid training models have gained traction. A blend of in-person and virtual training can often be more cost-effective than a full roster of face-to-face sessions. Virtual check-ins and workouts may come at a lower rate, and the flexibility they offer can be priceless.
If you're looking to hire a personal trainer on a shoestring, why not hire an online personal trainer? Online personal training is often cheaper as the professional doesn't need to factor in travel costs.
Understanding the economic landscape of personal training empowers you to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and your wallet. It all comes down to striking a balance between what you need and what you can afford. Assess your requirements honestly and engage with potential trainers to find a fitting financial arrangement.
Remember, an investment in a personal trainer isn't just about money; it's about the invaluable investment in your health and long-term well-being. Finding the right balance may take some work, but the payoff in pounds and progress is more than worth the effort.
If you're willing to explore different PT options, you can sculpt a workout plan that resonates with both your physical and financial fitness goals. Search for brilliant local personal trainers on Bark, for free, and find the person who can take you where you want to go. Happy training!
The average rating for Bark Personal Trainers is 4.93, based on 489,850 reviews
5/5
based on 489,850 reviews
